Protect Your Home And Business From Winter Storms
Winter isn’t quite over yet so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your home or business property in case of a major winter storm. Quick action can prevent structural damage or injury.
In case of heavy snow invest in a roof rake to prevent a roof collapse, especially on flat roofs. Most roofs can withstand up to 4 feet of fresh snow but if the snow sticks around or is followed by moisture that adds to the weight it can become a danger. If you can’t reach your roof from the ground it’s a good idea to have the name and number of a snow removal service ahead of time to be safe.
Building Management Systems for Winter Weather
Another concern for your roof is ice dams. When ice under your shingles melts and then refreezes near the edge that can lead to leaks and ceiling damage. Keeping your attic temperature within 5 to 10 degrees of the outside temperature will help to reduce the chances of ice dams.
If you live in an area with frequent power outages it’s a good idea to invest in a home or building generator. They are much more efficient and a lot less dangerous than generators that are powered by gasoline. There’s no danger of carbon monoxide poisoning as they normally run on propane or natural gas. They can power critical appliances, burglar alarms, sump pumps or medical equipment.
Protect Your Investment with Building Management Systems
Building management systems are an important part of helping you weather winter storms. During a winter storm, a building management systems give you complete control over the HVAC components of your building. This means that you’ll have total control over the heat pump and boilers during winter weather. Building management systems also lets you control CCTV and access control systems during a winter storm, helping to keep your building secure.
- Prevent damage from broken water pipes caused by freezing temperatures. Wrap pipes in attics, basements and crawl spaces to protect them. When temperatures drop very low (20s or lower) it’s also advisable to open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate as well as let faucets drip slightly. Another way to protect your home from a winter flood is installing a leak detector, a device that can shut off your water supply if it senses an usually high water flow like that from a burst pipe. If you’re going to be away from home for extended periods a leak detector can be a good idea.
- Increase your insurance coverage. Flood insurance can reimburse you if excessive snowmelt or rain causes flooding from below ground and adding a rider to your home policy can pay if your sump pump stops working or your sewer line backs up.
- Trim trees, clean your gutters and downspouts and clear debris from around your foundation to prevent winter damage. Ice storms can bring trees down, leaves and twigs in gutters and downspouts can prevent the free flow of water and debris around foundations can also trap moisture against your home.
There will always be uncooperative and even dangerous weather that can threaten our homes or businesses. Staying prepared can help reduce or even prevent the headaches that can come with them.
Learn More About Building Management Systems!
Ready to learn how ACS Electronics can customize building management systems to help you minimize the damage from winter storms? Our team has the experience and dedication to provide our clients with building management systems that get the them the results they need.
