Are you ready for Mother Nature's mood swings?
Greeley, Colo., May 16, 2011 - If you look around you'll see Mother Nature's gifts everywhere, with seasonal flowers in bloom and more warm days in the forecast. But Mother Nature has mood swings, which can sometimes look more like Mommy Dearest-unpredictable.
According to State Farm® claims data, wind (and hail) storms are one of the top four most frequent and severe causes of home property damage in Utah. Nationally, damage caused by wind and hail cost State Farm and its policyholders more than $3.2 billion in 2010.
Here are some important considerations as you prepare for Mother Nature's next tantrum.
Make your home less vulnerable
- Consider installing windows rated for the wind speeds in the state.
- Entry doors should have three hinges and dead bolt locks with at least a one-inch bolt throw length. Framing around the door should be securely anchored to the wall.
- Be aware your garage door panels, especially if double-wide, may require both horizontal and vertical bracing.
- Strong winds can cause shingles to peel off. Each year you should evaluate the condition of your roof. If you notice wear and tear, repair the area immediately.
- To help anchor the soffits to your home, apply a bead of polyurethane sealant between the wall and the trim where the soffit panels are inserted. You can also apply a dollop of caulk in the V-shaped hole where the join between two soffit panels meets the trim.
- Any cracks of holes where cables, pipes, or wires enter the home should be sealed with caulk.
If your roof is damaged during a windstorm
- Work with your insurance agent or claims adjustor to fully understand the claims process and how covered repairs will be handled. State Farm customers who have reported a loss can expect to be contacted by a claim representative who will review your policy and explain your coverage, outline the claim process, and answer questions.
- Choose a reputable roofing contractor. Look for a licensed or bonded roofer and request references. Not all jurisdictions require licensing of roofing contractors. Ask to see certificates of insurance to be sure both liability and workers compensation insurance coverage is carried, and are in force during the time the roofing work is being done.
Contact
Angela Thorpe, State Farm Insurance at (303) 264-1560.
About State Farm®
State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm's 17,700 agents and 68,600 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 78.7 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.9 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 31 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®.
