Addressing water damage in commercial properties quickly and effectively is critical following any kind of water intrusion. Untreated water damage can cause significant financial and operational costs, not only immediately during the intrusion, but far beyond if not properly treated. Despite Bakersfield’s arid climate, commercial buildings are still at risk due to plumbing failures, leaky roofs, or the occasional flash flood.
Structural Damage That Puts Your Business at Risk
Prolonged water exposure to commercial businesses can weaken the foundation and walls of your building. When water gets in and saturates drywall, wood, and other porous materials, it can compromise the strength and longevity, as well as led to mold growth. This weakened state can quickly cause structural deterioration, creating unsafe conditions and potential legal liabilities for your business.
The Silent Spread of Mold and Mildew
After water intrusion from a leak or flood, the moisture left behind creates a perfect environment for mold growth. Mold is not only unsightly for employees and customers, it also carries health risks for the building’s occupants. Often, respiratory issues and allergies can present as symptoms of mold growth inside a commercial property.
Prompt treatment following any water intrusion can save your business money in restoration costs, as well as unplanned downtime in the future. The longer water or moisture is present in your building’s materials, the more costly and difficult it is to completely remove.
The Hidden Threat to Electrical Systems
While water damage is typically only associated with moisture and mold problems, problems can quickly compound when water reaches electrical systems and wiring. Electrical shorts from flooding can fry entire systems, or worse, create a fire inside of a building. This secondary set of issues can quickly lead to longer downtimes, and increased property damage. Working with a professional restoration service such as ServiceMaster at Bakersfield, ensures quick intervention to contain the primary source of damage—before it creates further problems.
Business Asset and Inventory Destruction
Your business’ critical equipment and even important documents can be at serious risk of destruction during a flood, or other water intrusion event. While some items may be restored following water damage, the cost to replace items damaged beyond repair could be significant and could stop operations of your business.
Having an emergency response plan in place can not only save your business from financial stress but also give you peace of mind. Storing important equipment up off floors, regular roof and downspout inspections, and safe document storage are all ways to minimize damage during a water intrusion event.
Increased Operational Costs and Loss of Revenue
Ongoing water damage can lead to increased overhead costs and potential loss of revenue to your business. Excess humidity from flood or leak can force HVAC systems to run day and night, driving up your utility bills. Unexpected closures for repairs can also heavily impact a business’ bottom line and impact customer trust. Neglecting to treat water damage can also increase future insurance premiums and even lead to claim denial in some cases.
Legal and Compliance Issues for Property Owners
As a business owner, you have certain responsibilities for maintaining a safe and healthy property for employees, tenants, and customers. Untreated water damage can violate local building codes and workplace health regulations. Prompt action on any kind of water intrusion can prevent potential lawsuits and other costly violations.
How Water Damage Can Happen Even in Bakersfield’s Arid Climate
Even though the Bakersfield area isn’t a region known for heavy rainfall and frequent flooding, businesses can still be at risk for water damage. Typically, water intrusion happens from inside. Older infrastructure, weak pipes, and poorly serviced drainage systems can all be culprits of leaks and flooding to a property’s interior. While less common, even a sudden rainstorm and stress the areas drainage and create large-scale water damage.
Trust the Experts to Protect Your Business
Working with a trusted expert in the commercial restoration space like ServiceMaster at Bakersfield is critical following any type of water damage. We’ll asses, treat, and restore quickly and thoroughly. Our typical water damage treatment services include:
Inspection: If your property has suffered water damage, the first step in handling the situation is to receive an inspection and assessment.
Removal: After the property has been fully inspected and the damage has been assessed, our team will begin to work on removal and extraction.
Drying: Our team will manipulate the humidity and temperature at your property to remove any remaining moisture, which is done with industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movement devices.
Sanitizing and Cleaning: Your property will be carefully cleaned and treated to ensure that conditions are safe and habitable. We’ll also dispose of any water damage materials that were used during the process.
Restoration: This step will vary depending on the state of your property and might include rebuilding or reconstruction services to get your property back into shape.
Don't Let Water Damage Drain Your Business
The long-term consequences of untreated water damage can be costly to your business without prompt and effective intervention. Having an emergency plan, proactively identifying and repairing water damage before it escalates can save you from unplanned costs and closures.
Working with the professionals at ServiceMaster at Bakersfield at the first sign of water damage ensures your property makes a swift recovery and minimizes chances for lasting damage. If your business has sustained water damage from floods, leaks, or faulty appliances, we can provide a quick consultation and begin restoration services immediately.
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