Early spring and summer storms will often encounter tornadic events troughout many southern US states. During a television interview even an insurance company adjuster advised that many insurance loss damages from windstorms are often unaccounted for. Policyholders need to educate themselves and search for insurance advice about the various items to lookout for and how to detect subtle wind damage which could be very costly and will often show up many months or years after the high winds are long gone.
Unfortunate policyholders who have found themselves in the vicinity of a tornado agree that most of the damage is not too difficult to see. Although this fact is agreed by most homeowners and/or business owners, even insurance company adjusters and engineers can miss hidden damages, because often they fail to look closely.
A thorough insurance loss inspection by an insurance claim consultant or independent appraiser is suggested. Many policyholders take their insurance adjusters analysis, without obtaining another opinion. Why would anyone let this happen? Protect yourself and your investment by learning these simple tornado damage inspection tips.
Plumbing: Tornado wind events will often shake or rack a home or structure. Policyholders can turn on all fixtures in bathtubs and sinks of all kitchens and baths, then open and inspect all cabinets to check pipes for leaking. Then flush all toilets, run showers and fill all baths with water. Investigate the ceilings below for water stains .
Roofing/Siding: Often an insurance claim that’s a result of high winds may not have appeared to caused damage to the roof when you look up there. However, it’s a must to have a detailed inspection preformed on the the roof for cracks, gouges or tears on the roof tabs from flying debris. High winds can occasionally rip, tear, and crack many types of siding or brick. These types of affects on the siding and roofing materials usually will allow water entry.
Windows & Gutters: High winds and flying debris will also damage and affect window panes, rip window screens, crack shutters, and displace or dent gutters.
Brick & Foundations: Check masonry for breaks and separation. Claim damage by tornadoes or high winds can also cause displacement and uplift to foundations. View the perimeter of all crawlspaces. Severe structure damages will sometimes remain unseen.
Interior: Excessive winds can cause fractures to intersecting joints at the corners of ceilings and walls. Stress cracking is often seen above doors and window openings. It’s a good idea to inspect for settling of floor framing and also the movement of walls using a 4′ or 8′ level. Within the next days and weeks it’s also highly recommended to look out for water stains and/or yellowing on walls and ceilings. These types of stains will often indicate missed roofing leaks or damage .
Insurers and some engineering firms have even been sued for their failure to identify many of these types of damages for claims after excessive wind activity and tornadoes. CNN reported about State Farm Penalized in Suit Over Tornado Claims :
State Farm acted “recklessly” and “with malice” in handling insurance claims from dozens of families whose homes were damaged when a wave of tornadoes, including the strongest in recorded history, swept through Oklahoma in 1999, a jury has decided. The verdict…delivered millions to the lead plaintiffs… The jury in the District Court of Grady County, Oklahoma, awarded Donald and Bridget Watkins almost $13 million in total damages for their part in the class action suit against the nation’s largest insurer….
As we are all well aware, windstorms involving a tornado – results in excessively high winds. Even tornadoes that do not actually “touch-down” will often result in extreme pressure to homes and buildings. Tornadic winds will push and pull on the buildings causing fasteners and building parts to become damaged.
Above all, as stated, call an insurance loss consultant or independent appraiser to inspect your buildings and be sure your family is safe. Feel free to call Insurance Claims Group, Inc. at 919-669-9111 to obtain FREE Insurance Advice.
(C) Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We can answer your claim issues FREE – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Secure FREE insurance advice, by visiting http://www.insuranceclaimsgroup.com or http://www.insurance-appraisal-services.com











