Protecting Your Commercial Assets

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are a leading source of Framingham, MA commercial property damage during severe winter weather. If a pipe freezes and then bursts in your office, restaurant, warehouse or other commercial building, your business can suffer water damage costing tens of thousands of dollars—which can put you out of operation for days or weeks. According to Disaster Safety business owners can reduce your risk of winter water damage by taking these eight steps.

1. Keep the Cold Out

Seal windows, doors and other openings on exterior walls with caulk or insulation to prevent cold air from penetrating the wall cavity.

Seal all wall cracks and penetrations including domestic and fire protection lines, electrical conduit and other utility service lines.

Insulate and seal attic penetrations, such as partition walls, vents, plumbing stacks, and electric and mechanical chases.

Insulate recessed light fixtures in the ceiling to reduce heat entering the attic. Look for visible light inside the attic, and if present, insulate or seal. (If the space above a suspended ceiling is conditioned, there is no need for added insulation or sealing.)

2. Keep Your Pipes Warm

Insulate the pipes most vulnerable to freezing by using foam pipe insulation that wraps around them.

3. Install an Automatic Excess Flow Switch

Install an automatic excess flow switch on the main incoming domestic water line to monitor and provide early detection of a broken pipe or valve. Use wireless sensors near water sources.

4. Monitor Your Sprinkler Systems

Monitor your building’s sprinkler systems using a central station to provide early detection of a pipe failure. Heat your sprinkler control rooms.

5. Provide Backup Power

Install a reliable backup power source, such as a stand-by generator, to ensure continuous power and heat to your building. When a winter storm or cold spell is on the way, stock up on fuel for the generator.

6. Install a Temperature Monitoring System

Install a monitoring system that will notify you if the building’s temperature drops below a certain temperature. Set your thermostat to 55 degrees F or above.

7. Have a Disaster Recovery Expert on Call

Before a water disaster happens is the best time to research local companies, like SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield, who will respond immediately and handle your building’s damage remediation from start to finish—getting you back to work as soon as possible.

8. Keep Water Running During a Deep Freeze

Set your faucets to drip during extreme cold weather. This will help prevent freezing of the water inside pipes, and if freezing does occur, will relieve pressure in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet.

If your business suffers a water disaster from a frozen pipe that bursts, call SERVPRO of Framingham today at 508-370-4400