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Common Causes of Damage to Commercial Properties
6/16/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Sioux Falls is your local commercial disaster team. Contact us to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services.
Our country thrives on small businesses, and it always has. We all likely visit several every day between work, play and supplying our homes with the things we need.
When you own a business, you carry a heavy load with the ins and outs of daily operations. If a disaster strikes, it can have devastating consequences not only on your building but on your business as a whole.
The cost of damages from natural disasters has been on a steady incline in the United States recently. Actually, in the last five years, there has been as estimated $153 billion worth of damages done annually. This represents a large increase from previous periods and is quite alarming.
Here in Sioux Falls, we know to anticipate cold, snowy winters and warm summers with lots of clouds year-round. Along with our high amounts of snowfall, we can also experience severe thunderstorms, floods and even the occasional tornado in the warmer months.
In May of this year, we saw a round of storms that created a good deal of damage across the Midwest, including in our own neighborhoods. These widespread storms brought straight-line winds, heavy rain and a tornado touching down in the Castlewood area that left the high school with roof and wall damage.
This round of scary storms was a strong reminder of why we should always be prepared. The more we can learn about the ways our businesses can be damaged, the more we can do to protect them.
Water is one of the top ways commercial buildings are damaged all across the country. Moisture problems can stem from weather events or something completely unexpected like an appliance failure. No matter where it comes from, water causes complete chaos on commercial properties.
Flooding that starts outside due to a weather event like a flash flood can seep through doors and even the floor and cause damage to the foundation. If the space outside your building allows, consider using landscaping intentionally to divert water away from your building. Adding a garden, flower beds or even just extra dirt can be an important step towards prevention.
Water problems can also occur when a leak has been left unattended for a long amount of time inside your building. Check your plumbing on a regular basis to ensure there are no drips, and check walls and ceilings for warping or discoloration.
Make this part of your regular routine so that you can stay ahead of damage and avoid expensive repairs.
Damage to commercial property from storms is very common and can cause complete devastation to your entire building, tear down a whole row of buildings or simply affect a bit of your roof. Even a minor storm can still disrupt your business with power outages or damage from thrown debris.
While most storms carry winds between 10 and 45 mph, a strong storm can produce winds of over 100 mph that topple freight trucks and tear down trees as if they were only twigs.
You can take action to limit the damage done to your property with a few upgrades to your building, like storm-protective window covers or updates to your roof. These measures are highly effective, but they can also be very costly.
There are some simple, low-cost acts that are also effective that you can implement to protect your building. Check the seals on your windows and doors, and inspect your building for weakened areas regularly. Stay on top of regular building maintenance to help avoid the need for repairs.
Before a storm moves in, walk your property and clear any loose debris or dead plants. These steps can not only prevent damage to your building, but they can also ensure your work family stays safe.
Your commercial property can be damaged in so many different ways, but water and storm damage are certainly the top two. These events can lead to a devastating long-term closure, or in the worst-case scenario, a complete loss of business.
Fortunately, your SERVPRO franchise is available 24/7 to respond to any disaster you may face. Our experts are your neighbors, and we want to get you back in business as fast as possible. We will work with you to design a plan and a timeline to complete the right restoration for your needs to get you up and running.
If you have experienced damage to your business or want to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to help, 24/7.