How To Prepare Your Business for Severe Weather

8/29/2019 (Permalink)

Roof inspection in Plum Springs, KY

April showers bring May flowers, or so the saying goes. However, sometimes that Spring storm may bring a little more than you bargained for. Strong winds and torrential downpours can cause serious damage to your commercial property. That is why it is important to prepare as much as possible to solidify your building against severe weather.

Keep the Water Away

Allowing rainwater or rising groundwater to sit on or near the building structure is a recipe for disaster. A few ways to divert rain away from your property include:


Using overhangs


Building a berm or slanting the soil


Adding drip guards


Installing a rainscreen


Of course, your drainage system plays the biggest role in filtering water away from your building during a storm, so make sure it is in top condition. Oftentimes, property owners may not even realize they have faulty drainage until they are caught dealing with flood cleanup. Invasive tree roots are a common cause of drainage issues. As roots grow and expand they may lead to a serious pipe break, so you might want to have any problematic trees removed. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your gutters, downspouts and drain pipes can keep you ahead of the game next time a Spring storm rolls around.

Prepare for Strong Winds

High winds are one of the major causes of storm damage. Storm gusts can rip off shingles and sheathing, so having a routine roof inspection is essential. During inspection, ensure that shingles are nailed down and are not worn or degraded. Also check for a tight seal between the roof and the walls, and make sure that any air conditioning units, pipes or other entities are securely attached. In anticipation of strong wind, you might also want to check doors and windows. Doors should have at least three substantial hinges and sturdy locks to prevent them from swinging or blowing.
Always keep your building well-maintained and monitor the weather so that you have adequate time to prepare for a harsh Spring storm. Nevertheless, should your commercial property in Plum Springs, KY, suffer any type of storm damage, storm cleanup and restoration experts are Here to Help.