Commercial Water Damage Restoration: 2 Facts You Should Know

All commercial building owners, especially those with buildings located in areas of the country prone to natural disasters, should learn about the commercial water damage restoration process now. After a commercial building floods due to excessive rain, a broken plumbing pipe, or a natural disaster, clean-up must be started promptly to limit permanent building damage that can be extremely costly to repair. 

Read on to learn two facts everyone should know about commercial water damage restoration so you are prepared to act quickly after your building floods. 

Prompt Water Extraction and Dehumidification Are Important 

The first step to water damage restoration is the extraction of standing water and then full dehumidification of the premises after power has been completely shut off to the facility to prevent electrocution. 

Prompt water extraction and dehumidification not only help prevent the growth of hazardous mold and mildew in your property but can also help limit the water damage inflicted on building components. 

A commercial water damage restoration expert will begin the water extraction process by removing water from the building with special pumps. Then, a vacuum is used to extract water from all carpets while special drying machines are used to dry out walls, wall cavities, and even ceilings. Next, high-powered dehumidifiers are used to remove all moisture from the premises. 

Water damage restoration experts often utilize special equipment, such as moisture sensors, to locate hidden moisture inside of a building so they do not accidentally leave any parts of the property damp or water-logged. 

Three Types of Water Damage Warrant Different Cleanup Protocols 

There are three main types of water damage: white water (category 1), gray water (category 2), and black water (category 3) damage. Due to the unique hazards of each type of flooding, each has a unique cleanup protocol. 

White water, or clean water, damage typically stems from a burst clean water pipe, a hot water tank explosion, or a sprinkler system deployment. As long as this water is removed and dried out promptly before mold or mildew begins to grow, few dangerous pathogens should be present in the building after it is dried up. 

Gray water damage is slightly more hazardous to health and may stem from a broken washing machine, dishwasher, or toilet. This water may contain chemical or biological contaminants. After gray water is dried up, the areas where the flooding occurred typically need mild disinfection to remove pathogens and contaminants that remain inside of the structure. 

Black water damage occurs after a flood, natural disaster, and/or sewer system backup. This water typically contains many types of dangerous bacteria and/or has the potential to contain substances that can be extremely harmful to human health. After this type of flooding, extensive property disinfection is crucial for the safety of people who work inside of the property. 

If you own a commercial building, then remember these two commercial water damage restoration facts, so you understand what to do in the event your building floods in the future.