When Ice Dams Cause Flooding in Your Minneapolis Home

2/15/2020 (Permalink)

Ice dams are common in Minnesota. SERVPRO has the tools to dry your home. Call us today!

Seasonal Transitions: Flood Damage Solutions for Your Minneapolis Business 

As the grip winter holds in Minneapolis loosens, concern turns to the risks snowmelt and spring rains can bring to business owners. Commercial buildings often feature flat roofs in the land of otherwise steeply pitched shingles, exposing retail centers, schools, and warehouses to an overhead flooding hazard as months of built-up snow and ice liquify. When roof drains malfunction because of ice dams, and the frozen ground surrounding a building is unable to absorb more liquid, water finds its way inside.  

Signals that Flooding Is Imminent 

If several feet around your commercial building is an ice-filled moat, flood damage in Minneapolis can follow. Another sign that water lurks are bulging ceiling tiles that hides collected meltwater seeking an outlet. Outside, a visual inspection can show water blocked from flowing down drain spouts by debris or ice dams instead of sheeting down the exterior. These fluids find ways inside the building through permeable building materials like concrete and masonry. Walls become soaked, insulation packs down, and floodwater collects at the lowest level. 

Fluctuating Outdoor Temperatures Complicate Extraction and Drying 

Cold, slushy water exacerbated by overnight freezes can impede the rapid water removal. SERVPRO crews can accelerate the efficiency of pumps and wanded extractors by removing ice with shovels. If possible, increasing interior temperatures can help reduce icy debris during water evacuation. After we eliminate the liquid flood water, we consider the best balance of air movement and dehumidifiers for a cold temperature drying configuration. We use an open system as the cooler outdoor air leads to condensation issues inside. 

Use of Desiccant Dehumidifiers 

When temperatures are below 50 degrees F in your commercial building, it is hard to increase the temperature in a vast space. SERVPRO Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians turn to desiccant dehumidifiers. Desiccant units work far more effectively than refrigerant dehumidifiers under these conditions. Dense materials with low porosity and low permeability like hardwood floors, framing materials, and concrete are common in commercial spaces, and they also benefit from the use of desiccant-type dehumidifiers. 

SERVPRO of Minnetonka understands that adaptations to conventional flood damage and removal techniques are necessary for the best results during cold and transitional weather. Call us at (952) 473-4837 to schedule an evaluation. 

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