Don’t Be Sorry, Be Proactive about Preventative Business Measures

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment drying out this commercial building.

A pipe break can lead to water damage which ultimately leads to filing a business claim. The claim process can be extensive and can cause an interruption in the business for days or possibly weeks. Taking small steps now, however, can reduce the risk of having to file any water-related claim.

Steps to Avoid a Pipe Break

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Insulating any pipes that are exposed to frigid temperatures can reduce the risk of burst pipes. The insulation will prevent the buildup of ice inside the pipe; therefore, reducing the risk of increased pressure.

2. Maintain a Consistent Temperature

Allowing a building to go below 55°F consistently dramatically increases the risks of frozen pipes and pipe breaks as well as filing a business claim and should be avoided if possible.

3. Keep Drainage Areas Clear

Preventing minor flooding can be as easy as keeping drainage areas clear. This can be done by inspecting drains, downspouts, and gutters frequently to ensure that there are no blockages that would encourage backflow.

4. Remove Excess Snow

Another way of preventing minor flooding and even possible roof damage is to remove any excess snow. Snow not only increases the load on your roof but during the thaw it is possible that the melting snow will seep into minor imperfections and weaken the structure of the roof.

5. Fix Leaks and Cracks

It may also be a good idea to regularly walk the perimeter of your building, checking the foundation in the exterior for any cracks or leaks. Any minor imperfections can usually be corrected with exterior sealants; however, significant cracks may require the use of a restoration company in the Colorado Springs, CO, area.

6. Protect Valuable Items

While performing any of these preventative steps can reduce the risk of water damage, it may still be wise to protect any valuable items by keeping them above ground level and even in waterproof bins.

While a business claim is not necessarily a bad thing, it can take time to process, and that is valuable time that your business cannot afford to lose, which is why it’s better to be proactive rather than sorry.