Reduce Potential Damages and Premiums
For Every Peril, There’s A Home Improvement
Earthquake
The main areas of a home that could be improved to help mitigate damages and losses in the
event of an earthquake are foundation anchoring, water heaters, and cripple walls (if present). Earthquake loss mitigation efforts should typically attempt to minimize the ability of a structure to shift from ground movement. Keeping the walls and foundation stable, and preventing objects and fixtures from falling over are of utmost importance.
1. Foundation Anchoring – Depending on the construction of the home, a variety of anchoring techniques are available to help secure the structure to its foundation in order to reduce the effects of ground movement. The sill plate of the house should be securely bolted to the foundation, and an assortment of “hold downs” exists to secure walls. Consulting the local building department is recommended before deciding what to do.
2. Water Heaters – Unsecured water heaters are susceptible to falling over if not properly secured. Strapping the water heater to wall studs, and having flexible gas and water lines will significantly reduce risks of fire and water damage in the event of an earthquake.
3. Cripple Walls – Cripple walls are walls less than a story in height typically found between the first floor of a building and its foundation. As these walls are often made of weak sheathing material, unbraced cripple walls can shift during an earthquake, and this could result in significant damage to the home and potential injury to the occupants. One way to reduce this exposure to damage is to brace the cripple walls by adding horizontal supports between the vertical studs at the top and bottom of the walls. Nails should be added to ensure that the supports are securely attached.
Hail
Hailstorms do not usually result in the catastrophic damage associated with windstorms or fire. However, hail does result in significant damage to homes. The main area of a home susceptible to hail damage is the roof. The following are ways that can help mitigate damage in the event of hail:
1. Roof Covering – The condition and materials of the roof covering can improve the impact resistance. Worn asphalt shingles are especially vulnerable to hail damage. Impact-resistant roof coverings designed and tested to improve roof performance during hailstorms are available. Reduce Potential Damages and Premiums
2. Roof Decking – The roof decking provides the structural support for the roof covering. Solid roof decking improves the impact resistance of the roof. Material and construction techniques can improve the stiffness of the roof decking and help reduce hail damage.
3. Roof Slope – Angling the roof reduces the force of impact from hail. Hail hitting the roof at a 90-degree angle causes more damage than hail hitting the roof at an angle that deflects the force of the hail.
Hurricane
The main areas of a home that could be improved to help mitigate damages and losses in the event of a hurricane are the roof, the windows, the doors, and garage doors (if present). Hurricane loss mitigation efforts should typically attempt to prevent a structure from being penetrated by the wind. Keeping the roof intact, and keeping the doors and windows sealed shut are of utmost importance.
1. Roof - The type and condition of roof can be a significant factor in the amount of damage sustained by a structure in a hurricane. For instance, gable roofs are more likely to suffer damage from the high wind generated by hurricanes. Also, the quality of the construction can affect the performance of the roof in high winds. When the roof decking is not properly attached to the roof frame, the roof may not survive high winds.
Loose shingles or tiles increase the susceptibility of the roof to high winds. Once the roof structure is compromised, the integrity of the roofing is weakened and the interior of the house and its contents become susceptible to water damage or even the collapse of the roof itself. Loose tiles and shingles also become dangerous projectiles in the high winds.
2. Windows/Doors – Impact-resistant windows and doors provide protection to the home’s envelope from the combination of flying debris and the continuous pressure from high winds. Installing impact-resistant windows and doors, or installing impact-resistant coverings like storm shutters, can prevent a breach of the home envelope, avoiding
catastrophic loss.
3. Garage Doors – Garage doors can pose a special risk during high winds if they are not properly secured. Installing horizontal bracing, replacing weak hinges, and providing stronger center and end supports can reduce the likelihood of door failure in the event of a hurricane. It is also possible to install a stronger track for a garage door if the existing track is loose. Another option is to install impact-resistant coverings.
Lightning
Because lightning can strike anywhere, it is a good idea for every homeowner to consider electrical protection devices on the interior and exterior of their home. Exterior devices may require compliance with local building codes and ordinances. Interior devices, such as surge protectors, are simple and practical ways to mitigate damage to most of the electric appliances and electronics in your home.
1. Surge Protective Devices – To protect your electronics and electrical appliances from all but the most severe electrical surges or direct strikes, a good electrical grounding system is essential. Surge protection devices should be installed at point-of-use to lessen the risk of damage.
2. Lightning Protection Systems – These installations provide a direct path for lightning to follow to the ground, rather than through the house structure and its wiring. You should consult a qualified contractor for installation. Please note that lightning protection systems will not protect a home against electrical damage or fire from lightning that enters through the telephone, cable or electric lines to the house. Whole house surge protection devices are needed for this protection.
3 . Whole House Surge Protection Systems – These systems install on the electric meter or the electrical panel to help protect the appliances and electronic equipment in your house. Contact your local electric company for installation information. If the utility company does not offer the service, a qualified electrician can install this device.
Power Outage
There are numerous ways that your power can be disrupted. The best way to avoid losses due to power outages is to be prepared. Regular inspections of interior and exterior electrical
wiring are a must. Although not inexpensive, alternate power sources, such as generators, are a good idea, especially for those who rely on electricity to pump water from their private wells.
1 . Electrical Inspections – To protect against power outages, look for potential hazards, such as tree limbs over power lines. An inspection by a licensed electrician or general contractor for potential short circuits or other types of power failures is another wise precautionary step.
2. Alternate Power Sources – To prevent or lessen the impact of a power outage, buy a gas-powered generator. Just remember, it must remain outside the home due to the poisonous gases it generates. You can also use a battery-based power source. Batteries for radios and flashlights are an inexpensive and flexible power source.
