The impact of unwanted water on a jobsite can vary from the need to conduct major building rework to replacing tools or equipment damaged by floods. Most water damage losses are preventable. Reducing these losses takes a multiprong approach and will need to be addressed in all phases of construction, including pre-construction, ongoing construction and post-construction. The Construction Water Mitigation Program was designed to help contractors of all sizes protect their assets and reputation, and to ensure their scope of work is completed without the costly impact of water damage.

Take these steps for risk mitigation:

1

Organize your team and assign responsibilities

Including key personnel in planning will help you identify potential risks and help increase the effectiveness of your plan.

2

Assess the situation and identify improvements

Use the section below to identify potential areas to improve planning and implementation of risk controls.

Continually monitor the effectiveness of the program

Continual assessment is needed to help identify changing conditions and hazards on your construction site.

Implementing preventative measures for water damage

Water damage has been and continues to be a very significant exposure in construction and one that deserves attention on the jobsite. Prevention methods need to be assessed in all phases of construction to include: pre-construction, ongoing construction and post-construction activities.

Combating water damage in construction requires increased education on the risks and prevention measures associated with water damage and a commitment to implement sound risk management principles. Take a look at the following preventative measures to evaluate whether or not you have implemented them.
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A formal document identifying key personnel who have the expertise, authority and availability to execute the water mitigation program. Roles include corporate leadership, water mitigation program administrator, jobsite supervisor and jobsite employees with responsibilities for all roles clearly defined.
Pre-construction activities include:
  • Participating in pre-construction meetings and providing input on design features relating to water damage prevention
  • Choosing the best water / mold resistant materials
  • Hiring waterproofing experts
  • Evaluating jobsite topography and adjacent exposures for potential water hazards
  • Implementing a system to monitor weather for the project
  • Developing a severe weather plan
  • Sourcing pumps and backup power equipment
  • Developing a water damage response plan, including water / moisture sensors for the project on your bid
  • Implementing proper risk transfer and more
Material submittals is a process that starts early in construction and allows design professionals to verify or approve materials and equipment, which is especially important for waterproofing and water-related building components. Submittals could include product cut sheets, specifications, model numbers, shop drawings, safety data sheets and more.
Severe weather planning includes creating a formalized plan, assigning critical roles and responsibilities, training employees on the plan, monitoring weather, preparing the jobsite for severe weather, securing the necessary equipment and more.
A water damage response plan is created to address water intrusion issues quickly, which can reduce down time and damage. The plan will have assigned roles, training on those roles, contain a contact list, critical equipment list and more.
A wet work permit is a management process to assist in reducing the probability of water damage on the jobsite. The permit outlines work being done, including location, and has an agreed set of control measures and approval method.
Procedures for effectively using valve tags for wet work on jobsites should be documented. The plan should include accessible valve tags on the jobsite, a process for documenting the tag and a written plan for using them.
Water monitoring systems incorporate individual water, moisture, temperature and humidity sensors; mobile technology; cloud-based computing and artificial intelligence to minimize the risk of water leakage on a jobsite.
A jobsite closing checklist provides a tool to assess water damage exposures on a jobsite prior to shutting down for a weekend or extended period of time.
Post-construction activities featured below include a formal procedure for reporting water intrusion issues and a dedicated punch list team or warranty team that has been trained to address water sensitive issues. It can also include using diagrams of water shutoffs, requiring wet work permits, rehearsing a water damage response plan, and maintaining water damage monitoring systems until construction is final and building has been turned over.

Phases for preventing water damage losses

Controlling water damage losses on the jobsite requires focus in all phases of construction. Make sure you follow these steps in pre-construction, ongoing and post-construction phases to help prevent water damage.
Pre-construction

Pre-construction phase

One important phase of controlling water damage loss that is often overlooked is pre-construction. To help mitigate risk, you should:

1. Evaluate your existing programs and scope of exposure

2. Develop programs and include monitoring technology in your bids, such as:

3. Train employees

Article: Pre-construction keys to preventing water damage
On-site/ongoing

On-site/ongoing phase

By now you understand that mitigating water damage is an ongoing process. Implementing the following programs will help mitigate water damage during the construction phase.

Severe weather checklists to keep your jobsite protected:

Wet work permit program

Wet work valve tags

Closing inspection checklist

Water damage response plan

Sample material submittal log (Excel download)
Post-construction

Post-construction phase

This phase can present the largest risk due to the completed nature of the building and the values exposed. Nationwide® offers the following post-construction activities and materials to help guide you through your post-construction efforts and to ensure your CMWP is successful.

  • Establish reporting and complaint procedures
  • Assemble punch list team
  • Complete any remaining deficiencies
  • Document re-work
  • Continue with weather and water monitoring systems until the transfer has taken place
  • Inspect building on a regular basis
  • Keep water damage response equipment on site and ensure your plan is ready to be implemented

Article: Post-construction water damage prevention

After water damage occurs

In the event of a loss, take these appropriate steps to mitigate further damage:

1. Immediately notify your insurance broker or carrier
2. Refrain from making any statements surrounding the loss or accepting liability
3. Take photos
4. Secure the job file and assemble all documentation related to the project

5. Don't provide documents to anyone other than your insurance broker, insurance carrier or legal counsel

Helpful resources for water damage prevention in construction

General severe weather pre-planning checklist

Severe weather pre-planning checklist: wind, rain and hail

Severe weather pre-planning checklist: winter weather

Severe weather pre-planning checklist: hurricanes

Water mitigation closing checklist

Article: Post-construction water damage prevention

Material submittal log (Excel download)

Construction Water Mitigation Program (CWMP) self-audit checklist

Article: Water monitoring systems