Restoration logo
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • EDUCATION
  • TOPICS
  • BUSINESS
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
  • INFOCENTER
  • THE EXPERIENCE
  • EMAG
  • SIGN UP
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • PRODUCTS
  • New Products & Technologies
  • Submit Your Product
  • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
  • KnowHow.
  • Podcasts
  • Trade Shows & Expos
  • Training & Certification
  • Webinars
  • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
  • Water Damage
  • Fire & Smoke Damage
  • Mold
  • Contamination
  • Odor
  • Contents
  • Architecture
  • Catastrophe
  • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
  • Managing Your Business
  • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • VIDEOS
  • Ask Annissa
  • Ask the Expert
  • Ironclad Marketing Minute
  • TradeTalks
  • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
  • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
  • Conference & Exhibition
  • Convention & Trade Show
  • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
  • eMagazine
  • Archive Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise
Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Water Damage RestorationInsurance/Legal Matters in Restoration

Storage Unit Water Damage - Causes, Repair and Insurance

By Peter Corry
Interior of a modern self storage facility with metal doors and locks

Photo: PixelCatchers / E+ via Getty Images

January 21, 2025

As a storage facility owner, I have seen how devastating water damage can be to stored belongings.

It’s not pretty. Minor leaks can quickly flood an entire unit, or even multiple units, which is why water damage poses one of the biggest threats to items kept in storage units.

Let's explore the causes, repair strategies and preventive measures we've learned through years of managing these situations that you can later educate your own customers on.


What Causes Storage Unit Water Damage?

Poor drainage systems often lead to water pooling around units, especially during heavy rainfall. 

Aging roofs develop leaks over time, allowing water to seep in and damage tenants' belongings.

Units with climate control issues can create condensation problems, while faulty plumbing systems occasionally burst or leak, affecting multiple units simultaneously.

And, although much more rarely, fire sprinklers can sometimes lead to water damage and mold.

Particularly challenging is the domino effect of water damage — when one unit experiences flooding, neighboring units often suffer consequences too.


How to Repair Storage Unit Water Damage?

First, ensure all affected items are removed from the unit and properly dried. 

Quick action is crucial — within the first 24-48 hours — to prevent mold growth and further damage to belongings.

A repair process typically involves:

  1. Using commercial dehumidifiers and fans to dry out the damp areas
  2. Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the space to prevent mold growth
  3. Inspecting and repairing any structural damage to walls, floors, or ceilings
  4. Testing humidity levels to ensure the unit is completely dry before allowing items to be returned
  5. Proper documentation of the damage and repair process is essential, especially for insurance purposes.

Speaking of, we’ll later discuss the insurance implications of storage unit water damage.

But first, some prevention tips.


How to Prevent Storage Unit Water Damage?

We, as a facility, regularly inspect our facility's roof, gutters, and drainage systems to prevent potential issues.

During our routine maintenance checks, we pay special attention to signs of water damage like water stains, musty odors, or dampness.

We also advise our tenants to:

  • Store items at least 6 inches off the ground using pallets or shelving
  • Use waterproof plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes
  • Wrap furniture and valuable items in protective plastic covering
  • Regularly visit their units to check for any signs of water damage

Simple preventive measures like these can save thousands of dollars in potential damage.


Storage Unit Water Damage Insurance

While most storage facilities, including ours, require basic insurance coverage, we always recommend that tenants carefully review their policies. Standard storage insurance typically covers damage from burst pipes or leaking roofs, but many policies exclude flood damage.

We've found that the best approach is a combination of the facility's insurance and additional coverage through personal insurance or third-party storage insurance providers. 

Documenting stored items with photographs and maintaining detailed inventories significantly smooths the claims process.

We can't stress enough how crucial it is to understand your insurance coverage before storing valuable items. We've seen too many cases where tenants assumed they were covered, only to discover gaps in their coverage after experiencing water damage.


Final Words

Over the years, we've found that the key to minimizing water damage impact lies in combining proper insurance coverage with preventive measures and quick response to any signs of water intrusion.

KEYWORDS: liability risk management water mitigation

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Web petercorry 200x200

Peter Corry has a deep background in the commercial real estate industry, starting by working for his father's company at a young age and growing from there, working in Washington, DC, and Atlanta. Peter’s extensive experience has enabled him to start, grow, and mold Moore Storage in Sylvester into a company that consistently exceeds the expectations of its clients.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Cleaning and Sanitation
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

Ask The Expert - From the Unknown to Making a Difference: AJ and Becky's Journey

Ask The Expert - From the Unknown to Making a Difference: AJ and Becky's Journey

Ask The Expert - Transforming Business Operations: Insights from Leighton Healey

Ask The Expert - Transforming Business Operations: Insights from Leighton Healey

Ask The Expert: Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Ask The Expert: Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Ask The Expert: Catastrophe Panel – Back to the Basics Part 1

Ask The Expert: Catastrophe Panel – Back to the Basics Part 1

More Videos

Popular Stories

wall cavity drying

Dry or Demolish? Navigating the Complexities of Wall Cavity Restoration

Ask the Expert: Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Ask the Expert: Catastrophe Panel - Back to the Basics Part 1

Catastrophe Panel – Back to the Basics Part 1

R&R Ladder Award - Submit Your Nomination

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Restoration Services

What restoration/remediation service do you prioritize most?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
Webinar - Top Legal Tools Every Restoration Contractor Should Understand

Related Articles

  • Ask the Expert - Leading Causes of Commercial Water Damage: Insights from Shawn Havalotti

    Leading Causes of Commercial Water Damage: Insights from Shawn Havalotti

    See More
  • insurance claims for water damage restoration

    Assessing Water Damage: Insurance Companies' Struggle

    See More
  • Gray

    CoreLogic Appoints Garret Gray President of Protect Business Unit, Uniting Global Insurance Data and Technology Solutions

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • insurance.png

    2025 National Renovation & Insurance Repair Estimator

  • Cover.jpg

    How To Get More Water Damage Jobs (ebook)

  • M:\General Shared\__AEC Store Katie Z\AEC Store\Images\r&r\new site\waterinbuildings.gif

    Water in Buildings: An Architect's Guide to Moisture and Mold

See More Products
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP