How To Prevent Water Damage During Construction

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

The contractor has a responsibility to discuss building system details and inspection concerns with the client.

Water damage can cause delays and damage on a construction site. Contractors should calculate water damage risks and perform testing at every stage of the building process. A broken pipe requiring water pipe repair or other sources of water damage can necessitate delays or rework and prove a major source of loss. It is important to take preventative measures from the planning to the finishing stages.

Before Construction Begins

Contractors should start by developing a quality assurance and control program and evaluate contract documents for the following factors:

• Backup power and pumping systems for dewatering
• Critical waterproofing systems
• Drainage plans to protect excavations or structure
• Water infiltration susceptibility

Water can penetrate through the building envelope and undermine the integrity of the structure being built. Internal releases are another common source of damage as construction proceeds. The sooner hydronic and piping systems are installed, the less likely they will be to cause damage to finished work.

During the Construction Process

A quality director and water protection team should monitor and address any problems that arise, from water pipe repair to a flooded excavation. A contractor may rely on an internal team or external subcontractors to provide the following services:

• Hydrostatically test fire protection systems and check for leakage
• Perform air pressurization testing of piping systems prior to charging with water
• Charge piping systems by zone without all valves open
• Monitor piping for at least 24 hours after charging
• Perform water-tightness testing on roof
• Complete the structure before installing finishes

The contractor has a responsibility to discuss building system details and inspection concerns with the client. They should also address all issues, including water pipe repair, in a timely manner and not allow problems to persist. This can save time and money on delays and rework. Contact a commercial restoration company located in Edmond, OK, if a finished project sustains water damage. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROedmond.com/!