When most people think of weather-related home insurance claims, they think of violent hurricanes, tornadoes and flash flooding. However, a prolonged period of hot weather can also wreak havoc on a building. High temperatures are often welcomed after a long and cold winter, but many homes are put at risk of structural damage unless proper precautions and maintenance routines are followed. Home insurance is based on risk, and policy-holders who make regular claims will be considered a high risk. The result -- higher insurance costs, and in some cases, the refusal of coverage altogether. Although precautions cannot guarantee the avoidance of structural damage, they will reduce the risk significantly.
1. Wildfire
States such as California are susceptible to the risk of wildfire throughout the year. Fire damage does not have to be complete for an insurance claim to be necessary, but a few precautions should reduce the likelihood of having to make a claim to a minimum. The use of fire-resistant roof shingles and concrete tiles can protect a home from the flying embers that often trigger secondary fires. The fitting of specialized, fire-proof air vents will allow the free flow of air while stopping embers from entering a property. Any shrubs and plant-life can be a fire hazard when located close to a property; however, surrounding your home with a 'circle' of trees and foliage could act as a buffer. The fitting of dual-paneled glazing made with tempered glass will delay a fire's progress into a home.
2. Roof Damage
A prolonged period of hot weather and direct sunlight can take a heavy toll on a roof. Particularly after a period of cold or damp weather, intense heat can weaken tiles considerably. The drying process can lead to cracks, and even the slightest weaknesses will be exploited by subsequent inclement weather. Selecting roof tiles with a special ultra-violet protective coating and performing regular maintenance will greatly extend the life of a roof.
3. Subsidence
Subsidence involves the movement of a property's foundations. Houses located on areas of earth with a high clay content are susceptible to subsidence during hot and dry spells of weather. As groundwater evaporates and runs away, the earth dries and cracks - causing a building to move. Subsidence can be identified by cracks in the walls of more than 3 mm, ill-fitting doors and sloping floors. Not all home insurance policies cover this phenomenon, so it is worth checking what kind of earth your home sits on, and exactly what you are covered for.
Buying a home is often the single biggest investment a person will make during a lifetime, so protecting that investment is incredibly important. Give us a call today at 877-430-0092 to discuss ways of protecting your home from the cost of prolonged periods of hot weather. You can also get an online quote for Colorado home insurance on this website.