News

Mar 7, 2025

As storms and floods become more frequent and severe, it is essential to ensure your commercial property is well protected. Whether you have an office space, run a retail store, or industrial building, protecting your property from the damaging effects of extreme weather can save you costly repairs and keep your business running smoothly.  Here’s a guide to help you protect your commercial property from storms, both indoors and outdoors.  

Indoor Protection Tips 

• Check Plumbing and Pipes
• Have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system for hidden leaks, especially in difficult-to-access areas. Look out for green discolouration on copper pipes, which can indicate leaks. Ensure proper insulation to protect your pipes from freezing and bursting during colder months.   
• Know Emergency Turn–off Locations
• Knowing where the fuse box is and how to turn off the gas, electric, or water supplies in an emergency is essential. Turning those off can prevent further damage or mitigate risks to your property during storms or floods.  
• Unplug Non-Essential Appliances
• Keep all the non-essential appliances unplugged. This simple step can help prevent costly electrical damage to your valuable business assets.  

Outdoors Protection Tips 

• Roof Maintenance
• Ensure your roof has no loose or missing tiles. Fix any roof damage to prevent water from leaking inside your building.  
• Gutters and Drain Maintenance
• Clear gutters and drains regularly to avoid water build-up. This will reduce the risks of water seeping through the walls and causing dampness problems. Freezing water can even break your guttering.  
• Slip-Related Safety Measures
• Winter weather can make outdoor walkways slippery, creating safety hazards for visitors and employees. Consider gritting pathways or diverting footpaths to safer, less slippery areas. Proper outdoor lighting can also help prevent accidents by making icy areas more visible.  

Protecting a Vacant Property

If you are planning to leave your commercial property vacant for an extended period of time, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the building remains safe:

• Maintaining Low Heating
• Keep the heating system running at a low temperature (around 15°C) to prevent pipes from freezing. Consult the professional to decide on the best plan of action. If the property will be vacant for a long time, you might be advised to drain the plumbing system.  
• Insulate Unheated Areas
• Pipes in unheated areas, such as attics or crawl spaces, should be properly insulated to prevent freezing.  
• Monitor for Leaks
• Assign someone to periodically check the property for any sign of leaks or damage. A vigilant person can spot problems and contact you if necessary.  
• Check Heating Systems
• Get a professional to check if you have a condensing-type central heating boiler with an external condensate discharge pipe. Freezing water in unlagged external pipes can cause your boiler to stop working.   

Dealing with Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to serious water damage if they burst. To avoid a disaster and minimise risks, you have to act fast and take the following steps: 

Identify Frozen Pipes

Signs of frozen pipes include water not coming out from taps, frost on pipes, or bulging pipes. If you discover a frozen pipe, act quickly to prevent a burst.

Take Immediate Action

• Turn off the stopcock.
• Move any valuables or equipment that could be damaged by leaking water.
• Open the nearest tap to relieve pressure and allow water to flow.
• Use a hairdryer or hot water bottle to gently warm the pipe, starting from the end closest to the tap

If a Pipe Bursts

• Turn off the stopcock and drain the system by opening the taps.
• Switch off heating and electricity if necessary.
• Contact a plumber immediately to repair the damage.

Review and Update Your Insurance Cover  

Ensure your Commercial Property Insurance covers the risks associated with storms, floods, and other extreme weather events. Having adequate insurance cover will give you peace of mind and help you recover quickly in case of damages. Review your policy to ensure it includes flood damage or other weather-related incidents. To get professional advice, discuss potential gaps or consider increasing your cover limits, call our friendly insurance specialists on 020 8559 2111