First off, they say, get the facts about weather conditions in your vicinity. Know how high the winds will blow and the potential damage they can cause by familiarizing yourself with the four related characteristics:
Wind Uplift: how the wind drifts up and above your home's roof, resulting in a 'lift'
Wind Racking: how the wind works up parallel pressure that may result in 'home tilting'
Wind Sliding: how the wind works up parallel pressure that may result in foundation 'home sliding'
Wind Toppling: how the wind causes your home to pivot off its foundation in the event it is not able to rack-off or slide-off
After giving yourself the crash course on how winds can impact your property, you must correct any misconstruction so that your home or building will be able to withstand the forcefulness of high wind traffic.
Find a contractor who will frame construction material, metal connectors, nails, screws and the like and 'shearwalls' (walls that are reinforced for added protection against storms) will buoy your property against related damage. This will enable your structure to redistribute wind pressures by pushing them from the outer side of your home to the frame and then to the very foundation.
Of course before hiring anyone to remodel or build from scratch, you have to do a thorough background check to ensure you are hooked up with an expert builder - someone who knows what he's doing as far as construction goes and as far as preventive wind collision work. Then, find out about building standards for new construction as well as building codes and limitations for any older building you are redoing.
It is definitely also a smart idea to consult with your insurance agency or company. Part and parcel of the business, your broker will be able to tell you about tailored tips in regard to the wind factor in your area. The knowledge may even extend to helping you save on coverage premiums as you empower your home or building against storming winds.
Finally, it's wise to become a partner in the actual building process. Speak your mind, ask away and view construction progress so that you keep on top of the situation and be left with results that please and protect!
PRIME Insurance is an A++-rated agency that has been recognized by the industry, as well as more than 10,000 satisfied customers that it serves. Winner of numerous prestigious awards and appointed to do direct business with over 40 of the leading companies (ASSURANT, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual, MAPFRE, USLI, Guard, Safeco and so on), we scout our wide network to present customized coverage at competitively lowest quotes.
For all forms of nationwide policies, including NJ auto, homeowners, commercial, workers comp, bonds, life and more, visit us online at http://www.primeins.com/, email us at [email protected] or call us at 732-886-5751!
Article provided by M Wyzanski