Riding the Storm Out: Home Defense

Posted in General on June 8, 2017

Hurricane season began a few days ago, so if your Tampa home is in need of improvements to make it storm-ready, this is the time to do it. After all, when the raindrops start falling, it might be too late to get to those needed repairs and upgrades.

According to a recent newspaper article, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that there will be 5 to 9 hurricanes this season and that 2 to 4 of them will be will be major. That means the possibility of hurricane damage to your home from high winds or storm surge will be present through the end of the season.

As many Tampa residents know, last-minute storm defenses are often inadequate. It makes sense to be proactive and address problems before the telltale signs of a major storm are everywhere.

The first area of your home to inspect is the roof and shutters. Upgrades in those areas can be cost-effective, the article says. An engineer and associate professor emeritus in the school of construction at Florida International University says quality shutters installed by licensed contractors will ensure that “you’re on your way to protecting your home.”

Roof damage tops the list of hurricane insurance damage claims that don’t involve storm surge, according to Tampa’s Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. Water can leak through gaps in decking, which can result in escalating problems as water soaks insulation which collapses the ceiling which falls on furniture.

If your home or business sustains that kind of damage, the last thing you want or need in an insurer balking at paying your claim. You can speak with an attorney experienced in fighting for full coverage and compensation.