Weather Damage Types

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water restoration services in East Williston, NY

Types of Weather Damage

Many business owners and administrators in East Williston, NY, cannot accurately determine different types of flood damage. Not every type of problem that results from a storm is considered flood-related. Read on to learn more about the various categorizations.

1. Definitions

For insurance purposes, damage is only the result of a flood if it came directly from a source of accumulated water larger than around two acres. The disruption must be directly related to contact with such a body of water. For example, if a nearby pond overflows its banks and the runoff seeps into your basement or crawlspace, this would be covered under a flood insurance policy. However, storm damage resulting from high winds, such as blown shingles, should be claimed under your default commercial property insurance.

2. Protections

The most effective way to prevent flood damage to your workplace is to secure the building envelope. This is the overlapping system of barriers that keeps the environmental conditions on the inside different from the conditions outside. Many building components have a role to play in the barrier. For example, the slope of the roof and the gutter downspouts work to direct water away from the base of the building. Housewrap and caulking form another important layer by providing a vapor barrier, ensuring that your HVAC systems work efficiently.

3. Other Tips

If your worksite is in an especially high-risk area, you may need multiple sump pumps on your lowest floor. These are devices that activate if the low-lying basin in which they are installed begins flooding. They pump the excess away from the building and into a storm drain or the surrounding yard. Maintain these pumps by inspecting them yearly. Cover any major outdoor openings with appropriate shields or absorbent barriers.

Keeping your building up to code can prevent flood damage and other headaches. Just remember to locate a qualified flood cleanup professional in case your prevention methods prove insufficient.