APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY...

...Water Damage/Mold

PREVENTION TIPS TO REMEMBER!

Building Exterior and Grounds

• Site Grading: Water must flow away from the building foundation. The elevation of the building foundation shouldbe higher than the parking lot. Temporary soil berms can be used to re-direct water until grading changes can be implemented.
• Landscaping: Look for overgrown plantings that create obstructions and excessive shade on building exteriors which are designed to get wet then dry.
• Parking Lots: Inspect drains which handle run-off, look for standing water, broken curbs, etc.
• Gutters, Roof Drains, Downspouts: Keep clear of debris and ensure they drain away from your building foundation.
• Roof: Check for ponding or damage/missing shingles or roof membrane. Check all rooftop penetrations including flashing around skylights, stack vents, vent pipes, HVAC equipment, etc. Look for or trim tree limbs which can damage your roof.
• Cooling Towers: Check for proper drainage and potential re-entrainment of water vapors into your building(s) fresh air intakes.
• Exterior Siding: Check for cracks greater than 1/8 inch wide, warping or buckling. For brick structures look forholes/joints that need re-pointing. Check joints at windows, doors and electrical/plumbing/HVAC penetrations.
• Irrigation Systems: Ensure spray water does not impact your foundation wall, check for broken sprinkler heads,and that roots from landscaping have not damaged supply lines or drain pipes. Turn on your irrigation system during daylight hours as part of your routine maintenance.

Below Grade

• Basement Floor Drain: Check for proper drainage and test sump operation. Sump pumps should be hard wired to abackup generator in the event of a power failure.
• Basement Walls: Check for signs of water staining, damage or effervescence.

Windows

• Check that operable windows shut tightly, weather stripping is in-place and the condition of the exterior joints, caulks and flashing.
• Are windows fogged, indicating seal failure or panes broken?
• Manually test all locks, cranks and other mechanical elements.
• Check interior walls around windows for water damage.

Plumbing

• Check key connections at the water main supply line, circulating pumps, sprinkler systems, janitor closets, restrooms, kitchens, etc.
• Check all at-grade plumbing systems including hose bibs.　

Interior

• Check floor drains in kitchens and restrooms for proper drainage.
• Look for water stains on your ceilings; uninsulated piping above ceilings can result in condensation and water dripping from above.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MITIGATES WATER DAMAGE

     Power outages, severe rain storms, hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters occur with little orno warning. Prevention involves regular inspections to identify problems early, tracking the sources of water, and implementing repairs before water can significantly impact the value of yourcommercial property. Early detection should minimize repair costs. Inspection should also focus on the development of a HIT LIST of neededrepairs/replacements based on the age/condition of building components to prioritize capital expenditures and over time.

     Seasonal inspections should be performed by professionals and documented on checklists or other record keeping medium. Most, if not all, of theprevention tips listed herein should be performed monthly by trained in-house maintenance staff.

WATER IS HEAVY... 

     Water pooling around your raised foundation or cement slab is a major problem waiting to happen. Water is heavy at 8.33 pounds per gallon; a small pool containing 100 gallons exerts a weight of 833 pounds. This weight creates high hydrostatic pressure which can force its way under the foundation, concrete slab or even into the wallcavities.

     Recent Case History: Uncontrolled hydrostatic conditions below the concrete floor slab following heavy rainfall resulted in thousands of dollars of damage to building materials and contents at a large office/warehouse facility. The water literally permeated up through the floor slab ina centralized location away from any perimeter foundation walls. AET's investigative findings identified several problem areas associated with the roof stormwater conveyance system. Corrective actions included; adding additional roof drain collection points which fed to a new dedicated leader system, repair/replacement of weakened pipe joint sections and installation of a large french drain system.

WHY AET?

     AET specializes in rapid, planned response to water damage events. AET's building scientists and engineers have proven decision-making expertise and sustainable solutions to get your facility back to normal day-to-day operations following a water infiltration episode. Mold growth commences within 48-72 hours of water impact. We routinely work for clients as an advocate involving insurance claims pertaining to water damage.

Please contact Mr. Roy Mosicant, CIH or Mr. Harris Brody, CIH at 610-891-0114 or 1-800-9696-AET to discuss your water damage/mold concerns.

AET's services will make a difference in preventing future water damage claims and immediate response when water infiltration episodes occur.

Alan Sutherland has been a Certified Industrial Hygienist since 1978 with over 30 years of CIH-related environmental consultingexperience. He has a Masters Degree in Environmental Science from Drexel University and is the founder/owner of Accredited Environmental Technologies, Inc. (In 1984). He is uniquelytrained and licensed as an Environmental Professional in both the field and laboratory. He has been the founder of two AIHA Accredited Laboratories and a mentor to six (CIHs). Mr.Sutherland is also a Certified Hazardous Material Manager. He can be reached directly at 610-891-0114 or email a.sutherland@aetinc.biz.

As a client or contact of AET you are automatically opted in to receive AET's free newsletter.  If you would like to be removed from the subscription,please see the links at the end of this email.  We apologize in advance for any duplication.

Visit us online today!