Severe weather in Edmonton can have a dramatic impact on commercial properties, with the cost of such events across Canada hitting a staggering $3.1 billion in damages in 2023. Weatherizing your property is vital for safeguarding it against the extreme weather shifts characteristic of the region. Most Notably, flooding, Canada’s costliest natural disaster, is becoming increasingly prevalent due to rising global temperatures, posing significant financial and safety risks.
Understanding the risks and taking proactive measures for severe weather protection are essential steps for any commercial property owner in Edmonton. Initiating regular maintenance, investing in quality roofing, and preparing for emergency situations are among the strategies that can help you mitigate these risks. Naco Commercial Property Solutions wants to arm you with insights and practical tips to protect your valuable assets from the unpredictable weather in Edmonton, ensuring your peace of mind and financial security.
Understand Your Risks
To effectively protect your commercial property in Edmonton from severe weather, it’s essential to understand the specific risks associated with the local climate. Edmonton’s strategic focus on climate resilience emphasizes the importance of preparing for climate impacts to protect infrastructure and services. Climate change is expected to bring about significant seasonal changes, including earlier snowmelt and increased flooding risk, which could lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, wildfires, and potential infrastructure damage.
Weather-Related Risks in Edmonton:
- Sub-zero Temperatures and Snowfall: These conditions can make roofing materials brittle, leading to cracking and severe damage, especially during heavy snowfall, which can strain roof structures.
- Harsh Winds and Hail: These elements can physically damage roofing materials, dislodge shingles, and dent surfaces, increasing your property’s vulnerability.
- Freeze/Thaw Cycle: This cycle can create ice dams on roofs, preventing proper drainage and causing water to leak into your property, which can lead to significant damage over time.
The City of Edmonton provides many resources and tools to aid businesses like yours in preparing for these climate challenges, like the Climate Resilient Business Tool, which can be pivotal in planning and mitigating risks.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Regular maintenance and inspections are necessary to protect your commercial property from severe weather changes. By implementing a consistent maintenance schedule, you can identify potential issues early, saving you costly repairs and extending the lifespan of your property. Here’s how you can effectively maintain your commercial space:
- Exterior Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your property’s exterior to spot and address any emerging issues promptly. This proactive approach helps prevent further damage and expensive repairs later.
- Roof and Gutter Maintenance: Ensure your roof and gutters are inspected regularly. Look for signs of damage like loose or missing shingles, cracks, or leaks. Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris to prevent water damage.
- Facade Cleaning: Regularly clean the facade and building envelope to remove dirt, grime, and pollutants. This enhances the building’s appearance and prevents water intrusion and air leaks, which are common issues during severe weather in Edmonton.
- Parking Lot Upkeep: Maintain your parking lot and sidewalks by inspecting and repairing any cracks, potholes, or uneven surfaces. Regularly seal-coating and re-striping your parking lot lines can help ensure safety and durability.
- Drainage Systems: Keep your property’s drainage and irrigation systems in top condition to avoid flooding and the accumulation of standing water, which can create tripping hazards and attract disease-carrying insects.
- Winter Preparations: Before winter begins, assess your property for any structural vulnerabilities. This includes inspecting and maintaining the roof, cleaning gutters, and winterizing windows and doors to handle sub-zero temperatures and snowfall efficiently.
- Professional Snow Removal: Investing in professional snow removal services is always a good plan. Efficient snow and ice management prevents accidents and protects your property’s structural integrity during Edmonton’s harsh winter months.
- Comprehensive Maintenance Plan: Develop a customized maintenance program tailored to your property’s specific needs. This plan should enhance operational efficiency and protect the investment value of your commercial buildings.
Invest in Quality Roofing
To protect your commercial property from severe weather, you should consider investing in quality roofing. Here’s a breakdown of the best roofing materials offered for businesses in Edmonton:
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing stands out for its durability and ability to withstand Edmonton’s harsh weather conditions. It is known for its strength, lightweight, and fire-resistant properties, which make it capable of handling heavy snow loads and resisting hail and wind damage. Metal roofs are also low maintenance, can last over 50 years, and offer aesthetic appeal along with energy savings and environmental benefits.
