Why Is Water Damage Present After a Commercial Fire?

When your Huntington Beach, CA, business is affected by fire, you might expect fire damage such as smoke, soot and ash, along with property damage and weakened structures. However, you can also find a surprising amount of water throughout the area. Find out more about why this damage appears, how it affects your business and how to respond to it.

Causes of Water Damage
Despite the overwhelming presence of fire and the residue it leaves behind, some of the damage you might see in the aftermath can involve water. The most likely causes behind this impact include:

Fire hose water
Fire sprinkler system
Damaged water pipes
Destroyed water containers

Water used by firefighters is the most common since they use several gallons to extinguish the fire. Meanwhile, sprinklers are set up to use water more efficiently and leaks from pipes and containers are less frequent.

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Consequences of Excess Water
While the present fire damage is understandably the main concern, the effects of water in your property can be just as devastating. Wooden flooring can warp once it dries, while wet carpet is difficult to repair, especially when it is combined with other contaminants. Drywall can become vulnerable and need replacement, while weakened ceilings can endanger the rest of your building. Additionally, if the water is not removed fast enough, you could risk a mold infestation.

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Possible Solutions to Damage
You can avoid all of these risks by working with commercial building restoration services. These qualified technicians are already familiar with all types of business property damage, so they can treat fire and water-based destruction. They can fix or replace affected flooring depending on the severity. Damaged drywall and ceilings are carefully inspected and replaced to keep the structure sound. Vacuums, sump pumps and more resources are used to dry and clean surfaces, preventing mold.
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Water can be just as impactful as fire damage, especially when it is not detected and treated on time. The best remediation strategy can anticipate and address all sorts of damage to improve your business over time.

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