A small leak in a roof soon begins to cause irreparable damage. In snowy areas such as Minnesota, spring can be a horrible time to discover a leak, as accumulated snow begins to melt. Check attics and roof-tops on a regular basis, but especially before snow starts to fall, to assure no leaks have formed. While a patch of suitable roofing material should be enough to eliminate your immediate leak, consider that one leak usually signifies that the entire roof is nearing the end of its life. So patch your leak immediately, but unless a specific and direct accident caused that one leak, and the rest of your roof is new, start planning for a new roof right way. Waiting a season could result in another leak, and even more irreparable damage to the construction of your home. While a new roof can be expensive, it will add immeasurable value, safety and comfort to your home.
Insulation is another important consideration before winter is completely upon Minnesota. Insulation's main function is to prevent heat from leaving your home, and to prevent cold from penetrating your walls and ceiling. Assure you have adequate insulation, and that there is no damage to the insulation. Leaks and dampness will reduce the effectiveness of your insulation, and in the worst case scenario, mold could develop, meaning your insulation will need replacing.
The important thing is to check for leaks or any other damage to your home often enough that you can fix them before a problem sets in. If neglected, leaks or damage can create long-term problems that can be far more expensive than if they were fixed immediately.
So winterize, and protect your most valuable asset: your home.
It has been three (3) years since Hurricane Katrina devastated both Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The 2005 Hurricane Season was one of the worst on record and caused billions of dollars in damage. The 2008 Hurricane Season is now upon us; having started on June 1st, the hurricane season runs through November 30th. The 2008 Hurricane Season was predicted to be "above average", however to date the season and the tropics have been relatively quiet with only a few named storms, and only one that impacted south Texas. Historically however, the worse storms form in August through October. Your insurance company has not forgotten about the damages paid out in previous years. Policy owners in effected coastal and hurricane zone areas have seen rate increases year after year to pay for past losses and payouts for property damages. As a result, now is the time for home and property owners to evaluate their property casualty insurance to assure that they are covered in case of storm damage loss.
(1) Take photos and make a list of your personal property - A photograph is worth a thousand words. Take as many photos as possible of your personal items, and your home to assure that the insurance company can see the state of your home prior to the storm.
Maintain trees and shrubbery and other outside objects in a safe location - trees and shrubbery branches often become trajectories during a storm, and uprooted trees can actually impale both your home and that of neighbors.
(3) Take photos immediately after the storm of damages - It is critical to take photos to show any immediate damages to property and personal property to disclose the causation factor. In other words, the storm caused the damages. Many times insurance companies will attempt to deny damages.
Keep your important documents and records in a safe place - A small lock box, or hand held file carrier can be transported easily and is a safe way to transport records and documents with you if you are required to evacuate your house.
If you lose power, save all receipts for food, hotels, and other expenses - If you are forced to evacuate your home quickly by authorities as a result of a pending storm; make sure you save your out of pocket expenses for spoiled food, hotel stays, and other expenses for having to leave your home.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible - Don't wait to contact your insurance company to see if there are damages, most likely the insurance company will be swamped with calls for damages; get inline and contact your insurance carrier to assess your damages.
Keep time for how long it takes you to clean-up. It may reimbursable. - Take notes on all the hours and expenditures you have for your clean-up efforts.
Write down the date and name of the insurance adjuster that visited your home. - It is critical when an insurance adjuster visits your home that they have the correct licenses and general liability coverages required for your state. Insurance companies rarely track as closely as they should. Dates and times may become a key issue if the case goes to court.
Make sure you are given a claim number by the insurance company - Once you contact your insurance company ask them for a claim number and note the time and date of your call and if possible the person you spoke with on the phone. Note every call you make to the insurance company regarding your claim.
Do not sign any forms or documnets that say 'release' - Do not sign any releases on your claim. Depending on your state statutes, you may have several years to report a claim for damages. Damages can sometimes manifest themselves months after your loss.
If you feel you have been underpaid on your claim contact an attorney that specializes in first party contract claims. Insurance companies are in business because they take in more then they pay out, and the first pass of reimbursement for damages may not amount to what you are due under the policy for final damages as a result of your loss.
If you receive a check, go ahead and cash it. Your rights are not affected. - Many people believe that if they find future damages attributable to the storm that they will not be able to recover more money if they have already received a check- not true. Sign and deposit any checks you receive from your insurance company.
Both Jerry Clifford & Atty Chris Lim 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.
Jerry Clifford has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Sell Home. Jerry Clifford is an experience specializing in. Jerry Clifford's top article generates over 480 views. to your Favourites.
Atty Chris Lim has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Gardening. Do you have hurricane damage call Atty Chris Lim at (800) 979-1937 or visit the website which provides . Atty Chris Lim's top article generates over 480 views. to your Favourites.