Latest news with #InsuranceInstituteforBusinessandHomeSafety
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
This lab is testing whether your house can stand up to a hurricane
This hurricane season, your home could take a beating from strong winds, high flooding, and maybe even hail. It's important to make sure your home is built to fight through any severe weather. Channel 9 Meteorologist Keith Monday took a tour of a facility in Richburg, South Carolina, with a goal of doing just that. What better place than a facility that can create their own hurricanes? Welcome to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. 'It's actually one of the largest wind tunnels in the United States,' said Rachel Gauthier Gauthier is the science content producer and meteorologist with IBHS, and she walked us through some of the massive test chambers on their campus used to re-create severe weather conditions. 'You wouldn't think down this country road behind some trees that there's a massive facility like this, but this IS a unique one-of-a-kind facility right here in the Carolinas,' she said. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety was formed in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida with the goal of finding ways to make homes stronger and to be able to withstand some of the worst that Mother Nature can throw at us. 'Our goal here is to test different building materials. To put them to the test, to replicate those real-life natural hazards that real homes undergo in the real world,' Gauthier said. She says they can recreate real life conditions from category 3 hurricanes with winds up to 130 mph. 'We're able to test things like shingles and siding, windows and doors. Even car ports and attachments to see how they stand up to the winds that hurricanes produce,' she said. The research done at the IBHS lab has shown them that the strength of your roof is the first line of defense when it comes to storms. Now, we all get nervous about how our homes will hold up in a storm, but Gauthier says there a few simple things we can all do to prepare our home. 'So simple things like maintaining your gutters, that's a big one we tell people. Clean out the leaves and tree debris. You want the rain that comes from a tropical system to hit your roof, flow into the gutters and away from your home. Another big one is trees do a lot of damage, we saw that last year with Helene. Trees do a lot of damage. Trim back any branches that overhang your roof. Any dying or stressed trees, get a look at those and trim those back away from your home if you can do that,' Gauthier said. 'We talk about wind-driven rain a lot that comes from tropical systems. When you have that rain blowing for an extended period of time, that rain can make its way into openings in your house, particularly around windows and doors. Sealing up those gaps and cracks can keep that water out of your house.' If you do these simple things and keep up with your home's maintenance, hopefully the next time we see a tropical system in our area, your home will be able to weather the storm. To find out more about how to make your home stronger against what Mother Nature can throw at us, click this link. If your insurance denies your claim, remember that you can appeal it. If you do and still lose, you can always hire your own adjuster. Both Carolinas require them to have licenses, so make sure you search those. Just know this: According to the homeowner advocacy group United Policyholders, you may have to pay an adjuster up to 15% of what the insurance company ends up giving you. If all else fails, you may want to file a complaint with your state's department of insurance and/or talk to a lawyer. NC: (Halfway down on the right, click 'Look Up An Insurance Agent.') SC: (VIDEO: Lawmakers consider bill to ease floodplain rules for rebuilding after Hurricane Helene)
Time Business News
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Time Business News
The Louisiana Roof Grant: Get Paid to Not Get Rained On
So your roof's seen better days. It creaks when it's windy, leaks when it's rainy, and might actually fly off if a squirrel sneezes too hard. Don't worry—you're not alone. In Louisiana, we've got two seasons: summer and hurricane roulette, and the state has finally decided to help out with the roofing chaos. Enter the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP)—where you can get up to $10,000 to fix your roof, keep your ceiling from becoming a skylight, and maybe even lower your insurance premiums. It's like a stimulus check, but with shingles. Honestly? Not much. You just have to: Live in a real house (sorry, campers and party barges) Actually own said house Use the money for the roof (not a new hot tub or crawfish boil fund) (not a new hot tub or crawfish boil fund) Hire pros who know what they're doing (spoiler alert: they're called roofing contractors in New Orleans LA) Basically, yes. A Fortified Roof™ is like your house's version of a helmet… with chin straps… and duct tape. It's a construction standard developed by some very smart people at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS)—who probably haven't had a good night's sleep since Hurricane Katrina. A Fortified Roof includes: Roof edges that don't peel up like the corners of a bad sticker Decks sealed tighter than your grandma's cookie jar Hurricane-worthy connections to your walls And materials strong enough to survive your cousin Darryl's backyard wrestling league Here's the fun-sized version of how to apply: Register Online (no blood sample required) Get Approved (fingers crossed) Hire the Right Folks – You must hire a Fortified Evaluator (not a Marvel villain) and a certified roofing contractor in New Orleans LA. Get a New Roof (finally!) The State Pays – They pay the contractor or reimburse you, depending on how things go. No Monopoly money involved. Besides the obvious reasons like 'not wanting