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When a building experiences water damage, the immediate priority is often to remove moisture as quickly as possible. Rapid structural drying helps prevent material deterioration, minimize business interruption, and reduce the risk of mold growth. In occupied buildings such as hospitals, long-term care homes, schools, laboratories, museums, archives, and commercial facilities, however, successful structural drying involves much more than removing water. It also requires careful planning, contaminant control, and protecting the people who continue to use the building throughout the restoration process.

Arguably, the cornerstone of safeguarding archives and collections lies in prevention, which makes understanding potential threats crucial. This is why The Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canadian Conservation Institute have compiled a list of the top 10 agents of deterioration, identifying the primary hazards to historical objects. This compilation aims to assist in preventing and protecting valuable collections, whether housed in museums or homes.

Across Canada, many office and commercial buildings continue to sit vacant or underutilized. According to CBRE, Canada’s national office vacancy rate stood at approximately 18% at the end of 2025, compared to 10.9% before the pandemic. As more buildings remain partially occupied or unoccupied for extended periods, property owners, municipalities, and facility managers are facing growing pressure to reduce operating costs while still protecting building conditions and long-term asset value.

[PRESS RELEASE] Montreal (Quebec), May 6, 2026 - Polygon Restoration, a global leader in property damage restoration and temporary climate solutions, is pleased to announce the opening of a new office in Gatineau, Québec. This new location reflects Polygon Restoration’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its local presence in the Outaouais region and continuing to support clients across the market.

On a construction project, the cost of a water leak is often measured in time as much as in damage. The longer water flows, the greater the impact on materials, labour schedules, and project delivery timelines. A leak that runs for several hours can delay multiple trades and require significant rework, while the same leak detected and addressed quickly may have minimal impact.