3. Avoid Spoilage – Food spoilage is a very common loss due to power outages. Your refrigerator should only be opened once when you need to take out food for a meal. Consuming refrigerated food before non-refrigerated food will reduce food spoilage. Packing frozen or other refrigerated foods into a cooler, and moving them to the refrigerator of a neighbor or relative who is unaffected by the power outage is also helpful. In winter months, snow in your yard can be compacted, or stacked, and used as a temporary freezer or refrigerator. But be aware that liquids and other food will freeze in snow.
Tornado
The main areas of a home that could be improved to help mitigate damages and losses in the event of high winds associated with tornadoes are the roof, the windows, the doors, and garage doors (if present). Tornado loss mitigation efforts should typically attempt to prevent a structure
from being penetrated by the wind. Keeping the roof intact, and keeping the doors and windows sealed shut are of utmost importance.
1. Roof - The type and condition of roof can be a significant factor in the amount of damage sustained by a structure in a tornado. For instance, gable roofs are more likely to suffer damage from the high wind generated by tornadoes. Also, the quality of the construction can affect the performance of the roof in high winds. When the roof decking is not properly attached to the roof frame, the roof may not survive high winds.Loose shingles or tiles increase the susceptibility of the roof to high winds. Once the roof structure is compromised, the integrity of the roofing is weakened and the interior of the house and its contents become susceptible to water damage or even the collapse of the roof itself. Loose tiles and shingles also become dangerous projectiles in the high winds.
2. Windows/Doors – Impact-resistant windows and doors provide protection to the home’s envelope from the combination of flying debris and the continuous pressure from high winds. Installing impact-resistant windows and doors, or installing impact-resistant coverings like storm shutters, can prevent a breach of the home envelope, avoiding
catastrophic loss.
3 . Garage Doors – Garage doors can pose a special risk during high winds if they are not properly secured. Installing horizontal bracing, replacing weak hinges, and providing stronger center and end supports can reduce the likelihood of door failure in the event of a tornado. It is also possible to install a stronger track for a garage door if the existing track is loose. Another option is to install impact-resistant coverings.
Wildfire
The two main areas of a home that could be improved to help mitigate damages and losses in the event of a wildfire are the roof covering, and landscaping. Fire loss mitigation efforts should typically attempt to prevent a structure from catching fire. Proper landscaping can keep the fire from getting close enough to the structure to ignite it, while proper roof
covering can help prevent ignition from floating embers.
1. Roof Covering – The type of roof covering will depend on the other perils a home faces. Concrete or tile roofs are very fire resistant, but can be prone to hail damage. An asphalt shingle with good fire rating is often the most cost-effective choice a homeowner has. Wood shakes or shingles are to be avoided for homes exposed to wildfire, as these roofs are the most fire prone.
2. Landscaping – Keep a clear fire zone around a home. An area free of brush, and with vegetation that is less prone to fire is a very effective way to protect the home from fire. The type of vegetation appropriate for fire safety will vary depending on the climate in your area of the country. It is also important to keep your yard free of dead brush and leaves.
Winter Freeze
The easiest and most effective way to reduce potential loss from winter freeze is to conduct regular maintenance on your home and property. You should be aware of the potential hazards
of seasonal temperature changes, and protect your home accordingly. The major areas of concern should be gutters, outdoor faucets, the maintenance of appropriate indoor and attic temperatures, as well as those landscape and hardscape features whose proximity to your home might pose a winter freeze-related danger.
1 . Gutters – To prevent or lessen the possible impact of a winter freeze, gutters should be cleared of debris and flushed out with a garden hose. This will help prevent ice dams from forming at the base of the roof, and in the gutter area.
2. Outdoor Faucets – The water supply to outdoor faucets should be shut off at a valve inside the home. Outside pipes should be drained of all water. Faucets should be kept open very slightly during extremely cold weather.
3 . Indoor Temperature – The heat should be maintained in the home, even when it is vacant during the day, or when you are away on vacation. This prevents the pipes from freezing. Your attic should be ventilated and remain nearly as cool as the outdoor temperature. This will prevent the melting of ice associated with ice dams. You should re-check the attic ventilation and temperature every year.
4 . Other Freeze Hazards – You should also walk around your home, looking for other sources of potential winter freeze problems. Be mindful of walls, gutters, fences, pipes, sheds, garages, trees, shrubs, and walkways.
5 . Alternate Power Sources – To prevent or lessen the impact of a power outage, buy a gas-powered generator. Just remember, it must remain outside the home due to the poisonous gases it generates. You can also use a battery-based power source. Batteries for radios and flashlights are an inexpensive and flexible power source.
6 . Avoid Spoilage – Food spoilage is a very common loss due to power outages. Your refrigerator should only be opened once when you need to take out food for a meal. Consuming refrigerated food before non-refrigerated food will reduce food spoilage. Packing frozen or other refrigerated foods into a cooler, and moving them to the refrigerator of a neighbor or relative who is unaffected by the power outage is also helpful. In winter months, snow in your yard can be compacted, or stacked, and used as a temporary freezer or refrigerator. But be aware that liquids and other food will freeze in snow.
Potential Premium Discounts For Loss Mitigation
Sometimes insurance companies reward loss mitigation efforts by offering premium discounts. Since loss mitigation may reduce the expected losses for the insurer, there may be a lower premium charged. Such discounts for wildfire mitigation are not common. With regard to earthquake coverage, companies will often offer premium discounts for frame anchoring, securely strapping a water heater in place, or bracing cripple walls. Similarly, for hurricane coverage, insurers may offer discounts for roof bracing, hurricane shutters and straps, and retrofitted doors.