Winterizing Your Business
- 31 Jan 2024
- Heather Haggis
Winter weather poses several risks to shops and commercial properties, increasing the likelihood of property damage. One prominent threat is snow accumulation, which can lead to roof collapses or structural damage. Heavy snow can overload roofs, especially if it's wet and dense, jeopardizing the integrity of the building. Ice accumulation on roofs and gutters can also result in water infiltration, causing leaks and potential water damage to the interior.
Another risk is frozen pipes, which can burst and cause significant water damage. When water freezes in pipes, it expands, creating pressure that can rupture the pipe. This can result in flooding, and damaging merchandise, equipment, and the overall infrastructure of the shop.
Snow and ice on walkways and parking lots pose a hazard to customers and employees. Slip-and-fall accidents can occur, leading to potential liability issues for the business. Additionally, the use of de-icing agents, while necessary for safety, can contribute to the deterioration of pavement and other outdoor structures over time.
Winter storms may also bring downed power lines and outages, disrupting operations and potentially causing damage to electrical systems. Ice accumulation on tree branches near the property poses a risk of falling branches, potentially damaging the building or parked vehicles.
To mitigate these risks, proactive measures such as regular roof inspections, proper insulation to prevent frozen pipes, snow removal from walkways, and emergency preparedness plans can help businesses navigate the challenges of winter and safeguard against property damage.
If you own your shop or commercial premise and want to discuss protecting your business against weather-related risks, contact Advantage today to discover more about what support we can provide travel agents. Our team are FCA regulated insurance brokers with experience in ensuring shops and commercial properties across the UK and Northern Ireland.
Contact my team today:
Shaun Monks, Commercial Insurance Account Executive:
020 7324 3919
Advantage Financial Services is our in-house insurance broker and we are proud to have been supporting and advising travel operators and travel agents with travel bonds and commercial insurance programmes designed to protect the business, comply with package travel regulations, provide an extra income stream and safeguard the customers.
