3 Tips for Preventing Winter Storm Damage to Commercial Structures

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage to an office building due to a broken pipe.

Steps To Prevent Winter Storm Damage To Your Commercial Property

A winter storm has the potential to cause as much storm damage as a thunderstorm. Sleet, ice, wind and snow all pose risks to structures. There are some actions that can help prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of blizzards, snow squalls and other winter weather events on commercial buildings.

1. Winterize Exposed Pipes and Faucets
Sudden temperature drops may result in a pipe break, which can, in turn, lead to a water catastrophe that requires the services of a professional cleanup service in Barnardsville, NC, to handle. Insulating exposed pipes and outdoor faucets and taps can keep them from freezing and bursting. First, the water valves connecting to them need to be shut off and any attached hoses disconnected and stored in a sheltered location. Second, the water needs to be drained out. Finally, protective pipe insulation needs to be wrapped around each pipe and faucet.

2. Clean the Roof and Gutters
It is important to clean debris and gunk out of gutters before a winter storm. This will allow liquid to drain properly in the case of freezing rain. It is equally important to remove snow and ice from both the roof and gutters after the event. A pileup of packed snow can collapse the roof, and even if it doesn't, when melted it may cause mold and other damage. Water can also freeze in the gutters, creating ice dams whose weight can pull them off.

3. Caulk Cracks and Openings
Small holes and cracks around windows and other areas can allow cold air to seep in. Even indoor pipes may freeze if chilly winds enter the structure, lowering the temperature. Doing an inspection of the building and reapplying and applying caulk to any areas that need it can help prevent this.
A winter storm can cause a great deal of trouble if appropriate measures are not taken. Pipes exploding and roofs falling in are very real possibilities that can be warded off with a little extra work, so it is important to keep a close eye on the weather and prepare for severe incidents.