How To Limit Flood Damage In a Commercial Building
11/9/2021 (Permalink)
How Can a Commercial Building Be Protected From Flooding?
Flooding may seem inevitable, but there are many ways to limit flood damage. From inspections to strategic landscaping to gathering emergency equipment to keep out flood waters, here are several steps you can take to limit damage in a commercial property in Delray Beach, FL.
Flood Proof the Building
Start with a thorough inspection to make sure the building is watertight. This inspection should extend to
• Doors and other openings
• Drainage systems
• Flood panels
• Floor slab
• Windows
• Walls
• Roof
Regular inspections can identify breaches or damage that may become a source of leaks or flood damage. This inspection may also lead to recommendations for storm shutters or other preventative features.
Strategically Design Landscaping
Landscaping decisions may help to reduce the severity of flooding. Make sure that the grade of the soil slopes away from the foundation of a building. Seek expert advice on how to use plants or trees to ground soil, prevent erosion, and break up the flow of flood water.
Gather Flood Supplies
It is a good idea to keep a variety of flood prevention supplies on hand. These may include burlap bags, sand, and shovels for making sandbags or reusable alternatives to sandbags such as
• Collapsible reinforced fences
• Water-filled cofferdams or tubes
• Materials designed to absorb water
Alternative designs may be more expensive than sandbag materials, but these methods may also be more environmentally-friendly, faster to fill or deploy, and more cost-effective over time. Effective use of sandbags or alternatives can help to keep water out of a commercial property.
All of these measures can limit the amount of flood damage or storm damage sustained by a commercial building in Delray Beach, FL. Property on a flood plain should be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer. If flood waters damage the property, contact a commercial storm and water damage cleanup and restoration service.