Factors to consider when dealing with flood damage at a fitness center

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO® of Carrollton highlights information that helps gym and fitness center owners to be better prepared for a potential flood damage disaster.

When a flood damage disaster occurs at a gym or fitness center in Carrollton, TX, water and flood damage restoration services are needed to make the facility operational again. The COVID pandemic caused many gyms across the country to experience a decline in gym memberships as Americans sought to social distance and protect themselves from exposure to the coronavirus. In contrast, the online fitness industry experienced rapid growth.

Brick-and-mortar fitness locations are continuing to recover from the effects of the pandemic. According to fitness industry statistics, “In 2020, revenue dropped drastically due to the pandemic, social distancing, and the rise in online fitness programs. We saw in 2021 that the revenue for gym memberships rebounded and was on the rise again. The fitness industry revenue declined by 32.45% in 2020 but rebounded to 0.55% pre-pandemic levels at the end of 2021. The health industry that was hit the hardest during 2020-2021 were gyms and health centers. Even at the end of 2021, they were still down 22.5% from their revenue levels in 2019.”

For a gym that struggled to keep its doors open during the pandemic, a water damage disaster could be the unfortunate event that shutters the business permanently. Knowledge is key when preparing for a water damage disaster. By understanding the causes and effects of a water intrusion, as well as the insurance and restoration options available, business owners can put themselves in a better position to respond to and recover from water damage.

Causes of water damage at a gym or fitness center

At gyms and fitness centers, as well as other commercial facilities, water damage commonly occurs for the following reasons:

• Cracked or burst pipes
• Malfunctioning sprinkler system
• Toilet overflow
• Roof damage
• Window seal issues
• Leaking HVAC system
• Storm-related flooding

Of these sources of water intrusion, some are more powerful and destructive than others. Whatever the cause, water damage over a short or long period of time can ruin gym equipment and compromise the structure of the building. Also, a mold infestation may develop if the water intrusion is not remediated and restored promptly.

Water damage to electrical gym equipment

Some of the workout machines common to many gyms and fitness centers may include electrical components that could be damaged by water. This equipment includes:

• Treadmills
• Elliptical machines
• Rowing machines
• Stationary bikes
• Stair stepper machines

In addition, computers, payment processing machines, and television screens are other examples of electronic equipment that are vulnerable to water damage. If the equipment is to be salvaged, the business owner will need to secure the services of a water damage restoration company skilled in electronics restoration. By acting quickly to remediate the damage, restoration technicians may be able to restore the equipment to its original working order.

Insurance coverage for water-damaged gyms

An insurance claim payout helps alleviate the strain of lost income and gives the gym owner a path forward. Sufficient insurance coverage can mitigate losses in several scenarios, including the following:

• Property is damaged by a water intrusion.
• The facility has to be temporarily closed while repairs are being made.
• Gym property is stolen by thieves during the temporary closure.
• The business is forced to permanently shut down due to catastrophic damage.

Standard protections against water damage typically do not include flooding caused by severe weather and natural disasters. The fitness owner may also need to purchase additional flood insurance if the business is located in a flood zone.

Choosing a water damage restoration service provider

When searching for a restoration provider, choose a full-service damage restoration company with experience and proficiency in commercial damage restoration. A commercial water damage disaster is a complex situation and can involve a myriad of complicating factors, including:

• Water damage
• Mold damage
• Electrical damage
• Structural damage
• Content damage

At SERVPRO® of Carrollton, the team of commercial damage restoration experts delivers a rapid response and a fast, thorough restoration process that minimizes the economic impact of a temporary shutdown. The staff understands that dealing with the insurance company is a difficult task, especially in the aftermath of water damage, so SERVPRO of Carrollton handles the insurance claims process in order to reduce stress for the owner of the fitness center.

For more information about commercial flood damage restoration for Carrollton, TX, gyms, fitness centers, and other commercial establishments, contact SERVPRO of Carrollton by email at office@SERVPRO10952.com or by phone at (972) 446-0383.