Winter storms can wreak havoc on residential and commercial properties. From frozen pipes and flooding to roof collapse due to heavy snow, winter weather can pose a number of different threats. If your home or business is damaged in the colder months, you may need winter storm damage restoration. Fortunately, there are also steps you can take to reduce the risk of a loss.
ATI Restoration responds to weather emergencies year-round. Our catastrophe services are available 24/7/365 throughout the continental United States.
What Produces the Most Damage During Winter Storms?
Winter weather events are among the costliest natural disasters in the country. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the average winter storm costs $4.3 billion. Freezes are almost equally destructive, with each event costing U.S. communities $4.2 billion on average.
Common causes of property damage from winter storms include:
- Frozen Pipes: Every property owner’s biggest fear in the winter is a frozen pipe. Water expands when it’s frozen. This can cause pipes to rupture, leading to serious water damage and creating favorable conditions for mold and mildew.
- Ice Dams: An ice dam occurs when the snow on a roof melts during the day and refreezes at night. The accumulation of ice can damage gutters, shingles, and structural components of the roof, as well as cause leaks.
- Heavy Snow: Snow that piles up on a roof can lead to collapse if it exceeds approximately 20 pounds per square foot. The roof of a residential or commercial property may also be damaged by falling trees and tree branches when they become overloaded with snow.
- High Winds: Winter winds can damage roofs, siding, and windows. If the wind builds up enough speed, it may even turn tree branches and other objects into projectiles that can damage your property and injure people.
- Downed Power Lines: Power outages are common during winter, partly due to downed power lines from snow, ice, wind, and debris. No power means no heat, which increases the risk of frozen pipes. In some cases, downed power lines may also cause fires that can seriously damage your home or business.
Some states are more vulnerable to winter storms than others, and the specific dangers vary by location. Knowing your risk and planning accordingly is key for minimizing the damage to your property. This includes having a plan for winter storm damage restoration.
How to Prep a House for a Winter Storm
Homeowners can take a number of simple steps to protect the house from winter storms. These include:
Check the weatherstripping and caulking along doors and windows. If you notice drafts or cold spots, you should replace any insulation components that are degraded or underperforming.
Make sure your furnace is in good working order. You should change out the filters and perform any necessary maintenance so you have heat when the weather gets cold.
Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms alert you to danger if there is a gas leak or fire. It is vital to check and, if necessary, change the batteries before winter so you and your family are protected.
Wrap vulnerable pipes (such as those outdoors and along exterior walls) in foam or rubber pipe sleeves. This will help keep the temperature inside the pipes warmer and prevent freezing.
Downspout extensions divert water from your gutters away from the house. In the winter, this can provide essential protection for the foundation, basement, and crawl space.
If you have outdoor spigots, be sure to detach the hoses so the pipe doesn’t freeze. You may also want to install a cover over each spigot.
Stains, cracks, and sagging are all potential indicators of roof damage. Learn how to tell if your ceiling has water damage and what it might mean for your roof.
Overgrown tree branches are hazards in winter storms. Be sure to trim overhanging limbs in the vicinity of your home.
Removing leaves and debris from your gutters can help prevent ice dams. This will help keep icicles from forming and protect your roof long-term.
During a snowstorm or cold snap, you want to keep water moving through your pipes. A steady drip relieves pressure and reduces the likelihood of freezing.
How to Winterize a Commercial Building
For commercial property owners, knowledge of local weather patterns is essential for evaluating the risk of winter storms. FEMA’s National Risk Index can help you and your team assess the severity of winter weather and identify potential vulnerabilities.
Ultimately, the steps involved in winterizing a commercial property depend on each organization’s specific needs and operations. Are you expecting a steady stream of customers? Will units be unoccupied? Do you have contingencies in place for flooding, loss of power, and other emergencies?
General tips for commercial properties to prepare for winter storms include:
Check the roof of the building for leaks, weak spots, and openings—especially around pipes, vents, and equipment. Flat roofs are susceptible to collapse in the event of heavy snowfall and ice buildup, so it’s essential to make repairs and/or install snow guards before winter is at its worst.
Make sure gutters, downspouts, and drains are free of debris. Proper drainage can help prevent water damage from snowmelt and ice dams.
Inspect the HVAC system before winter and perform any necessary maintenance or repairs. You may want to consider investing in professional HVAC cleaning to remove debris and maximize the performance of the system.
Insulate exposed pipes so they can withstand colder temperatures. Blow out the lines for any pools, fountains, and other water features, as well as the sprinkler system, to prevent damage during the winter.
Check the insulation, caulking, and weatherstripping for gaps and cracks. Seal openings around doors, windows, and other areas to keep the inside of the property warm.
Be proactive in preventing fire damage. Have your fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and sprinkler/suppression systems inspected and serviced before winter. The property should also be regularly inspected for electrical hazards
If you have sump pumps, make sure they’re ready to remove excess water from the property in the event of a leak or flood. Sump pumps are a good first line of defense for commercial properties with water damage.
Overhanging tree branches can fall and dead trees can collapse under the weight of ice and snow. Keep tree branches trimmed and remove dead trees so they don’t pose a hazard to your property or people on the premises.
Timely snow removal is critical for protecting your property in the winter. Make sure you have the personnel in place to clear walkways, parking lots, and other areas, or have a service in place before the first snowfall.
Disaster contingency planning is a must for any business. In addition to listing emergency contacts, information for utilities, and internal and external stakeholders, designating a firm to provide winter storm damage restoration is critical.
Learn about ATI’s Emergency Response Agreement for commercial properties.
How Do You Recover from a Winter Storm?
The first thing to do if your property is damaged in a winter storm is to ensure that everybody is safe. Be aware of freezing temperatures, downed power lines, and damage to structures.
If it’s safe to access the property, inspect the damage and begin removing snow, ice, and debris. You should also take notes, photos, and video of any losses so you can report them to your insurance company.
Professional winter storm damage restoration can help expedite the recovery process. Services you may need include:
Contact the Winter Storm Damage Restoration Experts at ATI
ATI Restoration has 70+ locations nationwide. We know which areas of the country are vulnerable to the effects of winter weather, and our technicians provide comprehensive solutions for blizzards, ice storms, snow squalls, and other disasters.
If your residential or commercial property has suffered winter storm damage, you can contact us 24/7/365. ATI responds to emergencies any time—day or night, weekends and holidays.