Storm Ready: How to Prepare Your Building for Summer Thunderstorms and Heavy Rains

Summer often brings beautiful weather, but it also carries the potential for sudden and intense thunderstorms. Heavy downpours and strong winds can pose a significant risk to your building, impacting operations and occupant safety if you're not prepared. Proactive building maintenance during the summer months is crucial to minimize potential damage and ensure business continuity.

Don't wait for the skies to darken! Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you storm-proof your commercial property this summer:

1. Clear Those Gutters and Downspouts: Your First Line of Defense Against Water Intrusion

Clogged gutters on commercial buildings are a primary culprit for water damage during heavy storms. When leaves, twigs, and other rooftop debris accumulate, they prevent rainwater from flowing away properly, leading to:

• Roof and Exterior Damage: Overflowing water can compromise roofing materials, fascia boards, and exterior siding, leading to costly repairs.

• Foundation and Basement Flooding: Water pooling near the foundation can seep into basements or lower levels, causing structural issues, mold growth, and damage to valuable inventory or equipment.

• Landscape Erosion: Uncontrolled water runoff can erode surrounding landscaping, impacting property aesthetics and potentially creating slip hazards.

Actionable Step: Schedule regular, professional gutter and downspout cleaning. Ensure all downspouts are securely attached and direct water efficiently away from the building's foundation and high-traffic areas like entrances.

2. Inspect Your Commercial Roof: Addressing Potential Weak Spots Before the Storm

Your commercial roof is your building's most critical barrier against the elements. Before storm season fully hits:

• Flat Roofs: Look for pooling water, cracks, blisters, or tears in the membrane. Check seams and flashing around HVAC units, vents, and skylights for signs of compromise.

• Sloped Roofs: Inspect for missing, cracked, or loose shingles/tiles. Pay close attention to flashing around chimneys, parapet walls, and any penetrations.

• Debris Removal: Clear any accumulated debris (e.g., leaves, trash, construction remnants) that can block drainage or damage the roof surface.

• Overhanging Trees: Trim any large tree branches that are close enough to potentially fall onto the roof or building during high winds.

Actionable Step: Conduct a thorough visual inspection or, ideally, hire a qualified commercial roofing contractor for a comprehensive assessment and proactive repairs.

3. Ensure Proper Site Drainage Around Your Property:

Heavy rainfall needs somewhere to go, especially on larger commercial properties with expansive paved areas. Verify that:

• Ground Grading: The ground surrounding the building slopes away from the foundation to prevent pooling.

• Catch Basins and Drains: All outdoor drains, storm grates, and catch basins are clear of leaves, dirt, trash, and other obstructions. Blocked drains can lead to significant localized flooding.

• Retention Ponds/Swales (if applicable): Ensure these are well-maintained and functioning as designed to manage storm water runoff.

Actionable Step: Regularly inspect and clear all site drainage components. Address any areas where water tends to pool near the building or in parking lots.

4. Check Windows and Exterior Doors for Seal Integrity:

Water can find its way into your commercial space through even the smallest gaps around windows and doors, especially with wind-driven rain.

• Weather Stripping and Seals: Inspect all weather stripping, gaskets, and seals around windows, exterior doors, loading dock doors, and overhead doors for cracks, tears, or deterioration.

• Tight Closures: Ensure all windows and doors close tightly and latch securely. Misaligned doors or windows can create entry points for water.

• Caulking: Examine all caulking around window and door frames, as well as expansion joints in the building's exterior. Re-caulk any areas showing signs of cracking, shrinking, or detachment.

Actionable Step: Conduct a walk-around inspection of your building's entire exterior envelope. Replace damaged seals and re-caulk compromised areas.

5. Secure Outdoor Equipment, Signage, and Furnishings:

Strong winds associated with thunderstorms can turn unsecured outdoor items into dangerous projectiles, causing damage to your building, vehicles, and potentially injuring people.

• Outdoor Furniture & Fixtures: Secure or bring in any lightweight patio furniture, umbrellas, planters, or decorative items from outdoor common areas or restaurant patios.

• Temporary Signage: Ensure any temporary banners, A-frame signs, or other portable signage are either brought inside or weighted down and secured.

• Loose Equipment: Secure any movable equipment in loading docks, outdoor storage areas, or construction sites.

Actionable Step: Develop and communicate a clear protocol for facility staff to secure all outdoor items whenever a severe weather warning is issued or anticipated.

By taking these proactive steps now, you can significantly reduce the risk of costly damage and operational disruptions from summer thunderstorms and heavy rains. Protecting your commercial building is an essential investment in its longevity, the safety of your employees and customers, and the continuity of your business. If you'd like a professional assessment of your building's storm readiness, contact Atlas Maintenance Services today for a consultation!

Building in rainstorm