Signs of Commercial Water Damage

Your commercial building in St. Paul is one of the biggest assets to your business. When that building sustains water damage, it not only means costs for repairs, but also loss of income while repairs are being made and the damage is cleaned up. Since commercial water damage can end up costing business owners a lot of money, the water damage restoration in Minneapolis team at ICC wants to help business owners be alert and aware so they can spot signs of water damage before a serious problem arises.

Musty odors

A musty odor or moldy smell is a common sign that there is water damage. The smell is often strongest in the area where the water damage initially occurred, but can easily spread throughout the building. Musty smells typically mean there is mold growth present, and mold is very dangerous. If you notice a new smell, or the smell becomes stronger, do not wait to get it checked.

Visible mold growth

If you can see mold growth, then there is absolutely water where it should not be. Mold thrives where there is a consistent source of moisture, so areas that remain damp for extended periods of time will begin to grow mold. Mold may appear black, blue, green, or gray, and often looks fuzzy. Mold often grows in places we cannot see (which is why hidden water damage is so important to find), and can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, along floorboards, in attics, really anywhere. Mold poses serious health threats if inhaled or ingested, and should be handled immediately by trained professionals.

Dark or discolored spots on the walls or ceiling

Stains and discoloration are also signs of potential water damage. Most water stains will appear as a yellowish-brown color, and will expand into shapes with irregular borders. Typically, water stains on the walls and ceiling indicate a slow and consistent leak, and can typically be traced to a plumbing fixture or pipe. If you noticed discolored spots in your commercial building, get them checked for water damage.

Changes to flooring, ceilings, or walls

There are many different things to look for in the walls, floors, and ceilings of our office buildings when inspecting for water damage. Here are some of the most obvious signs of hidden water damage in the structural elements of our commercial buildings:

·         Warping walls

·         Peeling paint of wallpaper

·         Bubbling in walls and ceiling

·         Wet spots in carpet

·         Peeling tile

·         Cracked grout lines

·         Warping floorboards

·         Buckling in floors

Look for any changes in your walls, floors, and ceilings, and be sure to get any suspicious or changing areas checked for hidden water damage restoration.

Sudden increase in water bill or water usage

A sudden, unexplained increase in your water usage or water bill could be another sign of hidden water damage. Review your bill every month in comparison with prior bills.  There will be some months where water usage increases or decreases depending on work schedules, however, a sudden spike could mean there is a bigger issue. Make sure that appliances that use water are not running water when they are not in use, and check visible pipes for any possible leaks. If there is a sudden increase in your water usage that you cannot explain, look for the above signs for hidden water damage.

Professional Commercial Water Damage Restoration in St. Paul

If you notice any of the above signs, or suspect your commercial building could have water damage, don’t waste any time calling in the professionals at ICC.