The Thaw Is Coming: Protecting Your Business From the Spring Thaw

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Purchase flood insurance.

How to Protect Your Business From the Spring Thaw

In Winchester, MA, the spring thaw can lead to floods, and that can be devastating to your property or business. A spring flood may shut down your operation for weeks as restoration specialists dry out and restore your property. There are preventative steps you can take to reduce the risk of flooding and to give your business the best chance of surviving the spring thaw.

1. Remove Snow From Your Roof

While snow removal is part of routine winter maintenance, many business owners may forget to check the buildup of snow on the roof. Not only does snow increase the load on your roof, but when the thaw hits, the increased water flow can also find minor imperfections, turning minor issues into significant water and roof damage. Therefore, before the thaw, look for a way to remove any snow from your roof safely.

2. Shovel Sidewalks and Driveways

Though it may not seem possible, during a thaw, snow buildup on sidewalks and driveways can lead to interior flooding, especially if the grading of the property is inadequate. During heavy snows and close to the spring thaw, it may be necessary to remain extra vigilant about snow removal.

3. Clear Your Drains

Depending on the level of snowfall, you may want to ensure that all of your drains, roof and ground, are clear of any debris and that you don’t have a frozen pipe anywhere. As the weather warms up there can be a massive influx of water, which may be too much for some drains to handle.

4. Consider Flood Insurance

Beyond any preventative measures, it may be wise to purchase flood insurance. Many standard insurance policies do not protect against this type of water disaster, and having coverage may be the difference between a few hundred or a few thousand dollars lost.

The spring thaw can be a stressful time of year, especially for business owners who worry and depend on the continued operation and function of their property. These preventative steps can help to alleviate that stress and protect your business from flooding.