It Rained? Top 5 Places to Check for Water Damage on Your Property.

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

When it rains, it pours. But hopefully not into your commercial property! After the storm, check these areas for water leaks to prevent water damage.

Did you know? Mold can start growing within 24 hours following water damage from a rainstorm. The best way to prevent that is detecting and eliminating any moisture that entered your property. Because it seldom rains in Los Angeles, you may not know where or how to look for evidence of a water leak. So here are the Top 5 Place to Check for Water Damage on Your Property following a rainstorm.

1. Beneath and Around Windows
2. By Exterior Doors
3. In the Basement or Crawl Space
4. Near Ventilation Units
5. Between Walls and Siding

Now that you know where to look, what should you be looking for? Besides any obviously wet or damp areas, that is.

Around windows and exterior doors, pay close attention to the sill, molding and framework. These are places where mold goes unnoticed and can thrive because moisture may linger. Look for dry, cracked or discolored wood as signs that water is leaking into your building when it rains.

In your basement or crawl space, checking for standing water following a storm is a must. Poor drainage can damage your property's foundation if left unaddressed. This is another place where mold can grow thanks to the dark and damp conditions.

Ventilation features, like central air conditioning units or chimneys are designed to let the smoke, heat or water vapor out. But, of course, if they can let these small things escape your property, they can also let others, like water, in. Plus, while you're up on your roof, you might look for missing or damaged shingles and clogged gutters. These are two common culprits when looking for ways rainwater may leak into your home or business.

Last, but not least, you should look for signs of lingering moisture in your walls. Outside, water can slip between gaps in your siding or absorb into stucco and other porous materials. Inside, leaks from your ceiling can flow down your drywall and damage studs. You may not be able to see it, of course. But if you spot peeling paint or discoloration, bubbles or soft spots or smell musty odors, these are sure signs of trouble lurking behind your walls.

How can SERVPRO of North Hollywood help?

If you suspect you may have water damage on your commercial property, call us anytime, day or night. Our highly trained commercial water damage restoration specialists know what to look for and have the tools, like moisture detectors, to find the problem fast. With industrial air movers and dehumidifiers, we make water cleanup a snap, minimizing inconvenience and downtime. And should you need further repairs, we're licensed contractors who can fix or replace damaged drywall, cabinets, flooring and more.

Plus, if we discover mold while inspecting for water damage, we can remove it and perform mold remediation services. In short, SERVPRO of North Hollywood is here, 24/7, to make property damage from a rainstorm "Like it never even happened."