When you think of the forces that can do the most harm to your property, you might focus on fire, falling debris, and furious weather -- as it turns out, though, water may pose the greatest threat to your building. Indeed, the effects of water damage costs the insurance sector billions of dollars each year. Knowing some of the ways in which moisture intrusion can affect your facility may motivate you to take preventative measures and save yourself time and money in the long-run. Here are five of the biggest problems caused by water damage.

1. Mold and Mildew Growth

Most types of fungi thrive in warm, damp environments. It should come as no surprise, then, that an influx of water in your building can facilitate the growth of mold and mildew, two of the most common fungal foes. The spread of mold and mildew doesn’t take long either -- mold can start growing on damp surfaces in as little as 24-48 hours. The more these contaminants spread, the more damage they can do to your assets and your health. Those with certain allergies and respiratory problems may even have trouble breathing in a facility ravaged by mold or mildew. Performing regular commercial cleaning can keep mold and mildew at bay, but if these actors return, you’ll need to address the underlying issue -- water damage.

2. Contamination

The only water you want inside your facility is water that’s controlled, contained, and properly filtered for specific purposes (i.e. drinking, food preparation, eye-washing, cleaning, etc.). Any water that doesn’t meet these criteria may be toxic. Gray water, for instance, is water that’s leaked from appliances, and black water derives from unsanitary sources, possibly containing waste, bacteria, and other pathogens. These types of unclean water can make one ill when ingested and can render a facility inoperable. Those in charge of building maintenance must regularly inspect water sources and ensure that there is no gray or black water inside the facility.

3. Damaged Appliances

Water and electronics don’t work well together. If your facility includes various electrical equipment, you most likely keep liquids away from these components as much as possible. However, water may enter your facility from various weak points, causing shortages in your appliances and creating fire hazards to boot. Whenever something malfunctions, contact property maintenance services immediately to inspect the problem -- moisture may be the culprit.

4. Surface Deterioration

Moisture intrusion can also gradually erode your surfaces, not to mention your facility’s structural components. On the cosmetic level, water damage can cause paint to peel away and discolor your surfaces. Beyond this, water damage can weaken wood, masonry, and other materials, making them less and less sturdy. Over time, your facility can end up in a serious state of disrepair due to water-related damage.

5. Cracked, Warped Floors

Water damage also commonly affects floors, especially if said floor lacks a proper vapor barrier (this prevents moisture from the ground from entering the facility through cracks and pores in floor substrates). In wooden floors, water damage leads to warping, rot, and discoloration. In concrete floors, water damage can create pits, large cracks, and more, paving the way for further water damage from all sides. Hiring commercial floor cleaning services to regularly inspect and clean your floors is an important way to mitigate moisture intrusion from below and above your floors.

Ward Off Water Damage

Regardless of the ways in which moisture affects your facility, it all amounts to costly repairs, a tarnished reputation, and a failure to comply with relevant industry rules. So, the more you can do to keep water at bay, the better off your business will be. At The Budd Group, we offer a host of cleaning, repair, and preventative maintenance services to ensure that your property is safe and tightly sealed from negative forces. To learn more about our services and values, give us a call today at 800-221-8158!