Our #InTheField Series brings real-life updates direct from the independent insurance adjuster field.
I am working in Delaware were Hurricane Isaias produced a tornado outbreak while roaring up the East Coast. This hurricane was reported as a Category 1 however; most of the storm damage came from the tornadoes and wind that occurred while skirting up the coast.
Here is what I’m seeing the most of.
What we’re seeing
1. Fallen trees
The number one damage trend I am seeing is from fallen trees. Some claims will be severe like a tree has made it into the living room of the home, but these are few and far between unless your house was in the direct path of the spin-up tornados.
2. Roof damage
Roofs that are less than 10 years old will likely see a handful of missing shingles. However, if the house has organic shingles the missing shingles will grow in number.
3. Siding damage
Most of the homes here in the northeast have vinyl siding. It’s very common to see at least one elevation of the home missing the fascia, soffit, and vinyl siding.
4. Additional damange
Most gutters and window screens have damage from Flying debris as well.
As with most wind damage, it’s very common on this storm to see fences down from tree limbs that have fallen on the fences.
Common things that a new adjuster would miss on this storm
Shingles pulled through the fasteners
This would be where the wind has gotten under the shingles and lifted a section of the shingles up and laid them back down without damaging or causing the shingles to crease.
This has damaged the shingles by pulling the shingles up and the nail is pulled through the shingle and cannot be seen if the shingles are not slightly lifted on and checked. If you are not randomly lifting the shingles around the slopes this will be missed.
Vinyl siding being loose
Looking directly at the siding from a perspective of an elevation view your eyes will not pick up if pieces are loose.
You have to lay your head on its side looking up the wall to notice if the siding is loose and bowing out. This is likely to be wind damage and would need to be addressed on your estimate.
