water damage

In the construction industry, maintaining strict timelines and budgets is essential for project success. However, water damage is a pervasive threat that can derail even the most carefully planned projects. Reports indicate that water damage accounts for up to 30% of all construction site losses, with repair costs ranging from a few thousand to several hundred thousand dollars. The impact of water damage is not limited to direct repair costs; it can also double project timelines, leading to delays, logistical complications, and significant financial losses stemming from contract penalties.

Construction sites are particularly vulnerable to water damage. During the early stages of a build, pipes, fittings, and water systems are often installed and tested before full protective infrastructure is in place. A single leak, if left undetected, can flood work areas, destroy materials, and compromise the structural integrity of the build. This can result in delays, escalating costs, and frustrated clients.

Even more challenging is the fact that water leaks can occur at any time, even outside of regular working hours, after personnel have gone home. A pipe that bursts overnight or a fitting that fails over the weekend can cause extensive damage before anyone is even aware of an issue. Traditional methods of water leak detection, like manual inspections or waiting for visible signs of damage, aren’t thorough enough to protect job sites.

Solution: BuildAlert™ Protects Your Jobsite from Water Damage

BuildAlert™ by Leak Defense is a comprehensive solution designed to safeguard construction projects from the devastating effects of water damage.  Providing 24/7 monitoring and control, this advanced system ensures that even the smallest leaks are detected and addressed before they can cause significant damage.

BuildAlert empowers construction personnel to remotely monitor water activity on any job site where it is installed. The system is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors that detect anomalies in water flow, pressure, or usage. When an issue arises—whether it’s a slow leak or a sudden burst—BuildAlert immediately notifies designated personnel via mobile alerts.

Recognizing that alerting personnel is not enough to prevent major damage, BuildAlert takes protection a step further. The system can be configured to automatically shut off the water supply if a leak is detected, effectively stopping water damage in its tracks. This feature allows staff to leave the job site with the confidence that it is protected around the clock.

BuildAlert’s suite of features is designed specifically for the unique challenges of construction environments. It includes:

• 24/7 Monitoring and Protection: Continuous surveillance of a job site’s water systems, alerting staff to any potential issues at any time.
• Automatic Water Shutoff: Ability to automatically close the valve and shut off the water supply in the event of a leak, preventing extensive water damage.
• Remote Accessibility and Control: Monitor and control the water supply from any location via PC or mobile app.
• Construction Site-specific Design: Compact, rugged, easy to install, and simple to use, tailored for the challenges of construction sites.
• Cost Savings: A small investment compared to the potential expenses associated with water damage, delays, and material replacement. The system often pays for itself by preventing a single incident.

BuildAlert also enhances operational efficiency and security by allowing users to schedule automatic scene and mode changes. The system also maintains consistent job site water pressure and offers an optional API for integration with building management systems (BMS).

In an industry where margins are tight and timelines are crucial, BuildAlert by Leak Defense provides contractors, project managers, and property owners with the sense of security that comes with knowing their projects are protected against one of the most common and costly threats to construction sites.

After Successful Connected Home Pilot, Resideo Solutions now Available to all USAA Members Through its PERKS Program

Resideo Technologies Inc. (NYSE: REZI), a leading global manufacturer and developer of technology-driven products and components that provide critical home comfort, energy management, and safety and security solutions, has been added to USAA’s PERKS program to help its members protect against water damage and optimize home efficiency. USAA members can purchase Resideo’s Honeywell Home smart thermostat and its First Alert^® WiFi Water Leak & Freeze Detector at a discounted price through the PERKS program and eligible Homeowner policy holders can enroll those devices for a connected home discount.

“Resideo has been honored to help USAA Homeowner Policy Holders protect what matters most since 2018,” said Linsey Miller, Senior Vice President Business Development & Services at Resideo. “With our inclusion now in the PERKS program, we can provide all of USAA’s 13 million members with access to a safer, more comfortable and efficient home that can optimize resources. Our connected insights can help inform USAA’s ongoing analysis of property claim concerns, and together we can help pioneer the future of the insurance and connected home industries.”

In the U.S., water-damage claims are among the most filed residential property insurance claims and represent an estimated $26 Billion¹ in damages for single-family homeowners. Previously, USAA offered Resideo’s WiFi Water Leak and Freeze Detectors to its Homeowners policy holders in select markets through its Connected Home Platform, a technology-enabled loss prevention program. The Water Leak and Freeze Detector is installed near appliances and if a leak is detected, the user is alerted. After the success of the initial program, USAA has extended the offerings to all USAA members, who can then control the comfort of their home and be informed of water leaks through the Resideo app.

“USAA is committed to providing industry-leading connected home devices to help our members in their everyday lives,” said Ryan Rist, USAA Assistant Vice President Innovation. “We have worked closely with Resideo Technologies to help launch USAA’s Connected Home Program so our members can adopt new protective technologies, like the First Alert WiFi Water Leak & Freeze Detector, to help secure their homes against water damage.”

