5 Tips on Handling Commercial Water Damage

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: Commercial water damage can lead to a myriad of problems for business owners. The experts at SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin offer helpful tips on what to do when dealing with commercial water damage.

Tips for Handling Commercial Water Damage

If your business’s plumbing springs a leak or experiences flooding from extreme weather, dealing with the water damage can be a stressful ordeal. From ruined merchandise, to structural damage and filing claims with your insurance company, handling commercial water damage requires prompt action. Hiring the right water restoration company helps to reduce your losses and get your business back up and running. 

The experts at SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin have some suggestions and tips for managing your commercial property’s water damage.

Assess the Damage

Before you can deal with commercial water damage, you need to know the scope of the problem. Unfortunately, it isn’t enough to just look for water damage because water can quickly soak into building materials like drywall and flooring. 

The presence of moisture may not be noticeable in these materials immediately, but it can do untold damage if left to sit. 

Emergency water restoration companies use tools like moisture meters to measure water during their assessments. With their equipment and experience, they can provide you with a thorough evaluation of your commercial water damage.

Hire a Professional Restoration Company

Like most business owners, you likely don’t have the experience or tools to handle extensive commercial water damage. That's why you need water restoration experts’ assistance. These experts can handle everything from the initial assessment to restoration. The most vital service they offer is the dry-out.

Mold can begin growing as soon as 24 hours after a flood because it thrives in moist conditions. Water restoration companies use various tools to effectively dry out flooded commercial spaces, including wet vacuums and dehumidifiers. They also keep track of the room's moisture levels with tools like a thermo-hygrometer. 

If the affected area retains any moisture, you may need to hire a mold remediation company. Some water restoration companies offer mold removal, but most strive to prevent growth from occurring. SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin has professional technicians certified in both water damage restoration and mold removal and remediation.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Don’t wait too long to contact your insurance provider. They may deny the claim if too much time passes. A commercial water damage restoration company can guide you through the steps for filing an insurance claim and offer vital tips to prevent the damage from spreading. 

Depending on the insurer, your policy, and your business’s location, you may have a separate policy to cover floods. Either way, the insurance agent can walk you through the claims process.

Document the Damage and Restoration Process

Your insurance company will need documentation relevant to the commercial water damage to file a claim. In addition to photographs of the damage, you should document:

• What items you had to throw out 
• Readings from the moisture meter that include the date and time
• The estimates for restoring the property and treating the flood

Water restoration companies frequently work with insurance companies, so they can help you collect the necessary documentation. 

Why SERVPRO?

As one of the top water restoration companies serving Austin, Texas, SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin offers timely commercial water damage restoration services. They will respond to disasters of all sizes, 24-hours a day. Whether you own a small boutique or a big box store, their team can mitigate the damage and handle the restoration process from beginning to end. 

Follow SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin on Facebook for up-to-date company news or call (512) 318-2202 to learn more about their services.

Contact Information:

SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin

P: (512) 318-2202

6500 River Place Boulevard

Building 7 – Suite 250

Austin, TX 78730