3 Common Types of Winter Commercial Storm Damage

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

We may still enjoy a pretty snow flurry, but winter weather tends to cause business owners to hope that storms don’t result in property damage.

As kids, we put spoons under our pillows and wore our pajamas inside-out, flushed an ice cube down the toilet, or left a white crayon on the window sill for Jack Frost - whatever we could do to (allegedly) increase the chance of seeing snow and winter weather the next morning. Now, we may still enjoy a pretty snow flurry, but winter weather tends to make us commercial business owners hold our breath, hoping that storms don’t result in storm damage. In this blog, we’ll discuss 3 of the most common types of property damage resulting from winter storms, as well as ways in which such damage can be prevented, so that all you have to do when the forecast predicts winter weather is enjoy the snowflakes.

1. Leaky Roof

During the winter, our commercial property’s roof might leak due to an ice dam, damaged roof shingles, or clogged gutters. A leaky roof can result in water damage and even flooding, as precipitation eventually leaks down from the roof and seeps into ceilings and walls. The longer the water damage sits, the greater the chance of mold damage.  

2. Roof Collapse

Heavy precipitation, whether rain or snow, can place too much weight on your property’s roof. Additionally, recurring roof leaks can also cause roofs to wear down and collapse, leading to structural damage. In order to prevent your roof from collapsing, be sure to clear your roof and gutters from debris.

3. Burst Pipes

Water molecules expand when water freezes in pipes. When this ice expands, pushing water towards the faucet and increasing pressure. As a result, pipes burst under the pressure. The longer pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures during the winter, the more likely they are to burst.

Have Storm Damage? Call SERVPRO

If your commercial property falls victim to any of the above types of winter storm damage, know that SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall is only a call away. Pick up the phone immediately upon discovery of storm damage and call your local SERVPRO Team Wall office, SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County, at (410) 229-0012. Learn more about our Commercial Damage Restoration Services, as well as our Commercial Water, Storm, Fire, and Mold services, on our website. In the event that your property requires reconstruction services, we also offer Building Services, as our team can handle the entire job, from restoration to reconstruction, until your commercial property is restored to its preloss condition. Call SERVPRO and make it “Like it never even happened.”