Preparing Your Building for Spring

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial building in Romeoville, IL

3 Important Steps to Take Before Spring Arrives

Springtime flooding can wreak havoc on your Romeoville, IL, business. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prepare your building for the inclement weather. The following are three important steps to take before spring arrives:

1. Know the Causes

It is important to understand the events that may lead to a spring flood, so you can monitor weather reports and understand the risks. In many areas, spring is a very wet season. The water can oversaturate the ground. When the ground does not absorb all the water, the excess runoff can flood nearby structures. Similarly, as snow begins to melt, the ground is often still frozen. The frozen ground cannot absorb the water, leading to a flood.

2. Make Sure Your Building is Covered

Many insurance policies will cover flooding from plumbing issues, roof leaks, etc. However, it is often necessary to purchase a separate flood policy to cover weather-related water damage. The conditions that cause many springtime floods are unlikely to be covered by a standard policy. Make sure to talk with your insurance agent about purchasing flood coverage early because many policies have a waiting period. This means your insurance may not kick in until a few weeks after you purchase it.

3. Prepare Your Building

Unfortunately, it is impossible to control the weather. However, it is possible to prepare your building for a potential flood. If your building has gutters, make sure they are clean and in good condition. Repair any roof leaks before heavy rains begin. Keep exposed pipes insulated until temperatures are consistently above freezing to prevent damage from a frozen pipe. If your building has a sump pump, make sure it is operable.
Preparation is key to preparing your business for springtime flooding. However, even the most well-prepared businesses can suffer water damage. If you need help restoring your building after a spring flood, a certified restoration company has the tools and experience to get your business back to preloss condition quickly.