Is My Business At Risk For Ice Damage?

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

When winter sets in, business owners have to make changes on how to accommodate customers. Safety is always at the top of the list for businesses, just as it should be. After all, you need to make sure that people can come and go without issue. Ice build up is a major problem, especially on Long Island, and it can cause safety issues and even damage as it melts.

Why Ice Forms in Certain Areas

• Leaking gutters. As snow melts, the water has to flow somewhere! If you have a leak or clog in your gutter system, that water will turn to ice as it comes into contact with the ground below. Not only can this pool in high-traffic areas, but the water can travel and find cracks and crevices to get into, which can lead to damage behind walls, in roofing, flooring and more.
• Snow packed walkways. The more people that walk on the snow on your walkways, the quicker it will pack down and form into ice. Staying on top of shoveling snow out of the way and applying calcium chloride to the walkways, is the best way to keep snow from turning into ice. Too much ice in one area can lead to water damage as the ice melts, which can cause slip & falls and damage where you want it least.
• Snow plows. Sometimes a snow plow will pile the snow up on your sidewalk, in front of your driveway and access ramps, as it clears the roads. Not only does this create more work for you, but it presents the danger for heavy ice to compact itself down on walkways and up against your building.

Nobody wants to have to deal with ice and water damage this season. If you find that there are certain areas of your home or business that have been damaged due to ice or snow, make sure to call someone who can help. SERVPRO of East Meadow/Westbury can help protect your home against the damage water can cause. Our process is to make everything brand new again, “Like it never even happened.” If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you, give us a call at 516-334-2927!