How to prevent freeze-ups and other winter loss control tips
- If your building is closed during the holidays, here are some winter tips you need to incorporate.
- Learn how to determine if pipes have incurred a freeze-up, and what to do.
- Conduct periodic winter inspections, including doors, windows, wet pipes, heating system and more – particularly before you close for a week.
- Managing snowfall on the roof: How much is too much?
As temperatures drop and winter sets in, the risk of freeze-ups in building pipes becomes a real threat. Whether it’s automatic sprinkler system pipes for fire protection, steam condensate returns or domestic plumbing, insufficient building heat can burst pipes and cause water damage to the building and its contents. If a fire occurs while sprinklers are nonfunctioning, your loss can be even greater. Incorporate these winter loss control tips in your risk management program to help prevent or mitigate winter damage.
How to determine if a freeze-up has occurred
If frozen pipes occur in domestic plumbing, the tell-tale sign is loss of water pressure or flow in spigots. However, if the freeze-up occurs in a fire protection system, it’s not so easy to spot. Because water expands when it freezes, it causes additional strain on pipes that can cause fractures or breaks in pipes, valves and fittings. When the water thaws, it escapes from fissures or other forced openings, causing property damage, business interruption and unhappy customers. In risk management, the best defense is a great offense. Take steps now to prevent freezing and bursting pipes.
Related: Winter storm mitigation: How to weather the extremes of snow and cold
Winter loss control tips to prevent a freeze-up
Before winter sets in, arrange for inspection and maintenance of:
- The building’s heating system (an annual check)
- Air handling units: Ensure dampers are working and fans are controlled by thermostat for automatic shutdown when freezing temperatures occur
- Fire alarm systems: Check building low temperature and sprinkler system air pressure supervisory devices
- Non-freeze fire protection systems: Check air sources, air pressure levels, antifreeze solution and low point drains
- Wherever sprinkler piping is installed, such as in attics, ceiling spaces and stairwells, be sure that adequate heat is provided; install thermometers or remote-reading thermometers to help simplify ongoing inspections throughout winter
- Building exterior: check doors and windows for and repair any cracks or openings where frigid outside air leaks in
- Areas protected by wet pipe systems should be kept above 40 degrees Fahrenheit
- Ensure fire pumps are also in heated rooms; test at period intervals
- Check gravity tanks for leaks and overflows periodically
Periodic cold weather inspections
Once winter has arrived, begin periodic inspections using a checklist so as not to accidentally overlook any risk. Our checklist of winter loss control tips includes:
- Building doors, windows and walls: Closed and weather tight
- Area temperatures within the building: Within acceptable ranges
- Heating system: Functioning properly
- Air pressure in each dry-pipe or pre-action sprinkler system: Within acceptable ranges
- Dry-pipe system low point drains: No water accumulation
- Water-filled pipes: Insulation is intact and heat tracing systems are functioning
Special circumstances for winter loss control
When a building will be vacant. If the building is typically unoccupied on weekends or holidays, the potential for a freeze-up is strengthened. Another winter loss control tip is to add periodic inspections, particularly just before these unoccupied periods, to be aware of any forecast cold fronts that will occur during that time, and to have knowledgeable employees able to respond promptly, should the need occur.
When extreme cold is predicted. Just before an extreme cold forecast is the ideal time to perform a cold weather inspection. Consider increasing building heat to all areas. You may also want to override energy-saving set-back thermostats or building management programs that may automatically reduce building temperatures. Planning and prevention are the most effective winter loss control tips to address potential risks to commercial assets from pipe freeze-ups. Implement a winter risk plan now that includes preseason preparations, periodic cold weather inspections, steps to mitigate any discovered freeze-ups and emergency contacts.
Managing snowfall on the roof: How much is too much?
It’s a good idea to check with your building architect or engineer as to maximum roof load of your building. Also, keep in mind that wet snow and ice are substantially heavier than dry snow. For instance, one or more feet of heavy wet snow or ice may be a red flag, while it takes four or more feet of dry snow to signal danger.
At the same time, it’s wise to inspect your roof for holes or other damage that could cause leaks when snow melts. Check for loose shingles and repair damage to existing seals and flashing to ensure the roof is structurally sound and capable of withstanding another winter.
Related: How to prepare your small business for winter
This article originally appeared on our Tribal website. It has been modified and updated to offer tips to our Commercial clients.