How SERVPRO Handles Water Damages and Commercial Restoration

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: The experts at SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake provide business owners with a guide to water damages and the commercial restoration process.

Any type of damage to a commercial building can be catastrophic for profits, but from wiring problems to mold, water damage poses unique risks. Business owners need to know what to expect from the restoration process.

The experts at SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake are here to help with that. With over two decades in the business, they are a local leader in commercial water damage restoration. 

A Guide to Water Damages and Commercial Restoration 

Whether from a flood, storm, or burst pipe, the first step after discovering water damage is to take steps to prevent further damage. In the case of plumbing damage, that entails shutting off the water. For storm damage or flooding, cover any broken windows, try to seal doors, and place something to catch water under roof or ceiling leaks.

For safety purposes, it may also be a good idea to cut power to the building or area of water exposure if it’s limited to one room. Once the space is safe, call a water damage restoration company. 

What to Do While Waiting

While waiting for help to arrive, begin documenting the damage. Photos and videos of the damage and/or flooding will be helpful during the insurance claims process, assuming the damage is covered. Commercial property insurance will cover most water damage, including that from:

• Storms
• Flooding
• Fire suppression system failure
• Sudden plumbing malfunctions

Property insurance may not cover slow leaks, sewage backups, and frozen pipes if it's determined the damage was preventable. The restoration specialist will be able to offer information regarding the likelihood of claim approval following an inspection of the damage. 

The Commercial Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Inspection and damage assessment: Upon arrival, the water damage restoration company will ensure that the property is safe and the source of exposure has been contained. Then they will assess the damage and provide a quote. 

Step 2: Water Removal and Extraction:  After quote approval, the water removal process will begin using industrial pumps and wet/dry vacuums. 

Step 3: Drying and Dehumidification: With the bulk of the water removed, the crew will move on to drying and dehumidification. This step is very important as excess moisture can allow mold to take hold within 24 to 48 hours. Mold can not only destroy building materials and lead to unpleasant odors, but it also presents health effects.

Step 4: Clean Up, Repair, and restoration: The final step is to clean, sanitize, and deodorize all surfaces exposed to water and replace or repair any damage. This process may include dry cleaning, sheetrock removal, carpet shampooing, and more. 

After that, pending a final inspection, the commercial space can reopen and get back to business as usual. The entire water damage restoration process rarely takes more than 72 hours, often far less, but the exact downtime will vary depending on the extent of the damage.

About SERVPRO

SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake holds more than a dozen certifications in the building restoration field from respected organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). 

The SERVPRO team has the tools and expertise to tackle commercial water restoration projects of all sizes. For more information about commercial water damage restoration in the Austin and West Lake Hills area, call (512)-261-4790 or follow SERVPRO on Facebook for the latest service updates!

Contact Information:

SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake

12600 Hill Country Boulevard

Building – 5 Suite R-275

Bee Cave, TX 73738

www.SERVPROlakewaywestlake.com/