Arizona Property Owners Faced with Hail Damage Now Have Help

For people who do not live in the arid Southwest, the idea that powerful hailstorms can wreak havoc on people’s property may come as a surprise. However, residents from places such as the Phoenix metropolitan area know all too well that hailstorms are a real property threat that are not just associated with the monsoon season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that hail causes approximately $1 billion dollars in damage to properties and crops each year in the United States. One of the nation’s largest insurance providers, The Travelers Companies, reports that between 2009 and 2015, 15% of homeowners insurance claims with the company were caused by hail.

Storms that produce hail can occur anywhere and at anytime of the year, although Arizona and many other states experience the most storms from May through September. When they do occur, they can cause extensive damage to people’s homes, businesses and vehicles. Fortunately, hail damage to a home or building is covered by many homeowners insurance and commercial property policies.

“While hailstorms can vary in intensity, property owners are advised to check for signs of damage after a storm that produced hail has left the area,” said Douglas Waldie, President of Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC. “This includes inspecting roofs, skylights, siding, windows, doors and screens. Also check outdoor furniture, grills and air conditioning units for damage. Some types of hail damage may also cause exterior damage that will allow water to enter a building. If this occurs it should be addressed quickly as many wet building materials can allow for the growth of mold in less than 48 hours. Older hail damaged properties could also encounter asbestos and lead-based paint issues during cleanup, demolition or repair activities.” 

Those faced with hail damage to their insured property should consider utilizing the services of a licensed and knowledgeable public adjuster to represent their interests and to help ensure the property is completely repaired. The experts at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters provide this service to policyholders of both residential and commercial properties throughout Arizona.  They also recently sponsored a video about hailstorms and property damage that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/oxUp5CSUZ4s

Arizona Property Owners Learn that Smoke Residues Can Cause Extensive Property Damage

As recently as 2014, the National Fire Protection Association reports that there were 494,000 structure fires in the United States that year alone. These fires were reported at a rate of one every 64 seconds and they caused almost $10 billion in property damage.

Structure fires destroy or damage many homes and businesses each year and Arizona is no exception.  These fires may burn a structure down to the ground, but many others are saved with varying degrees of damage. Structure fires can even cause property damage to neighboring buildings not directly touched by flames since these fires typically produce a tremendous amount of smoke that can travel some distance. 

The smoke is made up of a number of combustion by-products that may include ash, soot, char and other materials.  These materials can easily infiltrate nearby buildings leaving behind odors, residues and lowering property values.

“Although homeowners and commercial property insurance often covers smoke damage, but it is frequently left to the property owner to provide proof of all damages,” said Tom Allen from Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC. “The corrosive effect of smoke residues will begin to cause extensive etching, corrosion and discoloration as time passes. While the presence of visible damage can be obvious at times, some forms of damage can be subtle or even out of sight. This is why the services of a professional public adjuster are so important following a structure fire or smoke infiltration from a neighboring property. Proving the presence of residues, odors and other damage to such devices as electronics may not be readily apparent and could be overlooked without the services of a knowledgeable public adjuster.”   

Property owners who have suffered fire or smoke damage to their home or business can turn to the insurance claims and property damage experts at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters. They manage, file and resolve their clients’ insurance claims while making sure all damages are recognized, documented, repaired and settled fairly. Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters also recently sponsored an educational video about smoke damage that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/1Ei8z-uJTn0

Arizona Residents Learn to Prevent Property Damage with Maintenance Tips for Spring

The start of the spring season is an ideal time to inspect and check the condition of a home or commercial property. It is also an excellent time to perform some basic preventive maintenance tasks to help ensure a property is in good condition to provide a safe, healthy and comfortable place for the months ahead.

“Preventive maintenance performed now could also help prevent costly repairs, increase the building’s energy efficiency, and some of these tasks could help prevent indoor environmental issues associated with mold and moisture, indoor allergens, and other health and safety concerns,” said Douglas Waldie, President of Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC. “As licensed public adjusters, we see property damage of all types on a regular basis that could have been prevented if the building owner or property manager had seen the signs of a future problem before it became an expensive insurance claim.”

The insurance claims and building science professionals at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters suggest the following actions to prepare a property for the spring season:

·         Remove leaves and obstructions from gutters and downspouts and ensure water is draining away from the building. In cold parts of Arizona, also check for any damage from past ice dams.

·         Check the siding for any damage or areas that moisture could enter.

·         Check for any damage to the chimney, vents and roof, and be sure any skylights are properly sealed.

·         Check windows and doors for drafts and be sure they are properly sealed. Inspect and replace any worn weather stripping.

·       Consider having the clothes dryer vent professionally cleaned and inspect the washing machine water supply hoses. Also draining some types of water heaters can help remove sediment that may have built up.

·         Check indoor and outdoor faucets for leaks.

·         Trim trees that could cause damage to the property with broken limbs.

·         Repair cracks in concrete, stucco or asphalt.

·         Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors and change out the batteries.

·        Change filters for the HVAC system and consider having the air conditioner checked by a qualified professional.  Also inspect the air ducts for the buildup of dust and debris.

·         Clean outdoor air conditioning components and clear vegetation from around the units. 

Property owners and managers who do experience insured damage to their home or business can turn to the professionals at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters. Their insurance experts negotiate and handle property damage claims for policyholders to make sure that no damage is overlooked and that policyholders receive the most accurate insurance settlement possible.  They have also sponsored an educational video with spring building maintenance tips that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/-mEiNk1bRZI