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Understanding the Risks of Wood Roofs
duda • August 1, 2024
Understanding the Risks of Wood Roofs: What Insurance Carriers Need You to Know
By: Danny McGinnis, CAPI, CPRIA
Wood roofs, known for their aesthetic appeal and natural beauty, have long been a popular choice for homeowners seeking a classic, rustic look. However, while they add charm and character to a property, wood roofs also come with a set of unique challenges that insurance carriers often view with concern. In this blog post, we'll examine the reasons behind these concerns and what homeowners can do to mitigate the risks.
The Appeal of Wood Roofs
Wood roofs offer several advantages:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Wood shingles and shakes provide a timeless, natural look that enhances the architectural style of many homes.
- Insulation Properties: Wood is a natural insulator, which can help with energy efficiency.
- Durability: When properly maintained, wood roofs can last for several decades.
Despite these benefits, wood roofs are often viewed warily by insurance carriers due to several inherent risks.
Key Concerns for Insurance Carriers
- Weather Resistance
- Moisture Damage: Wood roofs are vulnerable to water damage, which can lead to rot, mold, and mildew if not properly maintained.
- Storm Damage: Severe weather events, including heavy rain, hail, and high winds, can cause significant damage to wood roofs, leading to costly repairs.
- Maintenance Requirements
- Ongoing Upkeep: Wood roofs require regular maintenance, including cleaning, sealing, and replacing damaged shingles, to ensure their longevity and performance.
- Fire Hazard
- Combustibility: Wood is highly flammable, making wood roofs more susceptible to catching fire from external sources such as wildfires, lightning strikes, and even fireworks.
- Regulations: In areas prone to wildfires, local building codes may have strict regulations or even bans on wood roofing materials.
- Pest Infestation
- Attracting Insects: Wood roofs can attract pests such as termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles, which can compromise the structural integrity of the roof.
- Animal Damage: Birds and other animals may also cause damage as they nest or search for food.
- Cost of Repairs: Repairing or replacing wood shake roofs can be more expensive than other types of roofs. This higher cost can make claims more expensive for the insurer.
Mitigating the Risks
Homeowners with wood roofs can take several steps to reduce the associated risks and potentially improve their insurance coverage options:
- Consider Alternative Materials
- If you're in an area with high wildfire risk or other extreme weather conditions, consider replacing a wood roof with more fire-resistant materials such as metal, tile, or asphalt shingles designed to mimic the look of wood.
- For homeowners looking to maintain the look of wood without the associated risks, synthetic wood roofs are an excellent option. Companies like DaVinci and CeDur offer fire-resistant synthetic shingles that mimic the appearance of natural wood while providing enhanced durability and lower maintenance requirements.
- Fire-Resistant Treatments
- Apply fire-retardant treatments to wood shingles to enhance their resistance to fire. Ensure that the treatments are up-to-date and comply with local building codes.
- Regular Inspections and Maintenance
- Schedule regular roof inspections to identify and address any signs of damage or wear. Promptly replace any damaged or deteriorated shingles.
- Keep gutters clean and free of debris to prevent water accumulation and reduce the risk of moisture damage.
- Pest Control
- Implement pest control measures to protect the roof from insects and animals. Consider professional pest control services for ongoing protection.
Consult Your Insurance Agent
- Work closely with your insurance agent to understand specific requirements and recommendations they might have. They can provide guidance on additional measures to reduce risk and potentially lower your premiums.
- Always keep your insurance agent informed about any significant changes to your property, including roof replacements. A newer, more resilient roof can potentially qualify you for premium credits, reducing your overall insurance costs. Your agent can guide you through the process and ensure you receive all applicable discounts.
Conclusion
While wood roofs offer undeniable beauty and charm, they come with a set of risks that insurance carriers take seriously. By understanding these concerns and taking proactive steps to mitigate them, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of a wood roof while maintaining adequate insurance coverage.
