Most Common Causes of Water Damage in Shreveport's Commercial Properties

When water damage strikes a commercial property, the costs add up quickly in lost revenue, repair bills, and downtime. Business owners searching for water damage restoration companies in Shreveport need fast, reliable help to get operations back on track. 

This blog will explore the most common causes of commercial water damage in Shreveport, why they happen, and how local businesses can respond effectively. From broken pipes to flooding after heavy storms, understanding the risks is the first step to protecting your property and maintaining business continuity.

Top Causes of Commercial Water Damage

No. 1 – Rooftop Leaks & Poor Drainage

Flat or low-slope commercial roofs often develop leaks at seams, flashings, and penetrations, particularly following heavy rain or with aging membranes. Clogged roof drains and gutters can allow water to pond, accelerating membrane deterioration and leading to leaks directly into office spaces or storage areas.

Regular roof inspections and clearing of drainage outlets prevent water buildup and membrane failures that cause costly interior damage.

No. 2 – Plumbing Failures & Pipe Bursts

Commercial plumbing systems carry high volumes of water under pressure, increasing the risk of leaks and sudden pipe bursts. Corroded copper lines, frozen pipes in unheated zones, and faulty joints can leak slowly for weeks, soaking walls and floors before anyone notices. 

High-flow fixtures like restrooms, kitchens, and sprinkler systems can overwhelm damaged pipes, leading to dramatic flooding events. Scheduled inspections and proactive replacement of aging sections minimize these risks.

No. 3 – HVAC Malfunctions & Condensation

Cooling coils, drip pans, and condensate lines in commercial HVAC units produce large amounts of condensate. If drain lines become blocked with mold, algae, or debris, water backs up into the building envelope. 

Leaking coils and overflowed pans often go unnoticed in ceiling plenum spaces, creating hidden wet areas that promote mold growth and ceiling tile collapse. Regular HVAC maintenance, including coil cleaning and condensate-line flushing, prevents these silent sources of water intrusion.

Detecting Leaks Early with Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging cameras detect surface temperature differences, translating infrared radiation into color-coded images. In a commercial setting, a water leak behind drywall or under flooring cools the affected area, creating a thermal anomaly on the camera screen. 

Technicians scan ceilings, walls, and floors without invasive tools, quickly pinpointing hidden moisture sources before mold or structural damage develops. This non-destructive method saves time and money compared to exploratory cuts and ensures targeted repairs.

Benefits of Infrared Leak Detection for Preventive Maintenance

• Early Detection: Catch small leaks before they become major floods, reducing repair costs by up to 70%
• Non-Destructive: No need to cut into walls, ceilings, or floors to locate hidden moisture
• Comprehensive Coverage: Scan large commercial footprints quickly, including hard-to-reach spaces like plenum areas
• Documentation: Generate detailed thermal reports showing before-and-after temperature maps for insurance and maintenance records
• Safety: Identify areas of trapped condensation in HVAC systems or electrical rooms without exposing staff to hazards

By integrating routine thermal imaging surveys into your maintenance plan, you mitigate water damage risks and extend the lifespan of building components, from drywall and insulation to electrical panels and finish materials.

Prevention & Mitigation Strategies for Business Owners

Regular Roof Inspections & Gutter Maintenance

Schedule biannual roof assessments to check for membrane wear, seam failures, and clogged drains. Clear gutters, scuppers, and downspouts to ensure proper runoff and prevent ponding water that accelerates roof aging.

Scheduled Plumbing & Pipe Inspections

Engage a professional plumber for annual pressure tests and visual inspections of all water lines, valves, and fixtures. Replace corroded or undersized piping before small leaks lead to major floods.

HVAC Maintenance & Condensate Management

Flush condensate lines monthly, clean drip pans, and inspect cooling coils each spring and fall. Install overflow switches or secondary drain lines to shut down equipment before water escapes into occupied spaces.

Install Water Sensors & Automatic Shutoffs

Place wireless water sensors in high-risk zones, including mechanical rooms, kitchens, and restrooms, that trigger alarms or cut power to nearby circuits when moisture is detected. Automatic shutoff valves can stop the supply to a building section at the first sign of a leak.

Maintain Proper Interior Humidity Levels

Use commercial dehumidifiers in basements and storage areas to keep indoor relative humidity between 40% and 60%. Moisture control prevents condensation, which can erode finishes and promote hidden mold growth.

Why Choose Putman for Commercial Water Damage Repair

Putman Restoration offers unmatched expertise when water intrusion threatens your commercial property. Our licensed technicians are IICRC-certified and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency response. We use advanced moisture-scanning tools, state-of-the-art extractors, and industrial-grade dehumidifiers to remove water quickly and prevent secondary damage such as mold growth.

From initial assessment through final rebuild, our project managers coordinate every step. We’ll handle structural repairs, content cleaning, and documentation for insurance claims, so you avoid multiple contractors and streamline your restoration process.

Trust Us to Keep Your Business Running

Downtime can cost thousands in lost revenue. Putman Restoration’s rapid-deploy teams stabilize your facility with board-up services, water extraction, and temporary repairs to maintain safe operations.

We then implement permanent restoration plans designed to return your space to full functionality with minimal disruption.

The Leader in Louisiana Water Damage Restoration

When water damage threatens your business, you need a trusted partner who acts fast and delivers reliable results. Putman Restoration in Shreveport and Bossier City provides comprehensive commercial water damage restoration services, including leak detection, thermal imaging, structural drying, and full rebuilds. 

Our licensed professionals document every step, coordinate with insurers, and uphold the highest industry standards. Call us now at 318-453-5029 or start the conversation online.