Fires are part of the natural process. Unfortunately, they can wipe out entire neighborhoods when the conditions are correct. Still, one cannot help but notice that after a big fire, some people still have their homes and some do not.
The obvious question is why some of these homes burn to the ground and some survive. The answer in most cases has to do with the type of roofing material used. The fires up and down the coast of California provide proof.
When big fires break out, it appears obvious that the threat they cause is due to their rolling across the ground burning everything in their path. While a threat, there is actually a much bigger problem as shown by fires in California each fall.
The problem with big fires is they create an updraft. As hot air from the fire rises, it takes red hot embers with it. They are then taken by the wind and land on roofs up to a mile away. Whether those roofs provide fuel or not is the key question.
In this case, the fuel is usually the roof itself. When they land on dry wood shingle roofs, there is plenty of fuel and the home will be severely damaged or burned to the ground. When the land on tile, the tiles do not burn so the ember does no damage.
After the fires end, a drive through the communities is like being on the moon with one odd exception. Despite the fact everything is burned to the ground, homes with tile roofs are still upright.
Why does tile do so much better than wood? To answer the question, consider how tile is made. It is essentially a form of mud. Ever seen mud burn? Nope. The worst that tends to happen to tile is it might crack under extreme heat.
Another benefit of tile has to do with how it is used on a roof. Tile is placed so that it steps down and overlaps the piece below it. As a result, there is no risk of embers blowing up under tiles and getting to the wood framing of the home.
If fire is a potential threat in your community, you need to seriously consider converting your home to a tile roof. Failure to do so can result in the saddest of situations when you return to a home that is nothing but charred remains.
Mortgage protection cover could save your home from repossession if you were out of work and unable to meet our mortgage repayments each month. Many homeowners are under the impression that the state would step in and help, the state will help if you qualify but the help they give is very little and you still risk losing your home.
Mortgage protection cover could give you a monthly tax free income which would ensure that you could carry on meeting your mortgage repayments if you should find yourself out of work through accident, long term sickness or unforeseen unemployment. The cover would start after you had been out of work, usually for 30 days or more and would then continue to provide you with an income for up to 12 months and with some providers for up to 24 months.
Mortgage protection cover can be a very valuable product to have in your corner but it has to be given some consideration as to its suitability for your circumstances. The product isn't suitable for all homeowners as there are exclusions which might mean that you aren't eligible to make a claim, some of the most common include being in part time work, retired, self-employed or if you suffer from a pre-existing medical condition.
When it comes to finding the cheapest quote for the cover it is essential that you shop around in order to get the cheapest premiums. Don't be forced in to taking your cover when you take out your mortgage ? it is not compulsory to buy it from your mortgage lender. You are free to shop around for cover, despite what they may say!
However, when comparing policies, always make sure that you read the small print in a policy before buying the product and make sure that you understand the key facts in the policy if you want mortgage protection cover that could save your home in your time of need.
Both Thomas Burrell & Simon Burgess are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Thomas Burrell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening. Thomas Burrell is with 866FixMyRoof.com - a in Southern California.. Thomas Burrell's top article generates over 720 views. to your Favourites.
Simon Burgess has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mortgage Insurance, Finances and Income Protection Insurance. Simon Burgess is Managing Director of the award-winning British Insurance, a specialist provider of , loan protection insurance and income. Simon Burgess's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.