Commercial properties must be in good shape to attract and retain clients. Whether you’re an apartment complex, retail store, or service storefront, your building and surrounding land say a lot about the business you conduct. Aside from aesthetics, a well-maintained property also upholds safety conditions.
To keep up with your building’s integrity, you need to keep an eye out for damage. Superficial and structural problems put people at risk and reduce profits. Look for these types of commercial property damage during your inspections for proper maintenance.
Weather Damage
Hurricane season is in full force, and winter storms will follow shortly behind it. Extreme weather can wreak havoc on your commercial building, even if you’ve taken specific weather-proofing actions. After a violent storm, check your roof, windows, and electrical systems for damage.
It’s a good idea to service your automatic doors and other security features after experiencing severe weather. Strong winds, rain, and hail can knock doors off their tracks, ruin camera lenses, and disrupt signals. Insurance may cover certain damages, so make sure to do a thorough inspection once the storm clears.
Criminal Activity
Unfortunately, even the most secure buildings can fall victim to criminal activity. Burglary and vandalism bring your exterior aesthetics down and leave your assets vulnerable. Broken windows, tampered doors, and graffiti are all types of commercial property damage you should look for.
Protecting your building from criminal mischief is challenging unless you have 24-hour surveillance. Consider upgrading your security systems or hiring night security guards to protect your assets further. Otherwise, locking up valuables is the best way to keep damage from affecting your products and equipment, too.
Foundation Problems
Sometimes, damage occurs without extreme weather or criminal activity. Foundation problems arise due to things beyond your control. Overgrown tree roots, excess soil moisture, erosion, and poor construction may lead to issues with your building’s foundation.
If you see any of the following, you likely have foundation problems that you should address ASAP:
- Exterior or interior wall cracks
- Built-on counters pulling away from walls
- Doors and windows failing to close properly
- Ground-level moisture unrelated to weather or plumbing system failures
Once you’ve identified the type of commercial property damage you’re dealing with, you can make insurance claims and hire the necessary contractors. It’s in your best interest to address problems quickly, so they don’t become expensive overhauls in the future.
