Flood Damage Prevention Tips For Your Business

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Damage from flooding can cause serious issues to your business, and you may experience everything from a weakening of the foundation of your building that causes structural damage or a mold infestation from all the damp areas left behind. Excess water easily creates mold and mildew in the right environment, which can become dangerous very quickly. 

Here are some flood damage prevention tips for you to help ensure that you and your business are prepared in case flooding occurs.

Keep your gutters clean. Clogged gutters will also cause water to back up and drain down inside the walls of your building, causing issues in the interior. By keeping the gutters clean, it ensures that they will not overflow and cause the water to go where it should not be. You may need to call the professionals if your gutters are out of reach of an average ladder, or if you just don’t have time. 

Direct your downspouts. Direct all downspouts to send water 5 to 10 feet away from the structure; you can install tiles below the flow that will direct the water and will prevent erosion.

Proper drainage. Make sure there is good drainage surrounding your business. It is definitely undesirable for rainwater to be standing in an area near the base of your establishment for any long periods of time. The yard or land surrounding your building should be properly sloped to ensure that flooding does not occur and affect your foundations.

Fix all water leaks. Check for any leaks both in and outside of your business, whether it is plumbing pipes, drainage, or appliances, and if you see those telltale signs of water damage, be sure to get any issues fixed right away. It is important to identify any leaks before they develop into a serious issue.

Roof Inspections. It is recommended that you inspect your roof at least once a year for leaks or missing shingles. Damaged shingles and deteriorating caulking will need to be handled as soon as possible, to avoid issues when heavy rains arrive. 

If you experience serious flooding on your business premises, be sure to evacuate everyone from the building as quickly and safely as possible to higher ground and call the necessary authorities, and remember that the SERVPRO of Huron/East Seneca Counties team is here for you when it comes to handling water damage, fire damage, and mold remediation.