By: Chad Engle, Loss Prevention Manager and Safety Specialist
Did you miss the October 13 webinar on Winterization and Water Mitigation hosted by NIRMA’s partners, CRL & Marsh? One of the key messages from that presentation was simple: water damage is one of the most common, costly, and preventable property losses organizations face.
When a pipe freezes and bursts, the resulting damage often extends far beyond the cost of repairs. Operations may be disrupted, employees displaced, records damaged, and public services interrupted. Fortunately, many of these losses can be prevented through routine inspections and timely maintenance.
NIRMA’s Best Safety Practices for Members, specifically Practice #8 – Perform Regular Documented Inspections of All Workplace Sites, directly supports loss prevention efforts by helping members identify and correct property hazards before they become claims.
Now, while temperatures are still mild, is the time to inspect your facilities and address conditions that could lead to frozen pipes, roof leaks, and water intrusion during the winter months. Below are simple checklists for roof inspections and property freeze prevention.
Roof Inspection Checklist
Drainage Systems
- Ensure water can freely exit the roof.
- Verify roof drains and scuppers are free of debris and draining properly.
- Clean and secure gutters and downspouts.
- Confirm downspouts direct water away from buildings, entrances, and sidewalks.
Roof Membrane
- Repair punctures, tears, splits, and other damaged areas.
- Check for ponding water. Water should typically dissipate within 48 hours following a rain event.
- Ensure fasteners are secure and roofing materials are properly attached.
Edges, Parapets, and Flashing
- Inspect edge metal, coping, and flashing for damage or loose sections.
- Repair deficiencies that could allow wind-driven rain or snow intrusion.
Rooftop Equipment and Penetrations
- Ensure all roof penetrations, vents, HVAC units, and related equipment are properly sealed and secured.
- Address deteriorated sealants before winter weather arrives.
Interior Roof Inspection
- Look for signs of past water intrusion such as stains, discoloration, mold, or damaged ceiling materials.
- Identify areas where daylight is visible through the roof structure and investigate the source.
Property Freeze Prevention Checklist
- Test emergency generators and verify fuel supplies.
- Inspect buildings for openings that allow cold air infiltration.
- Service furnaces, boilers, and heating systems before winter.
- Maintain adequate air circulation throughout facilities.
- Drain exterior hose bibs and disconnect hoses.
- Winterize underground sprinkler and irrigation systems.
- Maintain indoor temperatures at a minimum of 40°F, even in unoccupied buildings.
- Monitor interior temperatures and plumbing systems during periods of extreme cold.
- Consider installing pipe heat trace or supplemental freeze protection in historically vulnerable areas.
An Ounce of Prevention
Nebraska will almost certainly experience periods of severe cold weather this winter. The question is whether facilities are prepared when they do.
A few hours spent inspecting, maintaining, and winterizing your buildings today can prevent weeks or even months of disruption later. Taking proactive steps now can help protect your buildings, preserve operations, and avoid the significant costs associated with water damage and freezing losses.
Remember, the time invested in preventing a loss is almost always far less than the time and expense required to recover from one.
