Winter Storm Damage Prevention for Commercial Buildings

Winter Storm Damage Prevention for Commercial Buildings… After the Snow Stops

Even when the worst of the winter storm passes, your commercial property may still face risks well after the snowfall stops. Hidden threats can linger and leave damaging impacts days or weeks after frigid temperatures begin to lift. Unaddressed winter storm damages can manifest downstream, costing you time, money and operational success.

Winter storm damage prevention for commercial buildings remains crucial after the storm ends. Prepare today by learning key winter weather impacts that may linger. Taking steps to prevent these ongoing threats can help stop interruptions that could harm your business.

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TYPES OF POST-STORM WINTER WEATHER DAMAGES TO WATCH FOR

Some of the most damaging winter storm impacts can occur after you let your guard down. Keep an eye out for these critical post-storm damages that can happen after a blizzard has passed.

MOLD DAMAGE

Just when you think your building made it out damage-free from a winter storm, hidden water could be seeping into your structure. The unseen water damage can also lead to impactful microbial growth. When mold spores meet moist surfaces, growth can occur within 24 to 48 hours. Prevalent mold can impact the air quality and cause issues for building occupants.

BURST PIPES & LEAKS

As the temperature dips, frigid conditions can cause the water in plumbing systems to freeze, expanding and eventually causing pipes to burst. Even if the winds and precipitation of a winter storm have passed, freezing temperatures may persist and prolong the pressure in pipes, leading to breakages. The resulting bursts can cause water damage that leaks into your building and creates further structural mold damage.

ROOF DAMAGE

Accumulating winter precipitation on your roof can lead to ice dams on the eaves. The block of ice creates a dam that allows water to intrude underneath shingles, leading to leaks and possible roof damage. The burdensome weight of accumulating snow and ice on your roof can also lead to structural collapses. Debris and ice in roof gutters can clog up drainage systems and eventually cause further damage. The added weight could cause full detachment of gutters from the roof, possibly creating additional damage to your structure’s exterior during the collapse.

INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGE

The strain of brutal winter storms can take a toll on certain infrastructural units in your property. Check your HVAC unit after the storm to see if it is still functioning properly. Evaluate your plumbing infrastructure as well to ensure it is still prepared to handle any remaining cold weather in the season and heads into spring ready to remain resilient.

MITIGATING ADDITIONAL POST-STORM DAMAGE

If you find any of the above damages after a winter storm, act quickly to prevent damage from worsening. Quick, precise actions are critical for winter storm damage prevention for commercial buildings.

ASSESS DAMAGE THOROUGHLY

After a winter storm, begin by thoroughly walking your commercial property and inspecting for any apparent damage. Check for cracks in surfaces, chips in windows, discolored patches that may indicate water damage and sinkholes. Record any discoveries immediately, taking photos and videos for insurance documentation.

QUICKLY REMOVE WATER

If you discover any standing water within your property, contact professionals like Cotton Global Disaster Solutions to extract the water immediately. Commercial leak detection services can help you identify small leaks that could cause expensive repairs if left unaddressed.

MANAGE MOLD

As mentioned, mold growth can occur rapidly on moist surfaces, so post-storm mold remediation is critical in the first one to two days after water intrudes. Untreated mold damage can lead to lingering health and structural effects weeks after a winter storm has passed.

CLEAR DEBRIS, SNOW AND ICE

Safely remove stray debris like fallen limbs and trash. Accumulated ice and debris on roofs and in gutters can continue to weigh down the structure after the winter storm has passed, so removing that burden can help prevent additional structural damage.

DON’T DEFER ROOF MAINTENANCE

Untreated roof damage can cause complications for your property in multiple ways. A weakened roof can be more susceptible to damage. Additionally, preexisting damage can cause issues with insurance denying claims. Companies that provide commercial leak detection services can help identify intruding water from roof damage that may otherwise go initially unnoticed.

CHECK UNITS AND HAVE THEM SERVICED

Have critical equipment inspected and serviced as needed. Have HVAC units inspected so you can ensure they run efficiently moving into the spring and summer months.

A SECRET TO SUCCESS FOR WINTER STORM DAMAGE PREVENTION FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

One of the critical keys to success for efficient winter storm damage prevention for commercial buildings is relying on professionals who know what to look for.

Cotton Global Disaster Solutions (Cotton GDS) has decades of experience responding to winter storm damage. Our experienced crews know the telltale signs of lingering winter storm damage. Intruding water or damaged structures that might go undetected by property owners can be quickly identified to prevent additional damage.

COMPREHENSIVE WINTER STORM DAMAGE SOLUTIONS

Our knowledgeable teams can offer:

Contact Cotton GDS for a property inspection or urgent winter storm damage solutions tailored to your building.

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