5 Pre-Monsoon Building Inspection Tips

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Prepare for Monsoon Season Ahead of Time

Exterior building maintenance makes your property more likely to withstand severe weather with less damage. Here are five steps for residential or commercial property owners and managers to take that can have a huge pay off when monsoon season strikes Mesa, Arizona.

1. Take a Closer Look at the Exterior of the Building

The facade of your building will usually wear down over time. Cracks or gaps develop in the mortar of a brick facade and can expose the building to water damage. An exterior structural inspection is useful to identify vulnerable points in the facade.

2. Check Seals Around Your Doors and Windows

When doors blow open or flying debris breaks a window, the interior of a structure can be affected by storm and water damage within minutes. Window Storm shutters can protect windows from damage and should be installed prior to the next monsoon season!

3. Have Your Roof Inspected

Checking the condition of your roof before and after a monsoon is the best way to detect and prevent severe roof leaks. While your facility maintenance staff generally perform basic building inspections that include checking the condition of roofing, roofing specialists should be called in to maintain this important part of a commercial structure if you don’t have an experienced roofer on staff. 

4. Check FYour Foundation for Leak Prone Areas

Softer points in the ground around a building's foundation can accumulate moisture and cause leaks into your building. The lowest point of the building plays a critical role in reducing the likelihood of serious structural damage. You should make sure there is a drainage system in place to direct water away from the lowest point of your building to deter water buildup in that area.

5. Test the Backup Prevention System For Your Sewer

The backwater prevention valve or sump pump should be tested routinely and especially before a storm or monsoon that could cause municipal lines or a septic system to overflow. Sewer damage generally requires cleaning and disinfection and may necessitate tearing out and replacing building materials that are porous.

After a storm or monsoon passes through Mesa, Arizona, as a commercial property owner, you should arrange for a follow-up inspection and any necessary exterior maintenance. Keeping your building maintained increases the likelihood that a structure will withstand most storms during a monsoon season.