Commercial water damage is one of the most expensive issues a commercial property owner can face due to the installation costs and downtime required to fix it.
Caused by anything from blocked gutters to poorly designed roof draining systems, as well as simple issues like cracked coating panels on your building’s exterior. The result could be water ingress that leads to serious complications as well as complaints from tenants and operational downtime.
The best way to prevent commercial water damage is through a mix of regular inspections, proactive repair work, and proper surface protection, as well as better drainage.
In this article, we’ll break down the different types of commercial water damage you might encounter, the common causes, and how to prevent issues before they cause issues. We’ll also explain how we can support you with commercial water damage cleanup and long-term prevention.
Are There Different Types of Commercial Water Damage?
Yes, there are three main types of commercial water damage:
- Surface-level damage usually shows itself as peeling or bubbling paint, or stains. This damage is usually caused by blocked gutters or pooled water on your roof.
- Penetrative damage is more dangerous and happens when water enters through cracks, failed sealant, or loose fittings. It’s expensive to repair and can result in damp, rot, and corrosion.
- Structural water damage is the most serious of them all and can weaken joints, rust structural beams and support, and lead to collapse.
If you manage or own a commercial property, you should know that visible damage is usually just the tip of the iceberg and hides much more serious issues beneath. Moisture can spread through building materials, for example, and result in expensive repairs down the line, so proactive repairs are always worth it.
What Are the Main Causes of Commercial Water Damage?
Blocked Gutters and Pipes
One of the most common causes of commercial water damage is blocked industrial roof guttering. Debris like leaves build up over time, prevent drainage, and lead to wall damage, all of which is avoidable.
Our gutter repair and maintenance services help remove this dangerous risk before it becomes a serious problem for your business.
Damaged or Badly Installed Cladding
Cracks in cladding panels and failed seals are common entry points for unwanted water in commercial premises. Over time, this can result in rot, rust, and leaks, which no business owner wants.
Our cladding repair and spraying services fix and protect your surfaces before the damage spreads and causes major issues.
Roof Drainage Problems
Standing water on shallow-pitched or flat roofs is a huge risk for older buildings in the UK. Why? Because it speeds up surface wear and leaks which can be time-consuming and expensive to fix.
At ACS Coatings, our knowledgeable, experienced team carries out roof inspections and coatings to ensure water is dealt with as efficiently as possible.
Inadequate Materials and Outdated Installations
Older properties are the most at risk for this one and often suffer from weakened paint, failed seals, and inefficient guttering that can’t cope with modern commercial usage.
At ACS Coatings, we can modernise your most at-risk areas using high-performance coatings built for longevity.
Poor Maintenance
Ignoring proper inspections or delaying the most minor fixes can result in major repair costs later. This is true for any commercial building issue but even more so when it comes to water damage.
With ACS Coatings, you can schedule ongoing maintenance plans tailored to your building type and we guarantee that no issue is ignored.
How to Prevent Water Damage
Carry Out Regular Inspections
Regular inspections go a long way to preventing water damage in commercial or industrial premises.
This is usually a simple case of an expert walking around a property and checking for obvious signs of deterioration or wear. Examples of this can include peeling paint, rusted surfaces, water marks, and spillages outside of gutter systems.
These simple but effective regular checks can help you identify issues before they evolve into something bigger.
Maintain Roof Guttering
Don’t wait for a storm to reveal a blocked or leaking gutter in your premises. This is an all-too-common issue in the UK, where people assume that repairs are only needed when they see similar cases on the news.
At ACS Coatings, our industrial roof guttering team regularly inspects, clears, and re-aligns your gutters so you can avoid water ingress and expensive, time-consuming damage.
Invest in Cladding Repair and Protection
Damaged or tired-looking cladding isn’t just a cosmetic issue, and it can result in water ingress and cause untold issues inside your premises, from damp to mould, stains, and more.
Our professional cladding spraying services effectively seal any exterior panels with durable, effective coatings. These work hard to protect your exterior and interior against adverse weather and pollutants found in the British climate.
Use High-Performing Waterproof Coatings
Moisture can penetrate a commercial or industrial building from many different places like joints and edges. Professional installed and durable coating systems can give you added protection and reduce long-term maintenance requirements.
At ACS Coatings, we only use commercial-grade products designed for the UK’s weather conditions, as well as the bespoke requirements of your property.
Follow a Maintenance Plan
Don’t rely on reactive fixes when it comes to commercial water damage cleanup and prevention.
Instead, choose an expert like ACS Coatings, who can help you build a property maintenance plan that includes regular checks and targeted repairs. This means you can always stay ahead of issues and remain compliant with insurance and lease requirements.
Don’t Leave it Too Late
If you notice staining, musty smells, or flaked paint, it’s important to act fast and get in touch with the experts at ACS Coatings as soon as you can.
Early detection is essential to reduce structural harm and business disruption, and after carrying out any work, we can set you a maintenance plan to prevent issues from reoccurring and damaging your business.
We Can Help
At ACS Coatings, we prevent and treat commercial water damage for commercial and industrial property owners across the UK. From water damage cleanup to roof and cladding protection, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive service built around your requirements.
Whether you’re dealing with blocked gutters, corroded cladding, or poor drainage, we can identify the issue and recommend the right fix, carrying out all necessary works with minimal disruption to your business.
From fixing visible issues to future-proofing your building with protective coatings, sealants, and maintenance, we remove the expense and effort of complete overhauls and costly repairs. Ready to stop water damage before it ruins your property? Speak to ACS Coatings today for a site assessment and no-obligation quote.