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Ice,
Snow and Frozen Pipes
Winter is quickly
approaching and for many of us the cold and snow will be
here soon!
Along with seasonal changes also comes a
change in how we maintain and protect our
buildings. Please take a moment to establish an
evaluation process and checklist to help survive the
winter unscathed.
Do you see ice dams and ice formations
hanging from the roof edges?
Do you have excessive snow pack on the
roof?
Our roof tops are designed to be sturdy
structures. However, in years when we experience an
excessive amount of ice and snow, a roof structure is
asked to withstand more weight than it is designed to
manage. When a roof is no longer able to support
the massive weight, the results may be structural cracks
or a devastating roof collapse. Such results can
debilitate daily operations and cause expensive
insurance claims. If you have any doubt that your
roof is pushing its maximum weight capacity or if ice
dams are forming, please contact a professional
immediately to inspect and clear your roof of snow and
ice.
Are all pipes properly
protected?
Water damage resulting from a
frozen and burst pipe is expensive and messy! When
pipes burst, there are several possible causes: The
internal temperature of the structure has dropped to an
unsafe level and/or the pipes are insufficiently
insulated. Be sure all properties are being
inspected daily to monitor internal
temperature. Also, check pipes for exposure to cold
air drafts which can adversely affect the temperature of
the pipe.
A little prevention can go a long
way!
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