to live in a waterfall' or 'keeping raccoons out,' here's what else you get: Lower Insurance Rates – Companies love it when you're less of a liability. – Companies love it when you're less of a liability. More Sleep During Hurricane Season Higher Home Value Major Cool Points for Saying You Have a Fortified Roof™ Also, if you ever host a dinner party, you can casually brag, 'Oh, this? It's just my wind-rated, sealed-deck, hurricane-resistant roof.' That's called elevating your status . Listen. You don't want some guy who shows up in flip-flops with a nail gun and a dream. You want professionals—folks who can actually install a Fortified Roof without turning your home into a DIY horror story. Look for: Proper licenses and insurance Experience with the Fortified standard (bonus points if they don't roll their eyes when you ask about it) (bonus points if they don't roll their eyes when you ask about it) Glowing reviews and local cred A healthy fear of ladders (it keeps them humble) Pro tip: New Orleans roofers have seen it all—hurricanes, termites, Mardi Gras beads embedded in shingles. If anyone can fortify your home for the long haul, it's these folks. These grants are awarded in rounds, which means limited slots. It's kinda like trying to get Jazz Fest tickets… but instead of music, you get weatherproof peace of mind. Same excitement, fewer porta-potties. So if you're even thinking about a new roof, now's the time to get off the fence (or off the saggy porch) and apply. The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program gives up to $10,000 for a new roof gives up to for a new roof You need a real house, real insurance, and real contractors Fortified Roof = Armor for your home Roofing contractors in New Orleans LA are your go-to squad are your go-to squad Apply fast before the spots dry up like your uncle's gumbo pot TIME BUSINESS NEWS
CBS News
05-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Los Angeles wildfire survivors look to rebuild fire-resilient homes to increase insurability
Following the deadly Eaton and Palisades fires that destroyed thousands of structures and left survivors without homes, now communities are looking to build back better and harder. California already has strict building codes for properties in fire-prone areas, but experts told KCAL News that even though fire danger can't be stopped, resident can build their homes, so they are less likely to burn. J. Lopez's home in Altadena has survived two wildfires. He is urging neighbors who are in the process of rebuilding to make sure they are hardening their new homes. KCAL News J. Lopez is a retired Los Angeles County fire captain and a homeowner in Altadena. His hillside home has escaped two major wildfires, including the Station and Eaton fires. "This is a precious possession for me; this house is valuable for the family, we want to preserve it," Lopez said. To preserve his most expensive asset, Lopez remodeled it to be fire-ready. He gave a tour to members of the non-profit After the Fire USA and Eaton Fire survivors, pointing out the steps he took to harden it. "It's important to work as a team, so one home by itself is the start, but if more property owners do the work, the resiliency of a community increases tremendously," Lopez said about why he thought it was important to share his home with others. Lopez estimates he spent between $70,000 and $80,000 on improvements, such as closing the eaves around his roofline, sealing all cracks like the space around his garage to keep embers out, and switching out all vents for ones with smaller openings. "So, the embers get in and bounce around and become even smaller and fall apart and by being baffled, you don't have flames getting in either," Lopez said. Lopez also has a 5-foot clearance around his home, cutting back tree limbs and removing bushes. Even his entryway mats are fire-resistant metal, not fabric. He also added a brand-new roof with thicker insulation to promote better cooling and heating. Cement boards instead of wood ones sit on top of the fascia around his roof line and Lopez put stainless-steel mesh around his property, in case a fire starts at a bordering home. Lopez did such a good job of making his home fire-ready, he was given an award by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Even better, he was able to get off the FAIR Plan insurance. "My home is gone and a rental property that I built with my own two hands, eviscerated," said Io Wright, one of Lopez's neighbors in Altadena. After seeing Lopez's home, Wright said that making a home fire-ready is doable and achievable. He said there are practical steps residents can take when they are building from the ground up, but also retrofitting. Jennifer Gray Thompson, founder of After the Fire USA, said this kind of construction needs to be the new normal and a neighborhood-wide effort. "If there are 10 homes that do it, it's much easier for the insurance companies to come in and say we have seen what you've done here, and we will insure you," Gray Thompson said. "We have to build back here very insurable, very resilient and there is an opportunity to be a model of insurability and to go way beyond what has ever been done in any other mega fire community before." Some of the improvements Lopez made on his home cost less than $10 each. Even if residents only replace their old vents, that is making progress.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fortified roof grant program is proving effective in lowering homeowner insurance rates, audit finds
