By Chad Engle, Loss Prevention and Safety Manager
We all know the saying about April showers bringing May flowers. Spring showers also bring the chance of severe weather and water damage to member buildings. So, let’s discuss action steps to prevent water damage claims or reduce the severity of the damage associated with them.
NIRMA’s Best Safety Practices for Members Number 8 states: “Perform regular documented inspections of all workplace sites.” Workplace inspections are important for multiple reasons. These include identifying hazards and developing a history of good property maintenance. Specifically, they can help identify maintenance issues before they lead to costly water damage.
When discussing with members what a “regular” inspection looks like, I often advise that the best option for frequency is quarterly. The next best option and probably the lower limit would be twice per year. Inspecting property in the spring and fall lets us put eyes on things prior to spring and summer storms and then again before snow and ice accumulates on roofs. Making repairs prior to exposure to severe weather is paramount.
Below is a list of items to be certain to cover during your spring building inspections:
- Hail guards installed on ground HVAC equipment
- Door and window seals in serviceable condition
- Check ceilings and walls for signs of water damage and repair cause
- Cracks in walls and floors sealed
- Exterior drains cleared of debris and functioning
- Inspect all safely accessible roofs
- Ensure rooftop equipment is securely fastened
- No missing screws or connectors on equipment housing or straps
- Satellite dishes property secured
- All flashing, shingles and gutter system are secure
- Gutter system is clear of obstructions
- All debris and clutter removed from roof, nothing stored on roof
- No signs of hail damage
- Hail guards installed on roof-mounted HVAC equipment
- Skylights are rated for hail impact
- No standing water on roof
- Roof scuppers and drains clear and draining freely
- No sign of cracks or punctures in roof or caulking
- No loose roof panels
- No daylight seen from the interior below the roof
- Lightning conductors and grounding electrodes and intact and connected
- Lightning conductors and components are fastened securely to their mounting surfaces and are protected against accidental mechanical displacement
Going to the effort of inspecting your buildings and making repairs prior to severe weather is a simple and cost-effective way to prevent or greatly reduce the risk of and the severity of wind, hail and water damage. In this instance, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. If you have questions or need guidance when performing building inspections, you can find NIRMA’s Building/Property Inspection Checklist here: Inspection Forms and Checklists – NIRMA.
As always, I can be reached at [email protected] or 1.800.642.6671.
