How Can You Protect Your Business Against Water Damage?

From installing a backyard rain gutter (also known as รางน้ำฝนหลังบ้าน in Thai) to sewer backup prevention, there are several ways to protect your business from water damage. This is especially important if you run a home-based business. Commercial buildings are built differently from residential ones, and they come with safeguards that your home may lack.

Schedule Regular Checks

When you want to keep your business safe and efficient, effective building maintenance is key.

• Schedule routine checks and maintenance regularly, especially in areas often exposed to water, moisture, and the elements.
• The roof, pipes, and plumbing must be regularly checked for any signs of damage or deterioration. The sooner problems are fixed, the less the repair cost.
• Check the seals on all doors and windows to identify any cracks and prevent leaks. Any damaged seal can then be replaced immediately.
• Invest in water sensors that will alert you to potential leaks and even shut off the water, depending on the configuration.

Invest in Building and Structural Waterproofing

• Have the right water gutter installed and make sure they’re regularly inspected for leaks and blockages.
• Walls should be regularly checked for signs of leaks and water damage. The sealant and flashing should be stable, and the interior and exterior walls should not have moisture or mould buildup.
• Look for flaking concrete, as this can indicate moisture build-up.
• Plumbing systems should be checked regularly, particularly fixtures or joints where leaks are likely to happen.
• When you have an irrigation system set up, check that water is not sprayed on foundation walls to prevent the possibility of moisture damage.
• Any fixtures attached to the building’s exterior must be properly waterproofed.

Protect Against Sewage Backup

When a sewage system malfunctions, expect your business to temporarily close. Considering the cost of starting and operating a business, such losses are the last thing you want.

• Make sure the sewage line isn’t built close to trees that might break through it.
• Invest in backup power for the sump pump in case a power failure occurs.
• In the event of a wastewater overflow, evacuate to premises immediately and shut off the water to minimise contamination.

Invest in Flood Preparedness

Flood damage is the worst thing that a business can experience. The loss and clean-up are beyond expensive. Depending on the extent of the damage, there’s also the question of the liveability and usability of a flood-damaged building.

• Check if your business is not located in a flood-prone area. Even if the location is far from the coast, flooding might still be a problem.
• Have flood or water sensors installed to immediately warn you of flooding, regardless of whether it’s caused by heavy rains, natural disasters, or sewer backup.
• Set up off-site backups for all data, documents, or even inventory when possible.
• When using the basement as storage, only store items that won’t be affected by flood and moisture damage.
• Create a recovery and clean-up plan that will allow you to return to normal business operations as you as possible.

Actively protecting your business from water damage is an effective way to ensure your investment not only lasts long, but can also quickly bounce back following a natural disaster. Start by investing in a high-quality rain gutter from VG-CNP.