How to Handle the Common Causes of Commercial Damage | SERVPRO® of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills
6/16/2022 (Permalink)
The importance of businesses, both large and small, in the United States cannot be understated. Business owners must balance so many tasks in their day-to-day ranging from payroll and finances to training and hiring employees. With all of this on their plates, there is no good time to deal with the damages of a disaster.
Last year alone, almost $150 billion in damages occurred due to weather-related events and the cost in damages continues to increase every year.
In a place like Cedar Mill, Beaverton and Hillsboro, severe winter storms can devastate the community and can cause power outages and road closures.
Here are the common ways natural disasters can damage our businesses and how to address them:
Water Damage
Water damage after precipitation is a huge cause of costs after extreme weather. Snow that collects on top of roofs can accumulate and create leaks and damage to businesses. Snowmelt flooding can also cause issues for the foundation of your building.
When this heavy precipitation occurs, it is important to make sure your building is resilient. Inspect your roof to make sure it’s healthy and substantial. And you should also consider landscaping in a mindful way to redirect water away from your business.
Leaking, even at a low rate, can cause severe damage when left unattended. Being aware of the condition of your walls, ceiling and floors is a good way to check for damage. If you can see discoloration or any abnormalities, it is best to address those early on.
Storm Damage
Storms, big or small, can have a significant impact on our homes and businesses. Even at a lower intensity, storm winds can toss debris into the air and damage exteriors. At higher intensity, winds can exceed 70 mph. This can cause serious structural damage and even peel off roofs when speeds of 75+ mph are reached. It is not unlikely for a loss of life to occur at this stage.
Window covers can be utilized to reduce storm damage, but it is important to ensure that windows and their seals are inspected. Similarly, the door seals and their integrity are also worth checking up on.
Knowing what can and cannot be blown away in heavy winds can save you from having to suffer more damage costs. Loosely held signs, outdoor furniture and decorations are all capable of being whisked away when a big storm comes.
Know Who to Call
In rain, snow or winds, the damage they cause can be great. While it may seem cumbersome at first, taking the steps to protect and prevent storms is worth it in the long run.
Closing down to make repairs is not something any business owner wants to do. Thankfully, we have 24⁄7 availability, and our expert team quickly responds to ensure that the proper restoration plan is enacted.
If you have experienced damage to your business or want to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.