There’s Water on the Floor of Your Commercial Building. Now What?

Get the right professionals involved. The moisture could be from any number of sources: Yes, it could be a roofing problem. But it could also come from a window that’s not sealed properly; burst pipes or another hard-to-locate plumbing failure; rooftop HVAC units that are not draining properly, which is the most commonly misdiagnosed source of water coming from above. Each of these areas requires its own technical specialist to locate and solve the problem.

Of course, it’s critical that you identify and correct the source of the leak as soon as possible. Water on the floor presents slip-and-fall / workers compensation risks for your operation. Water on the floor can also permeate walls, creating an environment for mold and subsequently human health issues to develop. And you certainly want to avoid exposing your investment in computers, production equipment, inventory, and other assets to water damage.

Here are three bits of wisdom for dealing with and preventing the prospect of water inside your commercial building.

• Occupant safety should be your first priority, so mop or vacuum the water from the floor and keep foot traffic away with orange cones and/or signs until the situation is corrected. Move furniture and equipment out of the way. If necessary and possible, place buckets or other receptacles under drips to collect water. As part of this activity, document the damage with photos for insurance claims.
• Conduct regular inspections of your roof. The roof’s age and every passing year mean a higher risk of your commercial roof developing problems. Keep an eye out for membrane gaps, detached flashings, and other irregularities. Also, do a check of your rooftop HVAC units for signs of problems – like loose panels or water collecting underneath. Remember: get the right professional in to fix the problem.
• Include roof repairs in your facility management budget. Over time, there are bound to be weather events or other activities that can compromise your roof’s ability to remain watertight. Your maintenance staff may be able to handle some issues; others may require a professional commercial roofing contractor. Regardless, ignoring relatively minor low-cost problems now may come back to bite you down the road by turning into expensive repairs and remediation.

Whether you’re experiencing leaks or not, the commercial roofing professionals at Great Lakes Roofing and Insulation would be privileged to meet with you to discuss your short-term and long-term roofing needs. We look forward to your call (906) 647-2916.