Did You Know...? Part 2: The Solution
Did you know...
... that water issues in construction now can be solved through modern technology?
In our previous article, we explained that non-flood water damage claims in Builders’ Risk insurance programs cost the insurance industry a whopping $15 billion each year. Altogether, they represent over one-half of all insurance payouts, which do not include repair costs absorbed by the insured in deductibles or uninsured delays, soft costs, and project disruption.
We also described that many of these losses are either preventable or can be significantly mitigated. Now we’ll discuss the technology that’s helping contractors and developers meet this challenge. When properly deployed, installed, and maintained, leading-edge IoT technology solutions can help prevent, suppress, and mitigate water, fire, and security perils.
Let’s examine the capabilities and limitations of the more popular water damage risk control solutions available for use in construction sites today, including how they work, the requirements for using them, and the types of circumstances they’re designed to address.
Creating A Water Risk Management Solution
For water detection risk control and damage prevention, there are currently three types of technology-driven solutions: environmental sensors, flow meters, and shutoff valves. They can be used independently or in combination.
Notably, the alert functionality they deliver along with an active 24/7 response capability provides an effective system for preventing water leaks and pipe bursts from quickly becoming major problems that can cause significant and costly damage at construction jobsites.
The Water Monitoring Trifecta
Environmental sensors, water shutoff valves and water flow meters help contractors monitor and manage water damage risks.
Environmental sensors. These devices are strategically deployed to monitor for weather-related water intrusion or water releases from pipe leaks. They also detect pipe freezing temperatures and high heat risks and are typically placed in mechanical and electrical rooms, near expensive furniture or fixtures, as well as in risers, stairwells, or elevator pits.
Environmental sensors offer an economical and non-invasive risk control solution to address water damage, as well as some aspects of fire risk. When properly deployed and monitored, they can deliver a high degree of protection against an incident such as a water leak that otherwise might result in significant water damage and consequential project delays. These devices are increasingly being deployed at new construction sites and in renovation projects involving residential and commercial properties.
Water flow meters. These devices use Artificial Intelligence to monitor unexpected increases in water flow rates. They are typically used in active construction sites or operating properties that are vacant or temporarily unoccupied. The meters are installed on domestic, fire, and irrigation water mains and have also been deployed for submetering on building risers or to check for per-unit water consumption.
Flow meters are increasingly being used in renovation and long-term construction projects (2.5+ years), as well as in residential and commercial operating properties. It is worth noting that meters tend to be more costly than sensors to install and maintain. While they may play a key role in an overall water damage risk control program, they provide limited protection based on how and where they can be deployed.
Water shutoff valves. These valuable safeguards offer the ability to shut off water lines remotely. The valves can be activated manually, by user access through a mobile app, or automatically based on a change in flow rate or an established schedule. Remotely activated shutoff valves are typically deployed on domestic and irrigation water mains, and to a lesser extent on building risers, delineated zones, and specific living spaces.
The valves are most effectively used in new construction and renovation projects involving operations properties, such as multi-family, condominiums, apartments, and commercial buildings. They deliver moderate levels of protection against serious water damage events; however, they often involve higher costs to purchase and install.
How The Solution Works
A network gateway – think of your home Wi-Fi router – transmits the data gathered from various sensors and water meters to the cloud for onward distribution to users. The gateway also transmits remote commands to water shutoff valves. Technically, the connection is accomplished through a secure private radio network using a low frequency known as LoRa (low range) to provide the range needed to access data collected throughout large structures. Two or more networks may be required for sitewide coverage in larger buildings including high-rises.
Data gathered by the sensors are routed through the gateways, stored in the cloud, and transmitted over the internet through a 4G/5G cellular connection. For security, data transfer is normally encrypted from the device to the database. The network is standalone and single purpose; it is not connected to any other client network. Sensor data can be accessed through a secure portal, which often includes automation-driven tools for analysis and insights.
Designated contacts may also opt to receive actionable alerts by text, email, or within specific apps. Many systems now offer 24/7 monitoring with the option to include a professional response feature.
The following infographic illustrates how various water damage risk control devices can be used in conjunction with a gateway to manage potential exposures.
With the right combination of components in place, the stage is set for the creation of a robust water damage risk control process to protect a wide range of construction jobsites.
However, while it’s clear the hardware and software tools that make up an effective water damage risk control system are readily available, having a successful outcome ultimately depends on making sure these valuable tools are being fully and correctly utilized. Learn more in our next article which focuses on how the Technology Works.
"Did You Know ...?" is a series of articles created to help risk and construction executives identify, prevent and mitigate water damage and other perils affecting construction jobsites. Future articles will address: Technology Works, Keys to Success, and Our RiskTech Future.
