So, you just bought a townhouse in the Midwest, where severe weather can strike unexpectedly. Even if you have townhouse insurance, it doesn’t guarantee compensation for damages when nature goes amok. Your insurance carrier might dispute your claim, leaving you without the necessary tools to fight back. A public adjuster is the missing link you need to ensure you get compensated for the premium you paid for.
Being forewarned is forearmed, so here are some common types of damages that your townhouse may be subjected to in Illinois and Iowa and which you should get compensation for:
Here are common types of damages your condo can sustain:
Fire Damage
Townhomes often have lightweight construction, making them airy and spacious. Unfortunately, the materials used in this construction can ignite quickly, leading to a rapid spread of fire. This includes the attic and the space between floors, which can go up in flames within minutes.
Fire can spread through damp walls and into the plumbing and HVAC system. If left unattended, it can jump to the adjacent townhouse and cause similar damage. In such cases, you might be sued for the damages. Having a public adjuster in your corner ensures an accurate examination of the extent of the damages.
Wind Damage
Strong winds can cause significant damage to lightweight townhomes that lack protective barriers. Straight-line winds, for example, can blow up to 60 to 70 miles per hour, which can strip shingles from your roof and damage unsecured structures like outbuildings.
If wind speeds increase to 80 miles per hour, they can shatter windows. Even if your townhouse is somewhat sheltered by others, it can still sustain serious damage from debris and branches. Toppled trees can fall onto power lines, potentially causing a fire.
Storm Damage
Townhouse insurance is crucial for storm damage, especially in the Midwest, where violent storms are common. Storm-driven winds exert immense pressure on the vertical structure of your home, including walls and the roof. This pressure, combined with opposing suction forces on the leeward side, can cause significant damage, such as:
- Uplift, which can rip off roofs.
- Sliding, which can dislodge the house from its foundations.
- Racking, which can cause walls to collapse.
Water Damage
While your townhouse’s gutters should direct water away from your home, clogs can lead to flooding. Accumulated water can run down the building’s side, leak into the attic and insulation, and cause irreparable damage to walls, furniture, and indoor air quality.
If your townhouse is in a flood-prone area, you likely have some insurance in place. There’s a 2% chance of flooding in your area from rain, storms, and overflowing bodies of water.
Mold Damage
Storm and water damage can create the perfect damp breeding ground for mold in your townhome. A storm-damaged house has all the ingredients mold spores need to thrive: a food source (wood, drywall, carpets), darkness (if the storm causes a power outage), and moisture (from water damage).
Unchecked humidity levels allow mold to grow rampantly, rotting your townhome from the inside out. Professional removal is necessary but can be costly.
Whether your townhome has been damaged by fire, wind, storms, or water, contact Fisher Public Adjusting LLC. We can act as your representatives to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with us today!
Visit Fisher Public Adjusting LLC or call us at 309-524-9579 for expert assistance.
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Whether you’re dealing with roof damage in Cedar Rapids or flood damage in Chicago, Fisher Public Adjusting LLC is ready to assist you. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate your insurance claims effectively in Iowa and Illinois.