Seeing a severe thunderstorm warning probably doesn’t elicit the same level of response as a flood advisory or hurricane watch. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Severe thunderstorms—and the subsequent weather that can result from them—are capable of causing significant damage to your commercial property.
How Can Severe Thunderstorms Cause Damage to a Commercial Building?
Flash Flooding
Slow-moving thunderstorms may lead to flash flooding in a community, which can allow water to enter your commercial property. Standing water in a building requires immediate extraction, dehumidification and moisture mapping. Building owners and facility managers who put off these crucial steps may find themselves with mold, making their property unsafe for people to occupy.
Lightning Strikes and Fires
Lightning, a common component of thunderstorms, can be extremely damaging if it hits your building. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes are “hotter than the surface of the sun and can reach temperatures around 50,000°F.”
This concentrated energy and heat can lead to a fire on your property. However, a lightning protection system can reduce your risk of sustaining damage.
Straight-Line Winds and Tornadoes
The strong gusts from a severe thunderstorm can turn into something more dangerous, like a tornado or straight-line winds.
While many think tornadoes are the most damaging types of wind storms, straight-line winds can cause just as much—if not more—destruction. High-speed winds can knock over trees, pick up debris and send them into your walls and through your windows and even knock down power lines, which can lead to fires.
Hail
Severe thunderstorms are capable of producing rather sizable pieces of hail, which can harm your commercial roof. In the event of damage after a storm, the trusted team at Cotton GDS is ready 24/7 to install a temporary roof, set up tarps and begin working on any necessary fixes.
How To Protect Your Commercial Property From Thunderstorms
The best way to protect your business from damage is to ensure it’s in tip-top shape before a storm. Get a roof inspection to avoid leaks during a thunderstorm, ensure you have a lightning protection system installed, trim nearby trees and secure all loose outdoor items.
You can also stay ahead of a storm by joining our FirstAlert! Program. Cotton GDS clients who already have a master service agreement (MSA) can sign up for free, and they’ll gain access to various benefits, including:
24/7 monitoring of their facilities with Cotton’s Business Intelligence Center
Reduced fees on services
Priority response during community-wide disasters
An initial response within 15 minutes or less
And much more
Contact a Commercial Hail & Storm Damage Contractor
In the event of storm damage, know that you can trust the professionals at Cotton Global Disaster Solutions to help you get back on your feet.