As temperatures drop, the risk of water-related emergencies rises. This is especially true for commercial properties equipped with complex or aging plumbing systems. Freezing conditions, unexpected winter storms, and sudden cold snaps can put your building at risk for water damage related to burst pipes, leaks, and flooding. That’s why it’s so important to get started with commercial property winterization early on and help protect your building from these seasonal risk factors.
At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we’re here to offer expert advice on how you can safeguard commercial buildings against harsh winter weather. While there is no way to completely protect your property from the unexpected, through strategic planning and timely steps, you can maintain a proactive approach to commercial property winterization that can help reduce the likelihood of needing to invest in costly restoration.
Key Elements of Commercial Property Winterization
Commercial buildings have a number of variables that pose unique challenges during bouts of freezing weather. Everything from long plumbing runs to vacant units over the holiday season and inconsistent heating patterns can increase the potential for an unexpected water event, such as burst pipes.
Burst pipes are often caused by water freezing inside. As the ice expands, it places significant pressure on the walls of the pipe, sometimes resulting in dangerous cracks. The good news is that in many cases, this can be avoided with some proper winterization.
Here are some of the key elements that should be included in any commercial property winterization plan:
1. Inspecting and protecting pipes.
Because flooding from burst pipes is one of the main causes of water damage in winter, it’s important to start by having your plumbing system inspected. Pipes installed in exterior walls or crawl spaces, as well as other areas that suffer from poor insulation, will be particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
Winterization should include insulating any exposed pipes and sealing cracks that could allow cold air to seep in. Whenever possible, plan to maintain consistent temperatures inside your commercial building, even in areas that experience low traffic during this season.
2. Keeping gutter systems clean and clear.
You’ll also want to ensure your gutter system is properly cleaned and maintained before winter weather sets in. This is because the build-up of ice and debris can prevent water from flowing down gutter troughs and downspouts, causing it to pool in places where it could do significant damage.
3. Preparing mechanical spaces.
Mechanical spaces such as boiler rooms or the areas around HVAC units require dedicated attention during the winterization process. It’s essential for warm air to be able to circulate around any pipes and critical equipment to help avoid freezing. Necessary steps include ensuring adequate heating and consistent temperatures in these spaces all season long, and sealing gaps and crevices that could allow a draft to come through.
4. Partnering with water damage prevention professionals.
A comprehensive approach to commercial property winterization helps prevent anything from being overlooked, but it is not a failsafe – accidents still happen. Partnering with water damage prevention professionals is a must for identifying early indicators of moisture intrusion and remedying them through the use of high-tech equipment. For example, our team at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE comes prepared with tools such as thermal imaging technology, professional-grade LGR dehumidifiers, and innovative water extraction equipment with auto-pump out capabilities.
Benefit From Our Expert Approach to Commercial Property Winterization!
At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we are proud to support the winterization efforts of commercial property owners and facility managers. Whether you operate a single building or multiple locations, partnering with us can give you the responsive service if you suspect hidden water intrusion, and we can help you deal with any water-related issues that may arise as temperatures drop.
Have questions about commercial property winterization or suspect hidden water intrusion? Contact our team of professionals at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE today!
