Tips for Drying a Commercial Building After Water Damage

Water damage in a commercial building leads to serious disruptions and costly repairs. Whether it’s caused by a broken pipe, a storm, or faulty equipment, quick action is critical to mitigate the damage. Knowing how to effectively dry your commercial property saves you time, money, and stress during the recovery process. At Rocky Top Restoration, we specialize in water damage restoration, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through essential tips to dry out your building efficiently.

Act Quickly: Time is Critical

The first and most important rule in water damage situations is to act fast. Water damage escalates quickly, leading to structural damage, the ruin of important equipment, and a lengthy recovery process. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), mold starts growing within 24 to 48 hours after water damage occurs. To avoid additional complications and reduce downtime for your business, it's crucial to begin the drying process immediately.

Turn Off the Power and Water Supply

Safety should always come first. Before you begin any drying process, ensure that electricity in the affected area is turned off. Water and electricity don’t mix, and it’s essential to prevent the risk of electric shock. Similarly, locate and shut off the water supply if the damage is because of a broken pipe or internal leak.

Start Removing Standing Water

Standing water causes extensive damage to floors, walls, and equipment if left unchecked. Use a wet vacuum, sump pump, or other water extraction tools to remove as much standing water as possible. The faster you eliminate pooled water, the sooner you begin the drying process.

For large commercial spaces, this may require multiple pieces of equipment or professional-grade tools, which is why calling a professional restoration team is highly recommended.

Utilize Fans and Dehumidifiers

Once the standing water has been removed, the next step is to eliminate excess moisture from the air. Using industrial-strength fans and dehumidifiers is essential to speeding up the drying process. Fans circulate air to help evaporate water from wet surfaces, while dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, preventing further absorption into walls and flooring.

Why this is important:

• Prevents further damage: Dehumidifying prevents lingering moisture from seeping deeper into walls, ceilings, and floors.
• Reduces drying time: Air circulation expedites the drying process, helping to restore the building more quickly.

Remember, drying out a commercial building may take several days or longer, depending on the severity of the water damage. It’s important to keep the equipment running continuously until all moisture is gone.

Block Outside Air from Flooded Areas

While it may seem intuitive to open windows and doors to let fresh air in, it’s best to keep outside air away from flooded areas, especially if you are using dehumidifiers or air movers. Introducing outside air carries contaminants, such as mold spores, into your building, complicating the cleanup process. If you must vent air, ensure that air movers are pushing moisture-laden air out of the building rather than drawing in humid outdoor air.

Remove Wet Materials

Water-damaged materials like carpets, ceiling tiles, and drywall may need to be removed to expedite the drying process. Not all materials are dried effectively, especially porous items that absorb large amounts of water. Removing them not only speeds up drying but also prevents secondary damage from moisture retention.

Here are some common materials that may need to be removed:

• Water-soaked carpeting or rugs
• Saturated drywall
• Ceiling tiles that show signs of water damage
• Upholstered furniture that cannot be properly dried

Removing these items helps prevent additional damage to your building and allows the structure to dry out more efficiently.

Document the Damage

One of the most crucial steps you take during a water damage incident is to document everything. Photos and videos serve as essential evidence when filing an insurance claim. Ensure you capture multiple angles of the damage and take close-up shots of affected areas, equipment, and materials.

Once a professional restoration company arrives, they provide you with more detailed documentation, but having initial photos and descriptions expedites the insurance process.

Work with a Professional Restoration Team

Drying out a commercial building after significant water damage is not an easy task, and attempting to manage it alone may lead to costly oversights. Working with an experienced restoration team ensures that the drying process is thorough and that no areas of hidden damage are missed.

At Rocky Top Restoration, we specialize in comprehensive water damage restoration for commercial buildings. We use advanced moisture detection equipment to identify areas of hidden water damage and employ professional drying techniques to ensure your property is restored as quickly as possible.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional:

• Access to industrial-grade drying equipment
• Expertise in water extraction and moisture detection
• Ability to prevent long-term structural damage
• Help with the insurance claims process

Be Prepared for Future Incidents

Once your commercial building is dried and restored, it's important to plan for future water damage incidents. Regular maintenance of plumbing systems, roof inspections, and water damage preparedness go a long way in preventing costly disasters.

Consider creating an emergency plan that includes steps to shut off the water supply and electrical systems in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to install moisture detectors in areas prone to leaks or flooding, providing an early warning system to mitigate potential damage.

Trust Rocky Top Restoration for Water Damage Recovery

When your commercial building is affected by water damage, time is of the essence. At Rocky Top Restoration, our expert team is ready to respond quickly and efficiently to any water damage situation. With years of experience, advanced equipment, and a commitment to quality, we help you restore your property and get back to business in no time.

Contact us today to learn more about our water damage restoration services and how we help you safeguard your commercial building from future incidents.

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