Avoiding Winter Storm Damage

10/6/2022 (Permalink)

roof of a house collapsing due to snow pilling up from a snow storm

As you read this article, some business owners have already experienced damage from hurricanes. But more bad weather from winter storms — including windstorms, snow and, ice — is coming soon. Is your business prepared?

Winter storms rank third in terms of the dollar value of damage they cause, second only to hurricanes and tornadoes. According to Forbes, a “simple” snowstorm can cost well over a billion dollars. The billion dollar losses come from lost productivity and sales.

Are You Prepared?

Snow, ice, sleet: Organizations operating in areas that have freezing temperatures have specific insurance needs. The basic “named perils” property policy covers your buildings and contents from damage or loss caused by specific perils, or causes of loss, named in the policy. These include fire, lightning, explosion, windstorm or hail, smoke, and more. However, these policies do not include coverage for falling objects; weight of snow, ice, or sleet; water damage or collapse.

The most common types of property damage caused by severe winter weather are roof damage or collapse due to snow, ice or sleet, and water damage from burst pipes or “ice dams.” Ice dams occur when water fails to flow properly through gutters, allowing it to seep into a building, damaging ceilings and walls. The resulting water damage would not be covered by a basic “named perils” policy, nor would any of these other types of damage.

High hurricane- risk areas: In certain high-risk coastal areas of Southern states (including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas), the standard business property policy excludes windstorm coverage. In these areas, business owners might have to obtain their windstorm coverage from a state-sponsored insurance pool, while a private insurer writes the rest of their property coverage. We can help you determine the amount of coverage you need.

Preventive Measures

Although you might have the right coverage for freezes, snow, ice, or windstorm damage, you still need to maintain your property. Before winter starts, take the opportunity to evaluate your roofs.

Large, flat roofs, those with heavy insulation, and those in shady areas have highest risk of dangerous snow and ice build-up, as do roofs of varying levels, which can create drifts. Skylights and vents can also cause structural weaknesses and leaks. Poorly insulated areas of roofs can cause problems by allowing heat to escape, causing snow to melt and refreeze.

Snow causes the most problems when it accumulates over time. The actual weight of the snow doesn’t depend on its depth, but rather the amount of water that it contains. Water content varies because of the difference in snow crystal structure. In general, snow that falls at warmer temperatures will be denser; snow also packs down over time and becomes denser. Zurich Re, a reinsurance company, estimated that one foot of dry snow weighs about three pounds per square foot, while wet snow can weigh as much as 21 pounds per square foot. If snow accumulations occur in your area, plan ahead for safe removal.

Likewise, in high-wind areas, roofs, windows, and doors can allow wind to enter and are your building’s most vulnerable areas. Checking structures on a regular basis to ensure they are in proper working order and meet current codes can help you prevent major damage. Ensure your company has enough business income coverage to weather a loss in income due to damage from snow, ice, windstorm, or other covered cause.

SERVPRO can also help you prepare with our Emergency Ready Profile. Have everything you need when disaster strakes at the touch of a button on our free mobile app. SERVPRO is faster to ant size disaster!