How to prepare your commercial property for a Spring storm

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The spring storms can cause devastating damage to your commercial property. Here’s how to prepare your property for water damage in Spring.

Have you considered getting your commercial facility ready for Spring?

The Spring season can be an expensive period if you don’t plan for it properly. Heavy rains in the Spring can cause flooding, roof damage, and property damage, among other things that would be costly to repair or replace.

SERVPRO of Metairie, a leading local water damage restoration company, has seen it all when it comes to the damage rain can do. They’ve put together the following tips to help you prepare your commercial property for the Spring rains.

1. Check for Damages from Freezing

The freezing temperatures and ice expansion can damage drainage pipes, gutters, and asphalt/concrete surfaces. It’s important not to just assume that everything is right. Check your irrigation lines and external hose shut-offs for damage to ensure your commercial space is safe for both staff and customers.

Also check the foundation of your commercial property and vertical walls, which can fracture due to settlement or freezing temperatures.

Look for cracks, peeling paint, or other evidence of water damage on the building’s exterior as well. Water can readily permeate the inside of a structure if there are cracks or damage on the outside, so fix any crack you find.

2. Inspect your Roof

A roof is necessary to keep your building's integrity and protect the interiors from wetness. Winter weather may be harsh on your roof, so check it for any indications of damage. If you're comfortable climbing a ladder, you can get a better look, but if you're not, use binoculars to inspect the roof from the ground or hire a professional roof inspector. If your roof has tiles, look for any broken or missing tiles. Cracked or missing tiles can allow water to seep into your space.

Look for evidence of wetness in the interiors, especially in locations like the basement. A wet, musty odor, black or discolored patches on ceilings, walls, or mounds are all telltale indicators of water damage.

3. Ensure your Gutters are Clean

Downspouts and gutters are necessary for directing water away from a building's foundations and protecting it. They also help to prevent erosion, paint damage, and the formation of mold and mildew on a building's exterior.

When gutters become clogged, and can't operate correctly, they spill water that can cause damage to a building. So it’s important to clean your gutters regularly to avoid accumulations of leaves, twigs, and other debris.

It's advisable to hire a professional gutter cleaning service because they'll be able to notice any damage early on.

4. Be Prepared for Potential Problem Areas

If your office or facility typically leaks in a certain area, and it hasn’t been fixed, make sure you have someone on-site and available in the event of a storm.

Call ahead of time to let the employees know how to handle any concerns, and check in during or after the rain to see if they've had any problems.

5. Be Proactive

Water damage can still occur even with all the preparations. The storm can damage your roof or you can experience a pipe burst. However, when water damage happens, the level of damage you have is determined by your actions and inactions.

Inviting a commercial water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Metairie will increase the chances of restoring water-impacted properties.

About SERVPRO of Metairie 

SERVPRO of Metairie is a local leader in the cleaning and restoration industry, with highly trained professionals available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They’re committed to responding to any major disaster promptly, sending down a team of experienced water restoration professionals with the latest equipment, to handle your company’s restoration or cleaning needs to ensure your Metairie business space is in good standing. They serve Lakewood, New Orleans, LA, and surrounding areas.

The restoration team at SERVPRO of Metairie provides flood restoration services, fire damage, mold remediation, and water damage restoration services for commercial spaces like yours.

Contact SERVPRO of Metairie at (504) 496-0193 today to speak with one of their restoration professionals.