These are the precautions homeowners should take
Many storms with storms, hail and heavy rain have moved across the country over the past few days and weeks. While the sun was shining a few kilometres away, the world literally came to an end under some thunderstorm cells. Heavy rain and large hailstones pelted roof surfaces and windows, gusts of hurricane strength covered so many roofs. Unfortunately, one thing is certain: thunderstorms are coming more and more often and they are becoming more and more intense. It is therefore important that homeowners take appropriate precautions so that the roof stays tight even in a storm and everything stays on it.
Roofs protect houses from wind and weather and, if well insulated, make an important contribution to energy efficiency. Homeowners should consider the following tips to protect their roof from hail, heavy rain and storms:
Tip: check regularly
All parts of the roof and facade should be checked regularly for a firm hold: Loose roof tiles must be attached. House owners should also have damaged areas and leaks in the roofing fixed as soon as possible, otherwise water can penetrate the roof structure during the next heavy rain and cause considerable moisture damage. It is important to keep gutters and down pipes free so that precipitation can drain off and accumulated rainwater does not lead to water damage in the basement.
Tip: Use suitable materials to counter hailstones
Hailstones the size of a chicken egg fall from the sky at breakneck speed onto a roof, where they leave great damage. Currently seen in the news almost every day. If the roof needs to be re-roofed when renovating a house, the hail resistance class should be an important purchase criterion when choosing the materials. Products of resistance class 4 or better 5 are suitable. Storm clips prevent the effect of wind suction or storm on roof tiles. How many storm clips are necessary for a roof covering depends on the respective regional wind zone.
Tip: above-rafter insulation as a second water-bearing level
A continuous layer of insulation directly under the roof tiles offers good protection against bad weather. If the roof is damaged by hail or a storm, the insulation layer, as a second water-bearing layer, is able to protect the house from water damage caused by heavy rain. In tests, large hailstones, for example, did not penetrate polyurethane insulation .
Tip: Use suitable connections
Every roof has openings and connections that have to withstand heavy rain, hail and storms. Special molded parts should be used, for example, for antenna masts or roof vents. Roof windows also require special connection plates and flashing frames so that they provide the highest level of safety in storms or heavy rain.
Tip: what to do in the event of storm damage to the roof?
When a storm has damaged the roof, homeowners need to react quickly and correctly. Once the storm has subsided, all parts that have landed on the street or sidewalk should first be picked up. Report storm damage to the insurer immediately. Do not remove anything that is important for the damage assessment. It is best to document the extent of the damage with photos. Emergency repairs to avoid further damage should be carried out by a specialist company. If you have a damaged roof, leave it to an experienced professional before you injure yourself or even fall. If the insurance company agrees, you can commission a specialist company to carry out the repairs.
Tip: Which insurance covers which damage?
The building insurance regulates storm damage to the building. It is liable for storm and consequential damage from wind force 8 (from 62 km / h), not below that. The household insurance is responsible for damage to the home furnishings. If the damage was caused by an open window, the insurance does not pay either. Glass damage is covered by special glass insurance, including the cost of any emergency glazing. If a rotten tree falls from a neighbor on your house and damages the facade or roof, the tree owner's liability insurance is responsible for regulating the damage. If the basement is filled up as a result of heavy rain or a flood, the homeowner is only entitled to an insurance benefit