As a private client advisor at BCU Risk Advisors, my goal is to help you navigate these complexities and ensure you have the best possible coverage for your unique needs. If you have any questions about your insurance options or need assistance with a thorough review of your current policy, feel free to reach out.
We're here to help you stay protected and prepared.
The Power of a Home Inventory Video Imagine this: You’ve spent years building a home filled with cherished possessions, from your grandmother’s antique vase to your latest tech gadget. Suddenly, disaster strikes. A fire, a burglary, or a natural calamity – the result is the same: your precious items are gone. Amid the chaos, the last thing you want to do is try to remember every single item you owned. This is where a home inventory video becomes invaluable. The Emotional Toll of Loss Experiencing a significant loss can be emotionally devastating. It's not just about the monetary value of the items lost but the memories and sentiments attached to them. Recalling every possession under stress is nearly impossible, and the process can be heart-wrenching. By creating a home inventory video, you can ease this burden, ensuring you have a detailed record of your belongings when you need it most. Steps to Create Your Home Inventory Video 1. Preparation Start by gathering your equipment. A smartphone or a video camera will do the job. Walk through your home, ensuring all lights are on for clear visibility. For dark corners, use a flashlight or the light on your smartphone. 2. Filming Begin with a Sweep: Start with a general sweep of each room to set the scene. Detailed Description: Open all drawers, closets, and cabinets. As you film, describe each item briefly. For example, say, “a set of 12 forks and spoons” rather than filming each one individually. For particularly valuable or unique items, take more time. Pick them up and hold them close to the camera, explaining their significance and details. 3. Storing Your Video Once your video is complete, store it safely. Back it up in multiple places: an external hard drive, the cloud, or even with your insurance agent. This ensures you have access to it when needed. 4. Updating Your Inventory Regularly update your inventory, especially after making significant purchases. Set a reminder to review and update your inventory annually. The Practical Benefits A home inventory video not only helps you remember what you had but also speeds up the claims process. Insurance companies appreciate detailed records, and a video can serve as indisputable proof of your possessions. This can be the difference between a smooth, swift claim process and a prolonged, stressful one. Creating a home inventory video might take a bit of time, but the peace of mind it offers is invaluable. Don’t wait for the unexpected. Start filming today to ensure you and your family are prepared for whatever comes your way. Your future self will thank you!
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Flooding isn’t just a coastal issue; it can impact homes anywhere. From heavy rain to unexpected storms, non-coastal regions can experience severe flood damage that leads to costly repairs. This makes comprehensive flood insurance essential for homeowners. To highlight the importance of this coverage, let's look at some real-life examples from Chubb's latest claims stories. Reclaiming a Home Submerged by the Storm An intense storm hit a non-coastal town, causing a nearby river to overflow. The resulting floodwater pushed open a home's basement door, inundating the interior. The water damaged carpets, drywall, insulation, paint, cabinets, baseboards, and even a pool table and family heirloom furniture. Chubb quickly assessed the damage and confirmed coverage under the client’s flood policy, enabling prompt restoration and recovery. Chubb claim payment: $227K Underwater and Undeterred: Rebuilding After a Hurricane A hurricane brought heavy rain to another non-coastal area, submerging homes in water. One client's unfinished basement suffered extensive damage, necessitating the replacement of flooring, the hot water tank, furnace, and electrical panel. The first floor required new hardwood and tile flooring, kitchen appliances, cabinets, and plaster walls due to elevated moisture levels. The garage's overhead door was also destroyed. Chubb responded promptly, recognizing the damage and providing an estimate to start repairs immediately. Chubb claim payment: $300K These stories demonstrate the value of having comprehensive flood insurance and the commitment of Chubb to support their clients through significant losses. For more detailed examples and to understand the difference Chubb’s claims service can make, download the full brochure below and visit Chubb's website . Ensure you’re protected against unexpected events. Contact BCU Risk Advisors to discuss your insurance needs and secure comprehensive coverage today.
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