Question about home damage (from wind)...

[tink2020]

Ok, so this should be an easy question, we've just never been there. I'm sure someone can answer it for me

We have a home built less than a year ago, so it's still under all sorts of warranties. With yesterdays winds (up to 65+ mph sustained practically all freakin' day ), we have some damage to the outside of our house. Siding is lying in our backyard, and 2 window screens are pretty much destroyed (the metal frames).

I call the respective building people about the warranties right, not my homeowners insurance? Because it should all just get fixed, no? I know for a fact that the structural/outdoor warranty is something like 10 years inclusive, but I haven't dug the papers out yet this morning. We got in town late last night to make this little discovery (along with several others )

Thanks in advance!

 

[bicker]

Often, different provisions apply to structure, facing and fixtures, and screens might even be a separate category altogether. I do believe that the typical "mandatory new home 10 year warranties" out there only cover structure (beams, supports, framing, etc.) The siding is probably covered by a specific siding warranty, offered as part of the installation (to the builder -- you should inherit that protection) but I do know that when we had some siding damage a few months after we moved in, the builder "waived" the repair charge for us as a courtesy -- it was not covered by any insurance, however, you might have better coverage than I did in that regard. I'm not as optimistic about the screens, though -- they may not be covered in any way. Luckily, they're least expensive bits of damage to address.

Good luck!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We file with homeowners. If something failed when under warranty to work...I would also consult the builder as well.

In 2004--one of our supports to our screen split and it had been up for only 2 weeks. The first time they repaired it--but it broke again the second hurricane. So they completely repleased the beam since it failed in such a short period and determined it to be defective. We were not charged for the 2nd repair (I didn't really say much about the first repair since it wasn't that much). We didn't file homeowners that year though as we didn't have enough damage to cover deductible.

Warranties sometimes get voided for damage due to acts of nature--if the act of nature was much stronger than it could handle. (i.e. it was rated for 35mph but winds were 40mph).

All of our materials here due to codes are wind rated--shingles/roofs, windows, screens, etc.

In a new neighborhood--that same year...homeowners had to have entire walls replaced (it was a 2 story where the whole side was poured concrete) b/c of breeches that should not have happened for the hurricanes we had. I think they might have even started the lawsuit route--since our deductibles are high---if this was a building matl failure (which it was), that was something important to know. The builder ended up replacing some of the walls at their cost. No idea the end result for the community at large though. (I don't recall what the breech was though...it's been almost 2.5 years).

 

[barkley]

i think it depends on how the warranty is written regarding the standards of performance for particular items. if the siding is guaranteed/warranted to withstand winds up to the amount you experienced they would likely cover it-if not they may tell you to go to your homeowner's insurer.

we had both builders and private company warranty's on both our homes, and the structural materials were covered but only if they failed based on their standards of use/performance-so something like a pipe bursting because there was a flaw in it was covered, but if the pipes froze due to weather and it was colder than the temp. the pipes were manufacured to deal with-it was not covered.

 

[golfgal]

I doubt that your builder would "cover" that for you however he may fix it for you. This should be a homeowners claim since it was an "act of God" that caused the damage. Also, it won't be a chargeable claim meaning it will get paid for and not raise your rates. If you have full replacement cost coverage on your home, and you SHOULD, they should cover all the damage minus the deductible. If you don't have replacement cost they will give you a pro rated amount for the damage. Make sure you cover anything to prevent more damage if possible, like a tarp on your roof if there is a hole, etc. or the may deny the claim.

Usually how this works is you have an adjuster come out and they will assess the damage and give you an amount of how much it will take to fix everything. Usually it is a good idea to have your contractor there with the adjuster so they can compare notes. Once you have a signed contract to get the work done, the insurance company will send you a check for the repair costs. If you DON'T fix the damage, you won't get a check or that check will be a pro rated amount, replacement cost minus depreciation but your damage sounds extensive enough you will need to fix it.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

no clue..but hope you get it fixed easily jennifer!

 

[arielsleepingbeauty]

I would start with your warranties. You may have to pay a deductible if you go through Homeowner's insurnace. On Thanksgiving it was so windy a branch fell and shattered my husband's windshield glass and also dented his roof. We checked out the tree which is very tall and has dead branches and will probably keep dropping branches. Our homeowner's would pay for it to be taken down, but we would have to pay a $500.00 deductible. If you have a good insurance company they should pay it, but you don't want to have to pay a deductible.