In more than half of the United States, damage from winds and heavy wind-driven rain is a major worry. Boulder, Colorado, for example, regularly records some of the highest wind speeds in the U.S. with winds of over 110 miles per hour (in 1971 a gust of 147 mph was clocked), while the neighboring cities of Fort Collins and Loveland are in the top eight American cities for average wind speed. The Gulf States, of course, have to deal not only with winds but also with torrential rains produced by hurricanes. However, the following early preparation and maintenance measures can help limit the impact of wind and severe weather on your dwelling:
- Ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage for all potential damage caused by weather.
- Check for any leaks and water infiltration around windows, doors, flashing, roofs, vents, gable ends and siding.
- Keep trees trimmed to at least 7 feet away from buildings and remove vines from exterior walls.
- Ensure that all doors have hinges and dead-bolt locks that meet or exceed required standards.
- Look into installing metal shutters to protect doors, windows, and garage doors.
If damage does occur, as soon as it is safe, remove all standing water and damp materials from the building to prevent structural damage and mold growth, and contact your insurance agent to make a claim for losses. Board up any damaged doors and windows, and make an appointment with a licensed builder to ascertain what repairs will be necessary and their estimated cost.
To get extensive information on the impact of severe weather and how to deal with it, you can view the website at http://www.DisasterSafety.org and enter your zip code to learn about the risks in your specific area.
Call us to get a Boulder wind insurance quote at 888-279-9701.