What to do When You’ve Got Storm Damage

Written By Kenneth Wilson  |  0 Comments

We live in Florida. Chances are you will eventually see the likelihood of a pretty bad storm or hurricane if you haven’t already. When that happens, we hope for the best, and wish for no property damage, but occasionally it does happen, and we want to make sure you are prepared. What is the best defense? Having a good offense. Make sure your screen enclosure is well maintained and hurricane ready before the storm hits. What do we mean by this? Be preventative.

  • Make sure all beams are secure and steady. Loose beams can and will fall or possibly fly away with high winds.
  • Make sure all fasteners are tight, rust free and secure. If not, they are prone to breaking and causing damage to other parts of the enclosure
  • Install hurricane cables to protect and add a layer of protection to the screens.
  • Check your insurance coverage, add a ryder if you need to. (see our blog on screen enclosure insurance)
  • Have pictures taken of your screen enclosure before the storm so that you can have before and after pictures ready. Insurance claims are tough!

 

If unfortunate circumstances do occur, and your screen enclosure is damaged, we recommend the following measures immediately. Remember, the insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. There are certain rules and procedures that you must adhere by.

 

  • Quickly document it by calling your insurance agent
  • Insurance policies place a time limit on filing claims. Find out what those time limits are. Ask questions about the coverage of your screen enclosure and if it is even covered to begin with. If so, what’s the deductible? How long will it take to process my claim? Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs to structural damage?
  • Take multiple pictures and videos from different angles, and make sure they are good quality and clear. Get shots of torn or aggravated screens, damaged beams and loosened fasteners Avoid throwing out or moving any damaged items until the adjuster has visited the site in reference. Prepare a home inventory list of damaged items with market value and cost, and make a copy for your adjuster.
  • Once your insurance company has been notified of your intentions to file a claim, the company is required to send the necessary claim forms to you within a specified time period, which varies from state to state. Fill out the forms neatly, thoroughly, and clearly, with all the requested details and return the forms at your earliest convenience in order to avoid delays.
  • If and when your insurance company permits it, hire a reputable repair company to prevent further damage from any water leaks or other existing damages from the storm. Save receipts for what you spend, and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
  • Contact us at FL screens to get an honest and professional estimate on repair work to bring your screen enclosure back up to par.

Once terms have been settled on between you and your insurance company, state laws requires them to send payment to you promptly. In most cases, your claim will be processed quickly. If you have any questions about the claim filing laws in your state, call your insurance agent or your state department of insurance. Most screen repair companies will work with you and the insurance company during this inconvenient and difficult time.

About the Author

I can build it, and I can help you get the patio enclosure you want! I got my start in the Florida patio industry back in the 70s as a young general laborer looking for something to make a few bucks. At the time I never thought it would end up as my career. Over the years I grew beyond the laborer position, becoming a foreman, superintendent, and then into executive management for some of the largest patio contractors, and material vendors. Now into retirement and slightly bored, I offer consulting services to new and existing contractors, and publish this website to help the people who love their patio's and screen enclosures the most - YOU!

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