Resideo’s Honeywell Home smart thermostat and First Alert WiFi Water Leak & Freeze Detector are now available to USAA PERKS members. USAA members can view additional products and discounts here.

1 Based on occupied housing, claim frequency and claim severity.

Hardwood floors hold a regal and timeless charm, offering a delicate balance of elegance and practicality to the interior of your living spaces. However, you must put considerable effort into maintaining your hardwood floors’ natural warmth and personality.

Exposure to moisture can instigate unwelcome changes to the structural integrity of your flooring and mold growth in the quiet corners of your home. Mold infestation threatens not only the integrity and splendor of these cherished floors but also your family’s health in terms of respiratory issues and allergies. Continue reading this article to learn about the latest advancements in plumbing systems to protect your hardwood floors against water damage.

How Does Water Damage Hardwood Floors

Here is how water affects your beautiful wooden floors

1.   Mold

The most significant limitation of hardwood is its susceptibility to mold formation. Faulty pipes can lead to small leaks that can progress into water bursts if not timely repaired. This can cause leaks to accumulate under your hardwood to form mold in floor, accompanied by staining of the wood surface and a putrid smell. Mold can pose serious health hazards to people living in the house, relating to respiratory issues and skin and eye allergies.

2.   Swelling and Cupping of Planks

Prolonged water damage can cause water to seep into the sub-flooring. The wooden planks start to absorb the water and present as swollen planks that rise at the edges and an uneven surface. Alternatively, the planks can warp and bow downwards, dripping water down the subflooring.

3.   Soft Boards

Soft wooden flooring is the most evident and tell-tale sign of prolonged and extensive water damage. They can cause severe damage to the structural integrity of your floor and lead to slipping hazards. Soft boards signify the planks of your hardwood are rotten and need immediate replacement. They also indicate that the damage has spread to other areas of your house.

Plumbing Upgrades to Prevent Leakage and Mold

If you are a homeowner planning a renovation, it is essential to consider the latest, enhanced plumbing systems to ensure your hardwood floors are maintained in impeccable condition.

1.   Leak Detection Technology

Modern leak-detecting sensors give early warnings against potential leaks. They work by monitoring the water flow through the pipelines and identifying disruptions in flow. The sensor automatically cuts off the water supply to the household through a main valve and prevents leakage until the issue has been resolved. Conveniently, these sensors are customizable, so you can adjust the settings according to your daily water usage, and the system will automatically detect excessive water flow that accompanies leakage.

2.   Plumbing Insulation

Effective plumbing insulation around all the pipes in your household is a worthwhile investment. Plumbing insulations are installed to limit condensation on pipe surfaces, which can lead to corrosion and, ultimately, leaks and pipe bursts. Additionally, they provide a noise-cancellation effect and regulate temperatures, effectively reducing your bills in the cold seasons.  Insulation can be achieved through various means available in the market, including:

• Cheap polyethylene foams with pre-cut slits that can conveniently slide over your pipes
• Versatile rubber insulation that is easy to install and can be used both indoors and outdoors
• Fiberglass insulation which is effective in preventing pipe bursts during the cold winters
• Mineral wool, with its noise-cancellation and fire-resistant properties

3.   Anti-Flooding Mechanisms

Backflow occurs when the dirty municipal water mixes with clean water in your plumbing system. It mostly occurs when you don’t adequately safeguard your plumbing system with backflow prevention devices, so the municipal water is siphoned into your plumbing system when there is a drop in the city’s water pressure.

You can prevent backflow by using sump pump devices and vacuum breakers that break the suction vacuum formed by a backflow situation. Installation of these devices will ward off the risk of your house flooding with sewage water and maintain the integrity of your plumbing system and hardwood floors.

Endnote

Maintenance of your cherished hardwood floorings and an effective plumbing system go hand in hand. It is crucial to equip yourself with advanced plumbing devices to guard your wooden floors against mold infestations and preserve their classy look while prioritizing your family’s health and house’s hygiene.

The Leak Defense System continuously monitors your properties for hidden leaks and automatically shuts off the water and alerts you if one is detected. Easily control the water flow using the on-site control panel or access it on the go with the mobile app.

With multiple ways to monitor, you’ll always feel protected against potential loss, expense and hassle from water damage. Our full line of accessories allows Leak Defense to work with any type of residential or commercial plumbing system.

The Leak Defense System:

• Installs easily with your existing plumbing
• Monitors your flow with the most sensitive detection technology available
• Alerts you immediately if potential flood conditions are detected and shuts off the water supply
• Can stop water flow in a specific zone, or to your entire building until you can assess the situation, stopping damage in its tracks.
• Is fully customized to fit your unique plumbing system. Point of leak detectors (POLDs) can be added for an additional layer of protection in places with a high risk for flooding.

To learn more, visit LeakDefense.com/products.