Over the past few weeks Ciara and Dennis have seen many people dealing with the aftermath of their visit. Whether you have suffered from lost roof tiles, damage to fences or been one of the many homes that have experienced floods, assessing the damage and organising repairs can be a daunting task.
Will Insurance cover the costs?
With any claim, your insurance company will investigate whether the damage was the result of the storm or due to a lack of general upkeep of the property, which became apparent because of a storm. For example, claims in relation to roof damage can be very high. Assessors will be looking for signs of poor maintenance, such as, slipped and missing roof tiles and perished mortar.
Fences, walls (not part of the building structure) and gates are generally excluded from insurances as they are seen to be at high risk of damage, we recommend that you replace those that are old and ensure they are installed properly.
What can you do to prevent storm damage?
At Mace Davies, we always recommend preventative maintenance. For general homeowners, it’s a good rule to keep up with a property’s general maintenance.
Ensure the chimney, roof and pointing are in good condition.
Check that the aerial or satellite dish is secure.
If your property has a felt roof, look out for any wear and tear on it.
Cut down loose or overhanging branches in the garden. You may need to speak to your local authority to see if any trees are protected.
Check your gutters. If they overflow, they can cause damage to the structure, so make sure your gutter, downpipe and any surface gullies are clear of any loose leaves and debris.
Before a storm, ensure that everything is secured or locked inside if possible. Place any garden furniture in sheds or garages where able. Make sure that doors, garages, windows and loft trapdoors are closed and are properly fastened.
For those building owners who hold multiple stock, having a stock condition survey and a planned maintenance programme in place will help to mitigate any risks, meaning your insurance is more likely to pay out should you be affected by a storm.
Your Neighbours
If it looks like a neighbour’s property isn’t adequately prepared for bad weather, then that could affect you. For example, if your property is a terrace house with a shared roof. Most neighbours will consider any potential issues being brought to their attention.
For all you property surveying needs, contact Chris Mace
