Hail Storms and Commercial HOA Buildings
A sudden hailstorm can cause unexpected problems for commercial buildings, and recently one of the commercial associations we manage experienced this firsthand (yes, there are commercial HOAs).
While most people think of hail damage in terms of roofs, siding, or vehicles, this storm revealed another vulnerable component on many commercial properties: exterior fire alarm devices. This commercial condominium building is comprised of individually owned industrial spaces. Each space has fire alarm strobes mounted on the facade at the front and rear of each unit.
During the storm, large hail (up to 3-3.5 inches in diameter) struck the area county-wide and created concern throughout the area. Townships of Willowbrook, Plainfield, Darien, Hinsdale, Westmont, Downers Grove, Aurora, Sugar Grove, Joliet and many others were affected, which warranted a visit to any commercial property with external equipment. After the weather cleared, a walkthrough inspection revealed that a number of exterior fire alarm strobes had been cracked or shattered by the hail. These devices are typically mounted on the outside of buildings to provide visual alarm notification during a fire emergency. The clear plastic lenses that protect the strobe lights are durable under normal conditions but can be susceptible to impact damage during severe weather events.
Damaged strobes are more than just a cosmetic issue. When the protective lens is broken, moisture can enter the device and compromise its internal electronics. This can lead to malfunctioning alarms, nuisance troubles on the fire panel, or failure of the device during an actual emergency - when you need it the most. Because of the critical life safety role that these systems play, any damage must be addressed quickly.
Now, luckily, due to new ownership, we already had been in-process of replacing the old fire alarm system strobes. Since some had already been replaced, we wanted to confirm whether any of the brand new devices were damaged. Once damaged devices were identified, our Association Property Manager coordinated with the fire alarm vendor to inspect each device. The vendor confirmed that several strobes required replacement to restore proper operation and maintain compliance with fire safety standards. In situations like this, prompt action helps prevent further issues and ensures the building’s fire alarm system continues to operate as intended.
This experience also served as a good reminder of the importance of post-storm inspections. After severe weather events, Property Managers and HOA Board members should take time to check not only roofs and gutters, but also exterior equipment such as fire alarm strobes, emergency lighting, cameras, and other mounted devices. These components are often overlooked but can be vulnerable to hail and flying debris.
Severe weather is unpredictable, but proactive inspections and quick coordination with qualified vendors help Associations respond effectively. By identifying the damage early and addressing it promptly, the Association was able to restore its life safety systems and keep the property operating safely for the businesses and visitors.
About PMI Service Group
PMI Service Group manages residential rental homes, Associations, commercial properties and even commercial Associations. We also offer brokerage services for homeowners looking to sell or purchase a home. We also conduct property acquisitions off-market, helping people who face foreclosure or private sales between real-estate investment clients looking to trim or add to their real estate portfolio(s). With many years of experience in construction, engineering, design, rehabs, investment property, property management and portfolio management, let's have a conversation about managing your Association.
PMI Service Group
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