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Lessons from the snow 2

Winterproof Your Commercial Building: Lessons from the Snow

Snowfall can have a significant impact on your commercial property, far beyond creating picturesque winter scenes. The damage caused by snow isn’t just immediate; its effects can linger, leading to costly repairs and disruption to operations. At Hebs, we’ve learned valuable lessons from recent snowfalls, and we’re here to share why protecting your business starts months in advance.

The Impact of Snow on Pipes

Snow and freezing temperatures pose a severe risk to commercial plumbing systems. Here’s why:

  1. Frozen Pipes: Water inside pipes can freeze when temperatures drop below 0°C. As water freezes, it expands by approximately 9%, exerting tremendous pressure that can cause pipes to crack or burst.
  2. Undetected Leaks: A burst pipe might not always be immediately apparent, leading to prolonged water damage. The average cost of water damage from a burst pipe can exceed £10,000 for a commercial property.
  3. Interruptions to Business: Frozen or burst pipes can disrupt essential services like heating or water supply, resulting in downtime.

Preventive actions, such as insulation, regular inspections, and using heat trace cables, are vital to ensure your pipes remain functional during winter. At Hebs, our plumbing maintenance services can identify vulnerabilities and prevent issues before they arise.

The Weight of Snow: Why 3-4 Inches Matter

The difference between a light dusting of snow and several inches can be staggering:

  • Light Snow: Typically poses minimal risk, especially if it melts quickly. However, even a small amount can obscure potential hazards like ice patches on roofs or walkways.
  • 3-4 Inches of Snow: This much snow adds around 6-12 pounds per square foot of weight to your building’s roof. Flat roofs, often found on commercial properties, are particularly vulnerable to this load, increasing the risk of collapse if not designed to handle it.

Snow accumulation can also lead to blocked gutters, creating ice dams that force melting snow into walls and ceilings, causing extensive water damage. In recent years, reports have shown that 20% of roof failures in winter are caused by accumulated snow and ice. Routine snow removal and inspections can mitigate these risks and prevent long-term damage to your property.

Lessons Learned from Recent Snowfalls

Recent heavy snowfalls across the UK have highlighted several critical takeaways:

  • Preparation Is Key: Properties with pre-insulated pipes, well-maintained drainage systems, and robust roof designs experienced significantly fewer issues.
  • Flat Roofs Require Extra Attention: Structures with flat or low-pitched roofs faced more significant risks of leaks and structural strain, especially when snow was not promptly cleared.
  • Proactive Maintenance Pays Off: Businesses that conducted regular checks for ice dams on gutters, cleared walkways, and maintained HVAC systems avoided long-term damage and operational downtime.

One of the most notable lessons is that snow damage often starts with overlooked maintenance tasks. Small issues, such as cracks in the roof membrane or minor blockages in drainage systems, can escalate under the stress of snow and ice.

How Hebs Can Help

At Hebs, we specialise in facilities management and provide tailored solutions to protect your commercial property during winter. Our services include:

  1. Roofing Maintenance: Flat roofs are particularly susceptible to snow accumulation. We offer regular inspections, repairs, and waterproofing solutions to ensure your roof can handle the increased load.
  2. Gutter and Drainage Cleaning: Blocked gutters can lead to ice dams and water damage. We ensure your drainage systems are clear and functional year-round.
  3. Plumbing Inspections: Prevent frozen pipes with our comprehensive plumbing maintenance services, including pipe insulation and leak detection.
  4. HVAC System Maintenance: Proper heating and ventilation are crucial in winter. We ensure your HVAC systems are running efficiently to keep your building warm and operational.
  5. Emergency Response Services: When unexpected weather events strike, our team is ready to respond quickly, minimising damage and restoring your property.

Why Preparation Starts Months in Advance

Effective winter preparation doesn’t begin with the first frost. It requires proactive measures taken well in advance. This includes:

  • Inspecting and Reinforcing Roofs: Ensure your roof can bear additional weight and repair any weak spots.
  • Installing Pipe Insulation: Protect exposed pipes from freezing temperatures.
  • Clearing and Inspecting Gutters: Avoid blockages that lead to ice dams.
  • Scheduling HVAC Tune-Ups: Ensure heating systems can handle extended use.

The cost of preparation is far less than the expense of emergency repairs or business disruptions. Businesses that invested in pre-winter maintenance saved up to 30% on repair costs compared to those who reacted after the damage occurred.

Key Statistics to Remember

  • Water expands by 9% when frozen, risking pipe bursts.
  • 3-4 inches of snow adds 6-12 pounds per square foot to your roof’s load.
  • Roof failures caused by snow account for 20% of winter incidents.
  • Pre-winter maintenance can reduce repair costs by up to 30%.

Protect Your Business with Hebs

Don’t let winter weather catch you off guard. At Hebs, we’re dedicated to helping you protect your commercial property through expert maintenance and rapid response services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your property is ready to face whatever winter throws its way.

 

Liverpool office.

4-6 St Johns Road,
Waterloo,Liverpool,L22 9QG

+44 0151 2360707

info@hebs-group.co.uk

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