You can’t outrun a storm, but you can definitely prepare for one. As a business owner, you’re not just responsible for yourself, but also your employees, tenants, and building. That’s why commercial property storm preparation is so important. Keep reading for our steps that every property manager should take before a storm.
Risks of Storm Damage
As a property manager, the first step to protecting commercial properties from storms is to analyze the potential risks. These depend on where you live.
In Pennsylvania and West Virginia, hurricane season is from June 1 – November 30. However, mid-August to mid-October usually takes the brunt of it. Tornadoes are more likely to happen between March and June, while thunderstorms and hailstorms are most common in the spring and summer months. And of course, we can’t forget about snow.
With all of these possibilities combined, you need to be prepared for severe weather all year long—and have a plan to combat it.
A nasty storm can cause serious damage to your property, including:
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Flooding
- Mold growth
- Punctured roof membrane
- Broken windows
- Fallen debris
- Loose siding
Hail is an especially destructive element that can pose serious risks to your roof, siding, windows, outdoor equipment, and vehicles. After a bad hailstorm, it’s common to find cracks, dents, and severe granule loss. If the damage is serious enough, it may even disrupt your business.
So what can you do to protect commercial properties from storms?
Commercial Property Storm Preparation Tips
A storm is coming. The clouds are on the horizon. The weather alerts are pinging across your phone. Here’s what you need to do.
#1. Keep Up With Regular Maintenance
Commercial property storm preparation begins long before a storm is coming. It starts by staying consistent with your regular maintenance tasks. This is your best line of defense against a natural disaster.
- Schedule regular inspections.
- Assess the structural integrity of your building (roof, foundation, and walls).
- Perform regular equipment maintenance on elevators, machinery, etc.
- Maintain your grounds and landscaping.
- Address issues immediately.
- Review your insurance to make sure it covers what you need.
Want extra protection beyond ordinary maintenance? Here’s how you can go the extra mile for storm damage prevention.
#2. Assess Your Property
If a storm is on your radar, start by checking your commercial building for any vulnerabilities. Start with these main areas:
- Roof
- Siding
- Windows
- Doors
Identify any weak spots that have old materials, cracks, or poor drainage. Keep in mind what sort of storm is coming. Do you need to prepare for high winds, heavy rain, ice and snow, or something else entirely? That will determine where you focus your time and attention.
For an extra set of eyes when protecting commercial properties from storms, it’s a good idea to schedule a walk-through with a professional each spring. That way, they can help you identify areas to fix ahead of storm season.
#3. Strengthen Your Property Against Storms
Now that you’ve completed your risk assessment to see potential weaknesses, the next step in commercial property storm preparation is strengthening them.
Start by reinforcing your doors, windows, and siding for better durability. You can add storm shutters, impact-resistant glass, and hurricane straps to lock everything in place. We recommend checking your building’s flashing. These strips keep moisture out from the joints in your property, like between a roof and a vent. Giving these a once-over before heavy rain is a good idea.
Another crucial feature to check is drainage. This is especially important if you have a flat roof. Proper drainage and grading is necessary to prevent flooding and water damage. If water pools on your roof, it can cause leaks, mold, and rot.
Now turn your attention to your grounds. Trim back trees so they don’t fall onto your building. Secure any loose outdoor structures, signage, or equipment that can become dangerous flying debris. You can also install hail guards and other weather shields for extra protection around your property.
Lastly, clear out your gutters. Gutters divert rainwater away from your building, avoiding damage to your walls and foundation. When they get clogged with leaves and debris, they are not as effective during a storm—and that’s when you need them most!
You can also consider upgrading damaged or lower-quality materials with stronger alternatives. Below are some of the best storm-resistant building materials. If you’re planning a new construction in a storm-heavy area, consider incorporating some of these into the build.
- Concrete or cement blocks
- Metal roofing
- Steel framing
- Wood with hurricane strapping
- Fiber cement siding
#4. Prepare an Emergency Response Plan
With your building reinforcement for storms out of the way, now you can craft an emergency response strategy. Develop and clearly communicate this plan to any employees or tenants. Make sure there’s a system in place to know if they need to evacuate.
You should also have backup power solutions like generators and lighting in place. Keep a running inventory of emergency supplies and equipment, and clear all emergency exits.
#5. Post-Storm Assessment
Once the storm hits, all you can do is wait. Monitor the situation to ensure your storm damage prevention work holds up.
When the weather clears, check the state of your property and confirm nothing is damaged. Start with the serious areas. Look for signs of structural damage that need professional help, and perform any necessary safety checks or power assessments. Also head up to your roof. Clear off debris so it’s not weighing heavily on your building. Inspect for signs of flooding or poor drainage to ensure water isn’t leaking inside.
Don’t wait to get things repaired. Putting it off can make the damage worse (and much more expensive). It’s best to address things right away so you can get back to business as usual.
Depending on how serious the issues are, you may need to file a storm damage insurance claim. But don’t worry. We work directly with your insurance adjuster to go over the damages and present our estimate.
Work With the Experts
Still not sure the best route to take for commercial property storm preparation? When in doubt, it’s always best to call a professional. And there’s no one better than KSW Construction LLC. We can analyze your property and give you tips on what needs to be updated before severe weather.
After a storm, we will inspect the area for free and share a detailed assessment of all damages. We’ll work with you and your insurance to get the work done as quickly as possible, so you can put this stress behind you.
Need other commercial help? We can give your property a makeover with new siding, a new roof, window replacement, or a total interior remodel. With our help, your building will be storm-ready in no time.
Dealing with storm damage repairs isn’t fun for anyone, but we promise to make it fast and easy.
