Spring Storm Preparation 101

SPRING STORM PREPARATION 101

Spring is a season of renewal, bringing warmer weather and vibrant greenery. However, it is also the most unpredictable time of year, often delivering volatile conditions such as heavy rain, snowstorms, flooding, tornadoes and sudden temperature shifts. These weather changes can pose risks to commercial buildings, making spring storm preparation essential for protecting your property.

Taking proactive steps like thoroughly inspecting your building — from the roof to the ground — scheduling HVAC cleaning or having an emergency preparedness plan, you can help prevent costly repairs and ensure a swift recovery even if disaster strikes.

To help you get started, here’s a comprehensive checklist for preparing your commercial building for spring weather:

Building Inspection for Spring Storm Preparation

Conducting a thorough building inspection is crucial for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before spring storms hit. Proactive assessments help minimize damage and enhance safety.

Roof Damage Assessment

Winter weather can take a toll on your commercial roof, making a roof inspection essential as temperatures shift from winter to spring. The expansion and contraction of roofing materials can weaken structural integrity, while high winds may rip off loose shingles, increasing the risk of leaks and further damage.

Check for missing, cracked or curling shingles and replace them as needed to prevent costly roof damage restoration. Key signs of roof damage include:

Water leaks: Dripping water or ceiling stains indicate a compromised roof.
Sagging roof: A sinking or uneven roofline signals structural concerns that require immediate attention.

Don’t wait — schedule a roof inspection today to protect your property before spring storms hit.

Window Cracks and Gaps

Watch for small openings in walls and window frames, as they can allow strong winds and water to seep in, causing interior damage. Seal any cracks with weatherproof caulk or sealant. If your business is on the ground floor, reinforce doors with heavy-duty bolts for added protection.

Storm Drainage and Water Flow

Regular storm drain inspection and cleaning are essential to prevent water backup and property damage. Common pollutants, such as trash, debris, sediments, pesticides, fertilizers and animal waste, can clog drainage systems, leading to overflow. To avoid roof leaks and foundation flooding, clear gutters of leaves, debris and contaminants before the spring storm season.

Structural Reinforcements

Secure fences, sheds and outdoor equipment to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles during a storm. Garage doors are often weak spots in a building. To make them stronger, use braces or impact-resistant materials, which help them handle strong winds better.

Improve Air Quality Indoors in Commercial Buildings

“Out of sight, out of mind” is not the best policy when it comes to HVAC system cleanliness. Since HVAC systems don’t have direct alerts for buildup, staying vigilant and proactive is essential. After running all winter, heating ducts can become clogged with dust and particles, continuously recirculating poor-quality air.

Scheduling a commercial HVAC cleaning can help improve indoor air quality due to duct conditions being inspected, filters replaced and system efficiency being optimized. Additionally, enhancing ventilation and managing humidity levels can help ensure a healthier indoor environment.

Look Out for Mold Growth

As temperatures rise in the spring, so does humidity, creating the perfect environment for mold growth. When indoor humidity levels reach 70% or higher, walls, flooring and ceilings start to soak up moisture, becoming an ideal breeding ground for mold. Worse yet, mold can start growing in as little as 24 hours, which can lead to structural damage and potential health risks for everyone inside.

Here are some ways to prevent mold growth:

Act fast when water leaks or spills occur indoors. Drying damp materials and affected areas within 24-48 hours can typically control mold growth.
Regularly inspect and maintain roof gutters to prevent blockages and damage.
Keep indoor humidity low.

By proactively managing moisture issues, you can protect your commercial property from extensive mold damage. If your business has been affected by mold, reach out to Cotton GDS for comprehensive mold remediation and cleaning services to return your property to its original state.

Have a Contingency Plan

Disasters can strike anytime, so it’s critical to have a well-structured emergency plan. A comprehensive plan doesn’t just help protect lives — it also minimizes downtime, prevents property damage and ensures a smoother recovery process.

Emergency Preparedness Plan

Establish clear evacuation routes: Make sure exits and shelter areas are well-marked and unobstructed. Interior rooms without windows or reinforced spaces provide the best protection during extreme weather.
Train employees on emergency protocols: Conduct regular safety training covering severe weather response, first aid, emergency contacts and proper shutdown procedures for critical equipment.
Schedule emergency drills: Regular drills help all team members to know exactly how to respond when disaster strikes.

Backup Critical Data and Operations

Storms and power outages can disrupt business operations, making data backup essential. Use cloud-based storage for remote access and protection against physical damage. Additionally, maintain offline backups and set up automatic backups to safeguard critical information.

Following a catastrophic event, Cotton Global Disaster Solutions (Cotton GDS) has the technology required to efficiently restore electronics and recover valuable data.

Prepare for Remote Work

Having a remote work strategy in place can help maintain productivity in the workplace. Equip employees with necessary tools and establish a communications plan with vendors and clients for seamless collaboration, just in case on-site operations are impacted by severe weather events.

Professional Commercial Restoration Services

Spring’s unpredictable weather can bring significant challenges, but with the right preparation, your commercial property can withstand the season’s storms no matter how rough they are. From roof inspection to emergency planning, taking proactive measures helps safeguard your building, employees and business operations.

At Cotton GDS, our restoration experts specialize in water damage restoration, mold remediation, commercial HVAC cleaning and emergency response services, ensuring that businesses recover quickly and efficiently after severe weather events. Don’t wait until disaster strikes — prepare now to protect your business.