What is the common cause of water damage during construction? What can you do to prevent it? And what can you do to minimize your losses? Here are some tips to keep in mind. Read on to learn the common causes of water damage during construction and what you can do to minimize your losses. Construction delays can impact your bottom line and can be costly. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to minimize your losses and ensure your construction is completed on time.
Common causes of water damage during construction
Several factors can lead to water damage on a construction site. First, a construction site’s insurance policy will likely define flood damage differently than other types of water damage. It is important to understand your policy’s definition and be sure to include it as part of your construction site safety checklist. Next, perform a constructability review of the site, including its drainage system and specifications. Lastly, determine what materials and systems the construction site requires.
While the exterior envelope of a building is normally the first area to suffer from water damage, there are other vulnerable areas as well. Many leaks start at joints between vertical and horizontal surfaces, and between different types of materials. As water travels through the weakest link, it can causeĀ see here significant structural damage if left unrepaired. As a result, contractors must be prepared to pay a substantial settlement for any water damage that occurs on their sites.
Precautions to take to prevent it
Although water damage can occur in any stage of construction, contractors can take certain steps to avoid any issues. Using water pumps on the construction site can help mitigate the effects of flooding. In addition, preventing water damage on the construction site is an excellent idea if heavy rains are anticipated. Heavy rains can result in flooded construction sites and damaged equipment, which is why it is so important to take precautions.
The first step to preventing water damage during construction is to understand the risks associated with the situation. While water damage can be a direct financial loss, it can also cause extensive delays in the completion of a project. Good project management will identify potential sources of water damage and create a job-specific water damage prevention plan. However, water damage can also be caused by faulty or improper drainage. As such, contractors should be prepared to repair and replace water damage caused by construction.
Steps to take to minimize losses
There are many precautions you can take to protect your property from water damage during construction. Using a mock-up can be useful in identifying areas at risk, as well as alerting key construction personnel. You can also have the mock-up tested periodically to catch water problems and identify weak points in your construction project. Before starting construction, it is helpful to have a list of contacts and contact information for any subcontractors involved in the project.
First, you should understand your design intent regarding moisture management. Make sure that any water-sensitive materials are stored properly in storage facilities. When materials are shipped early, they can be damaged by leaking roofs or faulty just-in-time delivery systems. To prevent this from happening, store water-sensitive materials on pallets in buildings with tarps. Additionally, make sure that your construction site has proper drainage and that there is no pooling water at the job site.