How to Protect Your Business from Water Damage This Winter

In southern Louisiana, there are numerous ways that your commercial property could experience water damage. Hurricanes and severe flooding are probably the first causes that come to mind, but surprisingly enough, winter weather can also have a significant impact. Even though New Orleans has a warm climate, temperatures in the area tend to drop below freezing at least once per year. Winter weather in New Orleans can bring with it freezing rain or sleet.

The winter season’s cooler temperatures and rainfall can present several risks to commercial property owners, including:

• Frozen pipes: Cold temperatures can cause the water in exposed pipes to freeze and expand, which can result in burst pipes. These leaks can be catastrophic if not immediately taken care of.
• Clogged or overflowing gutters: Heavy rain or sleet combined with clogged gutters, caused by ice or other debris, can cause water to pool in vulnerable areas. This can result in leaks or other water damage to a structure.
• Leaking water heaters: In the winter months, water heaters must work extra hard to heat cold water, making them more prone to leaks and other issues.
• Ice and frost related damage to roofs, gutters, and more: Rain and other moisture combined with cold temperatures can cause frost and ice buildup. When water freezes, it expands, and can do a surprising amount of damage to many structures. When it eventually warms up and melts again, this can cause additional issues.

Most of these risks can be mitigated through careful preparation and proper maintenance. But if water damage does end up affecting your business, you can rest assured knowing that

ServiceMaster Elite Cleaning Services will be there to help with your commercial water damage restoration needs.

Mitigating Water Damage Risks During the Winter Season

The reason many businesses suffer from water damage during the winter months is simply because they are unprepared. This is especially common in New Orleans, where the weather is typically warm even during the winter season. Because of this, many business owners are caught off guard when a cold front moves in and temperatures plunge rapidly. If possible, it is helpful to read weather forecasts so you can be prepared if a period of freezing cold temperatures is on its way. If you do anticipate that your area might experience freezing cold weather, there are some proactive steps you should take to protect your business from water damage.

Ahead of a cold spell, you should:

• Protect your pipes from freezing by maintaining warm indoor temperatures, even at night. Allowing faucets to drip can also help prevent pipes from freezing. For the best protection, ensure that the spaces around your pipes are properly sealed and insulated to prevent cold air from drafting in.
• Keep your gutters clean and free of debris. This will allow water to properly flow through them and prevent pooling.
• Check your water heaters for any issues. Your water heaters will have to work harder due to the cold temperatures, and any existing issues could be worsened and cause bigger problems like leaks.
• Ensure your attic or ceiling is properly insulated and ventilated. Warm air in your attic can cause snow on your roof to melt, but when it reaches the eaves, the cold air causes it to refreeze again, creating heavy ice dams. This buildup of ice and water can cause several problems. If your attic is correctly insulated and ventilated, it will help mitigate the buildup of ice on your roof.

Taking these relatively simple precautions will help reduce the risks of commercial water damage that winter weather can bring. It’s better to spend the time and money on preventative measures than it is to end up needing to deal with water damage at your business.

Warning Signs of Commercial Water Damage

There are many warning signs to look out for when assessing whether your business has been affected by water damage. Even if you take the time to prepare for winter weather, sometimes the inevitable happens and water damage occurs. Signs that your business is experiencing water damage could include peeling or bubbling wallpaper, warped flooring, rust on or around pipes, pooling water, stains on walls or ceilings, or increased water bills. However, these are not the only indicators of water damage.

If you suspect any kind of water damage at your business, let the experts from ServiceMaster Elite Cleaning Services conduct a water damage inspection to determine what the possible cause and extent of the damage may be. We’re here to provide you with all your commercial water damage restoration needs, from conducting an initial assessment, creating a plan of action, and restoring your business to its original condition.