The warmer months of the year in Florida can bring violent summer storms while late summer through fall is hurricane season. Besides rain, the one common element in these storms is high winds. Wind can affect your home by directly hitting it with damaging force or by causing indirect damage from flying debris or falling trees and branches. Early preparation before the worst hits is the key to minimizing costly damage to your home. Want to learn more about house insurance check out our Homeowners Insurance-The Basics Article.
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We suggest the following house insurance preparation tips:
Strengthen Your Roof
If your roof is old or damaged, have it re-roofed. Hire a roofer with experience at installing high wind rated roof covers. This is important because high winds blowing across the top of your roof exert a lifting force like what happens across an airplane’s wings. This lifting force can tear off old or damaged shingles.
If your house has a gable end roof that isn’t braced, then it is vulnerable to high winds. A gable roof has two sloping sides and a triangular gable at each end. If strong wind collapses a gable, then roof failure will occur. A qualified builder can internally brace the gable from inside the attic. Further strengthening can be done by installing metal hurricane straps that secure the roof structure to the walls of the house.
Strengthen Your Garage Door
The large size of a garage door makes it structurally weak. If it fails in a storm, high winds can tear apart your home from the inside out. If the door isn’t pressure and impact rated for your area, use a bracing kit to strengthen the door.
Protect Your Windows and Glass Doors
Windows and glass doors are reliably protected by using storm shutters. Permanent aluminum or steel roll-down shutters provide the best protection. However, pre-made plywood covers that can be rapidly attached will also work.
Remove Dangerous Trees and Branches
The horizontal distance separating your trees from your home should be greater than their height. Remove dead and weak branches. Have an arborist inspect your trees for structural weaknesses caused by disease or rapid growth.
Remove Loose Objects
Remove clutter from your yard. Keep track of lawn furniture and outdoor equipment and be ready to remove them when a storm threatens. Also replace landscaping materials such as gravel and rocks with wood bark.
Contact Your Insurance Agent
Make sure your house insurance provides adequate wind damage protection. This can cover damage to your house, its contents, and external structures such as fences, sheds, and pools. The exact details of what’s available are best learned by talking to your agent. Questions about insurance or home preparation? We are more than happy to help you out. Contact us.
Robert Macoviak is the President of Oyer, Macoviak and Associates. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates is the oldest independent insurance agency in Boynton Beach and has been in business since 1953. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates are vested members of the community who are committed to doing business face-to-face and being your insurance advocate in times of need.
