Heavy Snowfall Can Inflict Serious Water Damage on Your Business
The Baltimore and Washington, D.C., areas are no strangers to heavy snowfall in the winter months. Local business owners must be prepared for the potential damage that can occur due to the winter weather conditions that occur in the region. Blizzards and their aftermath can cause serious water damage to your business if it is not properly protected.
ServiceMaster by Singer understands the hazards associated with winter storms and water damage. Our team of restoration technicians is committed to helping our commercial customers in the area be prepared for heavy snowfall and provide water damage restoration services when necessary.
Water Damage Risks Associated with Winter Storms
Heavy snowfall and winter storms bring unique water damage risks to businesses. Snow accumulates on roofs, creating extra weight that can cause structural damage and leaks. Ice dams can also form on the eaves of your roof, damaging your gutters and hindering your roof's ability to drain water. Icicles may also form around windows, doors, and other openings that can break off suddenly as temperatures rise during the day.
Freezing temperatures associated with winter weather can also cause significant water damage to your business. Water inside of pipes or other closed spaces will expand if it freezes, causing the vessel to burst and leak, resulting in potentially significant damage.
As snow melts, it can seep into cracks in foundations or overburdened gutters. These areas are especially vulnerable when combined with unusually heavy rainstorms or winds which force melted snow into unprotected spaces.
Melting snow can also weaken soil and cause significant flooding. According to the National Flood Service and FEMA, 10 inches of snow can result in one inch of floodwater, which, on its own, can cause up to $2,500 in damage.
Five Steps to Prepare Your Baltimore Business for Severe Winter Weather
To protect against the potential effects of a blizzard or other winter storm, you should take these five steps to ensure you are prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Taking precautions is the best way to safeguard your commercial property against water damage throughout the winter season.
1. Invest in Adequate Insurance Coverage
Having adequate insurance coverage for your commercial property is essential in protecting it from the potentially disastrous effects of winter storms. Without proper insurance, businesses in Baltimore and Washington D.C., may be left vulnerable to paying for water damage repairs that can cost thousands of dollars.
It is important to have a comprehensive policy that covers not only flooding but also additional risks associated with heavy snowfall such as structural damage or leaks caused by ice dams.
2. Ensure Your Business is Properly Sealed and Insulated
Ensuring that your commercial property is adequately sealed and insulated can help prevent water damage caused by melting snow, freezing temperatures, ice dams, and other risks associated with heavy snowfall. Proper sealing helps ensure that melted snow does not seep into cracks in foundations, doors, windows, or overburdened gutters. Utilizing caulk or silicone to seal openings and cracks is a cost-effective method of protecting your business.
Proper insulation is also crucial, because when heat is allowed to bleed through your roof, the bottom layer of snow will melt and refreeze, resulting in the formation of icicles and ice dams. Adequate insulation, particularly in your attic or ceilings, will prevent heat from escaping and mitigate these risks.
3. Create an Emergency Kit
In the event that a winter storm causes interruptions to infrastructure such as roads or electricity, it's important that your Baltimore or Washington, D.C. area business has an adequate emergency kit in place. An emergency preparedness kit should include items such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights with spare batteries, and other items that can keep you and your employees safe and comfortable in the event that you are stuck without power or transportation for an extended period.
4. Come Up with a Business Continuity Plan
Creating a business continuity plan is a crucial step in being prepared for winter storms and other potential disasters that your business could face. This will help you manage your business during times of emergency, minimize property damage, and keep everyone safe.
A sound business continuity plan should include:
- Alerting and notification procedures
- Points of contact for your business
- Emergency procedures
- Damage assessment protocols
Writing a thorough plan is merely the first step in this process. It's important to test the plan through drills and rehearsals with your employees to further practice and refine it.
5. Ensure Your Heating Systems Are Working Properly
As winter storms roll in, you must ensure that your heating system is functioning properly. A well-maintained heating system helps protect against the risks associated with freezing temperatures, such as structural damage caused by ice dams or leaks from burst pipes. Additionally, it will help keep you and your employees warm and comfortable during cold weather.
Count On ServiceMaster by Singer for Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Baltimore
No matter how prepared your business is, sometimes the unexpected happens. If your business operations or commercial property has been affected by water damage as a result of severe winter weather, you can count on ServiceMaster by Singer to be there to assist. Our restoration technicians are experts in providing commercial water damage restoration services.
Commercial repairs and restoration tasks we can handle include, but are not limited to:
From repairing structural damage to ensuring your business is clean and dry after a leak, you can count on us to provide the support you need to get up and running again after a destructive winter storm or water damage.
To learn more about our commercial water damage restoration services in Baltimore, contact us online or call (410) 346-9336 today!