The greatest dangers in life are the ones that we don’t see. That biggest frustrations are the problems we face that we could have avoided.

For a building, one of the greatest dangers comes from water in the form of leaks, moisture, frozen pipes, and standing water. In fact, water-related problems are the second most frequently filed insurance claim in the U.S.

Here’s why standing water is so dangerous:

When water sits on your roof or unseen on a floor it adds weight; Approximately 5 pounds per inch, per square foot of surface. An inch of water on a 10 foot by 10 foot roof adds over 500 pounds of weight. The extra weight stresses your roof or floor. This can lead to cracks, and before you know it, you get a leak.

Standing water is also a breeding ground for insects, especially mosquitoes. It seems every year there is another mosquito-carried disease outbreak.

Even when the water has begun evaporating, the moisture left behind in the building materials can lead to mold, which can lead to diseases as well. The threat from standing water is extensive.

Daily walkthroughs to check for standing water is a valuable weapon for any building who wants to avoid these issues. Engineers and maintenance techs should regularly inspect areas of the building where water can collect. When water is found, it should be pumped out or cleaned up immediately.

Keeping track of any standing water found is important too. This gives insight into when and how water begins menacing your building. A time stamped photo can be a great record of any standing water found.

Among the many ways to protect your building, watching for standing water must be a priority. Engineers and maintenance techs across the country are doing so now. Are you?