5 ways to prevent water damage in buildings under construction

This post is part of a series sponsored by IAT Insurance Group.

Water damage is a continuing threat to buildings under construction and is cited as one of the leading causes of property loss worldwide.

In the United States alone, annual losses due to weather and non-weather-related water damage amount to $500 million.⁽¹⁾He emphasized that this damage could place a huge financial burden on construction projects.

As the building takes shape, water can enter through a variety of routes, taking advantage of vulnerabilities such as surface water seepage, open or temporary roof systems, wind-driven rain, water supply lines, and drainage lines. There is a gender. Understanding the pervasive nature of water and its ability to penetrate every available opening emphasizes the need for a robust risk management strategy.

How to create a site-specific plan

The first and most important step in preventing water damage during construction is to develop a site-specific plan. Each project has unique challenges based on location, terrain construction method, and expected occupancy. The general contractor or construction manager should designate a competent individual to oversee and manage the site-specific plans and ensure that sufficient staff and appropriate supplies are available to minimize potential losses. there is. Her five steps below will help you create a plan.

1. Establish site grading and groundwater management from day one. Install a rainwater drainage system as soon as possible. Site grading should direct water away from buildings. Keep drains clear throughout the construction process by using silt fences or hay bales to prevent foreign objects from entering. Ensure availability of operational pumps to remove water from pits, excavations, and other low-lying areas where water is undesirable.

2. Protect materials, supplies, and building systems. Fixtures and materials that are highly susceptible to water damage, such as drywall, ceiling tiles, and electrical components, must wait for delivery until the building is waterproofed. If early delivery is required, protect what you store on site by covering the items with a tarp and lifting the items off the floor on pallets.

3. Monitor the weather and plan for approaching storms. Whenever possible, do not begin interior finishing work, such as drywalling, painting, or trim work, on floors that have unfinished walls, window openings, and roofs. If work must continue, please take all precautions to protect these areas with sufficient wind-resistant plastic sheeting and other waterproofing methods such as temporary roofing systems.

Pay particular attention to floor openings such as electrical chases and elevator shafts, as water can damage equipment and wiring on multiple floors. Seal openings where possible or install temporary embankments to prevent surface water from entering. During rainy weather, make sure you have staff and equipment available to respond to water-related emergencies to minimize damage.

4. Limit active water sources within the building during construction. It is best to limit the water needed for construction activities to the first floor during construction. This will minimize damage in the event of a water leak or if you forget to close the faucet completely. Water supply and drainage lines within a building must be pressure tested and thoroughly inspected before being put into service. If applicable, use the building’s permanent heating system to protect pipes from freezing temperatures.

Consider installing water detectors and flow alarms in areas that are particularly susceptible to damage. This is also important for charging systems that don’t have normal water flow, such as automatic sprinkler systems. The water detection system detects water at floor level and notifies you of the presence of water.

5. Perform building inspection. Whether severe weather is forecast or not, it’s important to protect yourself from potential water damage. At the end of each day’s work, make sure windows and doors are closed and temporary tarps and roofs are properly secured. You should check your plumbing for any visible leaks and make sure all faucets are completely closed. It is also a good idea to carry out a complete inspection of the work site on a regular basis.

best practice: Before leaving the project for an extended period of time, shut off the water supply at the original service valve. Consider doing this before a weekend or holiday to ensure the peace of mind of project stakeholders.

Contact a Loss Control Specialist

Have questions about how to reduce your risk? Email losscontroldirect@iatinsurance.com Please give me a chance to see the answers to your questions in future blogs.

Written by John Holupch

(1) Risk and insuranceWater damage is a leading cause of commercial property damage claims.How sensor technology can help alleviate these claims,” July 26, 2023.

topic
construction