How To Reduce Water Damage Risks From Frozen Pipes

5/9/2020 (Permalink)

Gutter maintenance in a Henning, MN home

Four Maintenance Tasks

Too many business owners ignore the risks of the spring thaw. While warmer weather and tree buds are often a relief to people, early spring still has many temperature fluctuations, which can lead to significant water damage and a business claim. Don’t let your guard down too early. Call on plumbing professionals in Henning, MN, to assess your property, and be sure to do at least the following four maintenance tasks.

• Wrap exposed pipes
• Maintain gutters and downspouts
• Remove snow and ice
• Seal vulnerable spaces
  

Wrap Exposed Pipes
Are there any pipes that run under your facility or outside the building? Are there any water lines running against exterior walls or in unheated garages? If so, insulate all exposed pipes or wrap each with heat tape, anything to reduce the risk of freezing or pipe break.

Maintain Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged or frozen gutters can also lead to a business claim for water loss. The fluctuating temperatures can lead to ice buildup, clogging the gutters and downspouts and leading to water seeping under shingles or the roofline.

Remove Snow and Ice
Like with gutters and downspouts, leaving snow and ice on the roof or around basement windows can cause damage to the property. Ice and snow on a roof can lead to leaks and damage to shingles.

Seal Vulnerable Space
Many property owners may forget the necessity of seals around windows and doors and that they don’t last forever. Before every winter and spring thaw, maintenance staff should check that seals are intact. Any seals that are cracking or missing need replacing to protect against water seepage.
The spring thaw is not a time to let your guard down as a commercial property owner. Check off the maintenance on this list, and contact a specialist for a property assessment to prepare for the thaw and the rainy season ahead, avoiding any need for a business claim.