Safe and Insurable Exterior Property

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A safe, insurable property welcomes guests with well-maintained walkways and exteriors. For the individual property owner, the most significant exterior risks depend on the location of the home and the natural hazards in that area, says Timothy A. Reinhold, vice president of the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in Tampa, Fla. Hurricanes and tropical storms lead the list of hazards, according to Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute in New York. From 1986 to 2005, they made up 47.5 percent of total catastrophe losses. Other risks were tornado losses at 24.5 percent, winter storms at 7.8 percent, earthquakes and other geologic events at 6.7 percent, wind and flood events at 2.8 percent, and fire at 2.3 percent. Evaluate Risks To identify risks, homeowners must understand the location. Longtime residents may be well aware of local natural hazards, but the United States is a nation on the move. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 43 million people move in a one-year period. When people move, they may be unaware of and unprepared for tornados, hurricane-force winds, floods, or earthquake tremors. It's important to know what types of hazards you and your property may be facing. Once hazards are identified, homeowners must determine if and how a home's structure will handle those hazards. Consider steps to minimize potential damage. Don't underestimate difficulties created by housing that becomes unsafe. "For older properties built under older or non-existent building codes and standards, structural damage remains a key risk factor," says IBHS' Reinhold. "For newer homes built to modern building codes and standards, issues of water intrusion will continue to be a major and growing risk factor for the future." Homeowners need to consider building practices that are right for the hazards their houses will confront. In an earthquake zone, a house must be built to flex as it rides the seismic tremors. A house with a weak lower story or large garage doors, may be at risk for considerable damage. In tornado- or hurricane-prone areas, structural risk is greatly reduced for a new home with a continuous load path that connects all parts of the home through the foundation. A home in a flood area that locates its lowest floor and all electrical and HVAC components above flood level is less at risk than a one-story home entirely in the flood zone. Reduce Risks Roofs. Subject to harsh conditions, a proper roof covering can offer a lot of protection. Openings. Windows, doors, and garage doors need special consideration in areas of high winds or wildfires. Gutters. In areas of freezing temperatures, clogged gutters can dam water and cause ice buildup, leaks, and damage if melting snow backs up under shingles.

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