Asphalt and Fiberglass Shingles
Asphalt shingles are popular in Alberta because of their affordability, durability, and ease of installation. They provide good protection against the cold winters and occasional hailstorms typical in Edmonton. Innovations such as fiberglass and SBS shingles have further enhanced the performance of asphalt shingles in colder climates.
Concrete and Slate Tiles
Both materials are extremely strong and capable of withstanding severe weather conditions. However, they are heavy and may require reinforced roofing structures. Slate tiles offer additional durability and protection against harsh temperatures but are more expensive than concrete tiles.
Synthetic Slate and Rubber Roofing
These materials are designed to offer the appearance of natural slate but are lighter, less expensive, and easier to install. Rubber roofing is mostly made from recycled materials and typically comes with a 50-year warranty, making it a sustainable and long-lasting option.
Emergency Preparedness
To ensure your commercial property in Edmonton is prepared for severe weather, you need to focus on comprehensive emergency preparedness. Here are some tips to get you started:
| Establish a Plan Develop an emergency plan that includes updating emergency contact information and inventorying equipment and supplies. This plan should outline clear communication protocols with tenants, local emergency services, and maintenance teams. | Install Essential Equipment Equip your property with a backup generator and water sensors in elevators to mitigate flood impacts. Invest in emergency power systems like generators and uninterruptible power supplies so critical systems remain operational during power outages. | Training and Communication Train employees on all of your severe weather plans and safety procedures. You’ll also need to regularly update all staff and tenants about the severe weather emergency preparedness plan, evacuation procedures, and emergency contacts. Create signage near stairs and elevators for visitors. |
| Safety and Evacuation Protocols Plot evacuation routes and assembly points and conduct regular evacuation drills. Maintain an on-site emergency supply kit equipped with first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food and water. | Strengthen Property Defenses Reinforce windows and doors, and secure all loose objects like indoor plant pots, seating, or lamps. Keep sandbags ready for flood-prone areas and establish partnerships with disaster recovery firms and municipal emergency teams. | Weather-Specific Preparations In the event of flooding, backwater valves should be installed to prevent sewage backup, and water monitoring solutions should be used to detect leaks early. In winter, arrange snow removal services and maintain vigilance over ice build-up on all surfaces. |
Implement Technology Solutions
To enhance the resilience of your commercial property in Edmonton against severe weather, integrating advanced technology solutions is something that commercial property owners and managers should look into. Don’t know where to start? Naco has you covered!
- Weatherization Upgrades: Upgrade insulation and seals to strengthen your building’s envelope, which is vital for protecting against extreme weather shifts.
- Backup Power Systems: To ensure reliability during prolonged power outages, consider alternative energy options like solar, wind, and battery power.
- Smart HVAC Technology: Implement AI-powered HVAC systems that optimize energy use, significantly reducing costs by up to 25% and prolonging equipment life by up to 50%.
- Water Efficiency Measures: Develop strategies to conserve water, which can help in addressing challenges like flooding and drought.
- Building Code Contributions: Actively participate in local building code development to enhance your property’s resilience during natural disasters.
- Remote Video Monitoring: Use insurance-approved technologies that offer 24/7 monitoring, reducing operational costs.
- LTE Internet and VoIP Services: Implement LTE+ network services for fast internet and VoIP for reliable communication without traditional phone lines.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Improve compliance through live remote video monitoring and reporting services.
- SyncroReports Tool: Use this specialized reporting portal for security, which features incident reporting and analytics to enhance security management.
From understanding local climate risks to implementing a comprehensive emergency plan, we hope this guide empowers you to proactively mitigate costly damages and ensure that you don’t become another statistic of Canada’s – and Edmonton’s – severe weather. If you’d like some help with implementing any of the tips we’ve outlined here, contact Naco Commercial Property Solutions today! For more commercial property tips and tricks, download our free guide, 7 Commercial Property Maintenance Tips That Will Save You Money.