3 Ways a Winter Storm Can Damage Your Commercial Property

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

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Three Ways A Winter Storm Can Destroy Your Commercial Property

Residents of Finley, WA, know of the dangers a winter storm can bring for their property. A storm that lowers temperatures to below-freezing corrodes building materials. You can prevent irreparable damage by:

• Replacing your building's roof every 20-30 years
  
• Updating appliances
• Insulating your building's plumbing system

Damage from a storm can catch property owners off guard, especially if they are new to owning a commercial building. Here are some of the most common damages inclement weather can do to a building.

1. Plumbing Issues

A common cause of burst pipes is freezing temperatures from bad weather conditions. Lowered temperatures cause water to freeze inside of pipes. The frozen water then increases the pressure inside of your building's plumbing system. Pipes can burst under the pressure of the water. The resulting water damage can be devastating for property owners. If you have experienced a pipe break in your building, stop the flow of water immediately to prevent water damage.

2. Roof Collapse

Roofs are engineered to carry at least 20 pounds per square foot. When a winter storm hits, the snow can pack on top of your roof adding extra weight. An older roof can cave in under the stress of packed snow. Ice dams are another common cause of roof collapse. Insurance companies will often cover a replacement roof if you have experienced this type of storm damage.

3. House Fires

Property owners crank up the heat during inclement weather by using furnaces and gas heaters. This increases the risk of a fire, especially if the appliances are outdated. The stress of added heat can cause the old appliances to catch fire, causing severe damage to a building. To prevent a fire, keep your heating and electrical systems updated before a storm hits.

Damage from a winter storm means costly repairs for your property. Prevent overspending on repairs by keeping your property well maintained and updated. If you have experienced damage from inclement weather, contact a storm damage restoration service to help you clean and restore your property.