Blue tarps cover the roof of Paula Bermudez's storm-damaged house in Galliano on Oct. 5, 2021 — six weeks after Hurricane Ida. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) The state's grant program that helps homeowners pay for upgrades for a fortified roof is proving effective in lowering the cost of their homeowner's insurance, according to a review published Monday by the state auditor. Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack reviewed the Fortify Homes Program, which offers $10,000 grants to homeowners who install hurricane-resistant roofs and found they directly reduced insurance costs at a median rate of 22%. Homeowners who received fortified roof grants saved $1,250 on their insurance bill, lowering their annual premium from $5,625 to $4,375, according to the report. The roof grants have mostly gone to middle-income households. The audit found very low-income households, with home values less than $90,000, are underrepresented in the program. The state's grant program is in its third calendar year of existence and has awarded more than 1,800 roof grants since its first round of funding in October 2023. A fortified roof, according to standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), is built with improved materials and techniques that can stop leaks and withstand winds of up to 150 mph, lowering the risk of storm damage and typically leading to lower homeowner insurance rates. Many more homeowners have opted to upgrade their roofs without grant money. As of Feb. 1, IBHS had issued 5,413 fortified certificates to property owners in Louisiana, according to the auditor's report. The state awards grants of up to $10,000, meaning homeowners need to cover any costs that exceed that amount. They also might need to pay for some of the work upfront because the state issues the grant checks directly to the roofing contractors only after they complete the job. The audit reviewed insurance rating data and surveyed homeowners who applied for the program, receiving a total of 694 unique responses out of 3,257 participants. The calculations took into account the upfront costs that most homeowners have to provide in order to complete their roof installation. It found that the median total cost of a fortified roof upgrade was approximately $16,229 or $6,229 after accounting for the $10,000 grant. With annual insurance premium savings of $1,250, a fortified roof upgrade with a 15-year lifespan would pay for itself in less than five years. About 80% of a fortified roof price tag, or $12,981, is the baseline cost of replacing an existing roof to meet current building code standards. The remaining 20%, or $3,248, is the additional cost to upgrade it to fortified standards and pay for an evaluator to certify the roof. 'In South Louisiana, the benefits of retrofitting to the fortified roof standard generally exceed the costs,' the audit states. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
USA Today
27-01-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Rain is only a break from LA wildfire danger: 'Keep things down for a week'
Rain is only a break from LA wildfire danger: 'Keep things down for a week' Show Caption Hide Caption Los Angeles fire officials fielded questions, concerns in town hall Emotions ran high inside a packed theater in Malibu, California, as Palisades Fire victims had a chance to press officials. As the weather system that finally brought substantial rain to Southern California moves slowly east, battle-scarred residents may be wondering how long they're safe from the kind of wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles County neighborhoods this month. The approximate answer: Maybe a week? That doesn't mean such devastating infernos will return in early February, only that the weekend's precipitation wasn't strong enough to fully soak the drought-stricken region and eliminate fire danger. The National Weather Service said three-day rainfall totals reached 2.23 inches in one Santa Barbara County location, but most were closer to 1 inch in the coastal and mountain areas of Los Angeles County. It was a bit less in Ventura County to the northwest. That still helped firefighters increase containment percentages to the mid-to-high 90s in the Palisades, Eaton and Hughes fires. 'They need multiple systems to come down there. Given that the area is in a severe-to-extreme drought, (the weekend rain) is not going to eliminate the drought," AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva said. "This might keep things down for a week or so. They didn't get an extreme amount of rain. It will help to douse the fires, but in a week or so it's just going to be dry again.'' DaSilva does not foresee any more rainfall in Southern California until possibly the end of the first week of February, which raises concerns that new fires could ignite, perhaps through human behavior like tossing out a lit cigarette or failing to completely put out a campfire. The good news: The warm, dry Santa Ana winds that fueled the blazes, particularly the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires that sparked Jan. 7, are nowhere in sight for at least 10 days, DaSilva said. A report by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety called the conditions for the spread of those initial fires 'a textbook-worst case conflagration scenario,'' pointing out that, 'historically, wildfire-driven suburban conflagrations follow humans, drought, and wind.'' All three were present Jan. 7. Absent the Santa Ana winds, the immediate future looks more encouraging. But they typically run from September to May and could become a factor again unless more rain brings to an end a fire season now on extra innings. It usually doesn't stretch into January. Conditions similar to a La Niña pattern, which keeps storms from reaching Southern California, have been at play this winter. They have been changing of late and figure to allow rainmakers into Northern California as soon as this coming weekend. But it doesn't appear they will reach the southern part of the state, which stands to benefit from more precipitation. 'If it's a wet winter, it doesn't really matter if there are Santa Anas,'' DaSilva said. 'If the ground is wet, it's not really an issue. But if it's dry, that's when it could be a problem.''
