How To Protect Your Commercial Building From Rain Damage

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

Drying equipment on a commercial building.

Rain damage can cause serious problems for your Milton, TN, business. Fortunately, proper maintenance can help keep the building protected and in good condition.

Prevention

To protect your commercial building from inclement weather, it is important to maintain the building envelope. The envelope is the barrier between the outdoors and indoors. An envelope is considered loose if it allows significant airflow from outside in and tight if it does not. The envelope is made up of several components:

• Roof
  
• Walls
  
• Foundation
  
• Windows
  
• Doors
  
  

Routine maintenance and regular inspections work together to keep your building's envelope strong and tight. Check for and repair cracks in the foundation and walls. Make sure the roof is leak-free and that the shingles or other roofing materials are secure. Doors and windows should be properly aligned and sealed.
Some business owners are comfortable performing inspections of the envelope themselves. Others prefer to hire a professional. Either way, it is important that the building be examined regularly to catch minor issues before they become serious problems.

Cleanup
Unfortunately, even buildings with properly maintained envelopes can suffer rain damage. If water inundates your business, it is important to act quickly to prevent structural damage and mold growth. Although black mold is the most notorious, all fungi can cause problems.
Dry the property out as quickly as possible. A certified restoration service can help with this step, but you may be able to start the process yourself if you have access to a wet/dry vacuum.
After the standing water has been removed, there will still be moisture in porous items. Fans and dehumidifiers can be used to finish drying the area. When everything is dry, professionals can help you determine what can be cleaned and salvaged and what needs to be replaced.
The building envelope is your commercial structure’s primary defense against storm and rain damage. Keeping it in good shape is the best way to protect your business from inclement weather.