When you think about damage, the first thing that comes to mind might be “fire”—but there’s an often-overlooked cause of damage in businesses that demands attention: water damage. Whether your commercial property went through a street flood or a broken pipe caused your water to leak, it can cause severe damage and should be fixed as soon as possible. Water damage restoration services can help you completely clear your property from all the moisture that can spell a host of serious issues that we’ll briefly discuss.
Here are some facts on water damage that can further highlight the importance of getting rid of it.
Water Contamination Categories
When it comes to the water damage restoration industry, water contamination is divided into three categories:
Category 1
This kind of water does not typically pose any health risk. It usually comes from a clean source. Some examples of this would be appliances not working right, a sink overflowing, or a broken water pipe.
Category 2
This kind of water can have a degree of harmfulness. Some examples of this would be water that was once a Category 1 and was left out for more than 24 hours such as washer water or toilet bowl water.
Category 3
This kind of water has a significant degree of harmfulness and any exposure to it should be avoided. It’s highly unsanitary and can carry disease-spreading agents. Similarly to some of the Category 2 water, if Category 2 water is left out for over 24 hours, then it can become a Category 3. Some examples of this water include groundwater, sewage water, and floodwater.
Rapid Mold Growth
It’s easy to spot mold a day or two after a flood has occurred. Floods bring moisture, which can spread throughout your property quickly. It is critical to take care of it as soon as possible as it can cause significant damage as the days go by, which leads to a higher cost as well.
It Can Affect Your Inventory
You might not think about it right away, but any kind of water damage—even clean water—can cause damage to your inventory. These items could absorb the water and therefore be contaminated. This can have a significant amount of cost depending on how much inventory is affected.
Roofs Should Be Inspected
It’s often seen that water damage comes from your roof, so it is critical to make sure that it is routinely inspected. If you suspect a small leak coming from your roof, it is important to stop it soon, as it can potentially cause great damage over time
Not All Insurances Cover All Water Damage
It’s important to check your insurance policy, as there are some that may just cover certain kinds of water damages. If you’re not sure if they do or not, contact them to know before you start any repairs.
Water Damage Restoration? We can help.
At HAGGERTY, we have years of experience handling all kinds of water damage on commercial properties. Our water damage services in San Joaquin & Stanislaus County can take care of any damage that you are experiencing. With our 24/7 emergency services option, you can call us at any time. Contact us or give us a call at 209-475-9898.