With Hurricane Beryl hitting the Houston area hard, it is important to ensure that your commercial building is still structurally sound and protected against water damage. With the amount of wind and rain the storm brought, there could be visible and hidden damage to your building. Our team can help you assess the damage with storm repairs and inspections and understand the steps to make sure your building is safe and not in danger of leaks and water infiltration.
Initial Assessment
The first step after an extreme weather event is to make sure there is no damage that is an immediate danger to your or others’ safety. Examples of this could be broken glass, gas leaks, or extreme structural damage. As you are inspecting the building, take photos of any visible damage for insurance purposes.
Water Damage
Water intrusion can happen after a storm of this magnitude. If you see water damage or leaks, setting up fans and dehumidifiers will help prevent further damage until repairs can be made. Our team can address these visible leaks and will also check for leaks that may be hidden. While the areas that are damaged might have been waterproofed in the past, it’s important to keep in mind that the age of the waterproofing membrane or system and the extreme weather conditions are both factors in how well the membrane will hold up.
Structural Integrity
Strong winds and heavy rainfall can cause unparalleled damage to commercial properties. Often these damages go unnoticed by the naked eye until they start to cause problems down the road. If these damages are left unrepaired, it can lead to building failure and costly repairs.
Structural Damage that can be caused by Storms:
Exterior Walls: The pressure from high winds can cause your building’s walls to develop cracks and gaps.
Foundations: Strong wind and large amounts of flowing water can cause soil erosion and lead to the foundation being damaged.
Windows and Doors: These are vulnerable areas of the building. High winds and flying debris can damage and crack the frame around windows and doors, leading to water infiltration.
Framework: Support beams and columns will need to be inspected after a storm to ensure they are not damaged by pressure, debris, or water infiltration.
Our team is here to help you get your building back in working order and ensure it is protected from further damage. We offer comprehensive storm repairs and inspections so you can rest assured that your building is assessed for not only visible damage but also hidden damage that can risk the occupants’ safety and lead to expensive repairs. Learn more about our waterproofing solutions in our blog or reach out to us through our website here to talk to a team member.