Storms in Florida at any time of the year may become severe. Any storm has the capability of damaging homes and property.
Hurricanes, especially, are notorious for wreaking havoc on Florida homes. However, they are not the only way your dwelling and belongings may become damaged. Learn some common ways a storm may damage your house.
What is the most common storm damage?
Wind damage is a common element of Florida storms. The roof becomes the frequent victim of wind during storms. Shingles often become stripped off, which allows rainwater into the house. Trees and other outside items may become flying objects and cause further home damage, such as:
- Window breaks
- Awnings
- Screened porches
- Garage doors
What to expect with a storm?
A storm may consist of more than rain. Hail comes in different shapes and sizes, and its impact on the roof of a house, an overhang or a vehicle may leave you with large ruts. Hail damage can compromise various areas of the home. Lightning strikes and severe weather, such as tornados, may cause widespread damage to neighborhoods.
What action can you take after a storm?
Before a storm, ensure that your homeowner’s policy is in a safe place so you can review it. Unfortunately, you may find that your policy only covers some of the damage to your home. A common exception is flooding. Even if the water damage occurs during a hurricane or other covered event, absent a separate flood policy, your insurer may not cover the damage.
Should you find yourself with storm damage, you may want to enlist the assistance of someone with experience dealing with cleanup and insurance companies. You want to set yourself up to have a better chance to recover afterward.