Latest news with #flapping
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Clear consequences
THE Butterfly Effect is the chaos-theory idea that the flapping of an insect's tiny wings can influence massive weather events far removed from it in distance and time. It may overstate the importance of butterflies, but it is a reminder of how small actions can have larger, unforeseen consequences. An even clearer example is the Trump administration's recent decision to stop sharing military satellite data with weather forecasters just ahead of what will be a busy hurricane season. The effects will reverberate far beyond weather forecasting, threatening lives and livelihoods and even accelerating the nation's growing home-insurance crisis. In late June, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which houses the National Weather Service, said it would stop receiving weather data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, including readings that have long helped forecasters peer inside hurricanes to predict whether they will intensify rapidly. This information is especially useful at night, when some other observational tools aren't available and communities in a storm's path are at their most vulnerable to an unexpected strengthening. After an outcry, the US Defense Department delayed the cutoff date to the end of July. But that still means forecasters will be missing key information in the busiest part of a hurricane season that was already expected to be busier than usual. Asked for an explanation, the Defense Department basically mumbled, 'Something something cybersecurity.' It's worth noting that NOAA is part of the Commerce Department, which is run by Howard Lutnick, who is the former chief executive officer of the investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald LP. In that role, Lutnick helped raise funding for and sat on the board of Satellogic Inc., a company that 'bills itself as an emerging federal contractor that can offer crisp images of natural disasters and weather events in real time,' the Associated Press reported earlier last month. Cantor had a 13% stake in Satellogic as of March, the AP noted, when Lutnick was still selling his investments to comply with government ethics standards. Maybe the plan is for a future in which cash-strapped local officials and forecasters have to pay Satellogic (or Elon Musk's Starlink, or some other private satellite provider) for life-saving hurricane data in lieu of free, time-tested government products. In the meantime, NOAA insists it still has plenty of tools to track hurricanes. Professional hurricane trackers disagree. In early June, weeks before the satellite news, longtime South Florida meteorologist John Morales went viral for warning viewers that NWS staffing cuts had already undermined his ability to predict the strength and path of hurricanes. Government weather offices in central and south Florida were 20% to 40% understaffed, and launches of weather balloons carrying instruments to study hurricanes at high altitudes were down 17%, he said. 'The quality of these forecasts is becoming degraded,' Morales said. 'We may be flying blind, and we may not exactly know how strong a hurricane is before it reaches the coastline.' This is an obvious threat to the lives and properties of people in the paths of hurricanes, especially in an era when a hotter climate is making rapid storm intensification more common. Average maximum intensification rates were up to 29% higher in 2001-20 than in 1971-90, according to a 2023 study in Nature Scientific Reports. Last October, Hurricane Milton exploded from a tropical storm to a Category 5 monster in less than two days (causing Morales to break down on-air), fueled by record-warm water in the Gulf of Mexico. It's never been more critical for weather forecasters to give people as much time as possible to evacuate and board up their homes and stores. Somewhat less obvious is the impact a hurricane-information gap could have on home insurance. If those houses and stores aren't boarded up in time, then they suffer more damage. If disaster-relief services (which these days may or may not include the Federal Emergency Management Agency) aren't in the right place when a storm hits, then damage could increase as properties sit in water and are open to the elements. Meanwhile, insurers and reinsurers are increasingly selling catastrophe bonds to help pass their rising disaster costs on to investors. Issuance is up to US$18.1bil (RM77bil) so far this year, the Financial Times reported recently, already topping the full-year record of US$17.7bil set in 2024. Some of those bonds have parametric triggers, meaning they pay insurers when certain weather measurements are recorded. In the case of hurricanes, those could be wind speed and barometric pressure. Spotty weather data could mean those triggers never get triggered, leaving insurers unpaid. 'This could ripple across the entire property-insurance ecosystem,' Anthony Lopez, CEO of the Miami-based Your Insurance Attorney, told me. 'Less-reliable forecasting means more surprise losses, which will impact how insurers model risk, which will lead to premium hikes, tighter underwriting and more insurance exits in high-risk states like Florida.' The gap between United States' home values and their insurance coverage against climate-fuelled disasters may already be US$2.7 trillion, by one estimate, invoking memories of the subprime mortgage crisis. Every fresh blow that makes insurance more expensive and harder to get widens that gap a little more and makes the eventual day of reckoning even more painful. Like that theoretical butterfly, the Trump administration's decision to deprive weather forecasters of a little satellite data – whether motivated by Project 2025-brand ideolog – will have far-reaching consequences. But we can't say they were unforeseen. — Bloomberg Opinion/TNS Mark Gongloff is a Bloomberg Opinion editor and columnist covering climate change.
Time Business News
03-05-2025
- Climate
- Time Business News
Quality Roof Repair Services in Wimbledon Area
Roofs don't call attention to themselves – until they urgently require it. If you live or own property in Wimbledon, the sight of a missing tile after a storm or the discovery of a damp ceiling can stir more than simple concern. How do you choose the right specialists to trust with your property's protection? What sets apart a truly professional roof repair service from those cutting corners? This guide takes a closer look at what high standards in local roof repair actually look like. Delay can be costly. Even a minor leak today can quietly undermine roof timbers and insulation, eventually swelling repair costs many times over. Beyond that, ignoring roof issues can impact building warranties and even invalidate some insurance claims. So, what risks do untreated roofing problems pose? Insurance refusals if damage is deemed to be due to neglect Mould and damp, which threaten both health and property value Rising repair costs as water spreads and exacerbates structural problems Think about it: a single cracked tile can let in thousands of litres of water over a rainy month. Would you knowingly allow that risk? An expert roof repair company combines technical skill, local experience, and total transparency. But what does that look like in practical terms? Membership in professional bodies (such as NFRC or TrustMark) Clear and itemised quotes, not rough 'guesstimates' Detailed assessments with photographs of any damage All work carried out to British Standards, with appropriate guarantees A reputation built through consistent, reliable outcomes across different property types If your contractor shrugs off questions about insurance or certification, is that a gamble worth taking? Often, the alarm isn't a downpour indoors; it's more subtle: Fine, sandy 'grit' in gutters (erosion of tiles) Lifting or missing roof tiles visible from street level Mysterious patches of condensation in the loft Audible rattles and flapping noises during winds Staining near chimneys or along ceiling edges Regular checks, especially after high winds or frost, can catch these warnings early. Is it time to inspect your own roof? Wimbledon's housing ranges from classic Victorian terraces to state-of-the-art new builds. Each style brings unique challenges for repair: Property Type Common Roofing Issues Preferred Repair Approaches Victorian/Edwardian Terraced Slate slip, worn flashing Specialist slate matching, lead work 1930s Suburban Semi-Detached Concrete tile cracking, ridge issues Re-fixing, partial retiling, repointing Post-war Flat Roofed Homes Felt blistering, pooling water Torch-on felt repair, GRP overlays New Build Apartments Modern membrane tears, solar panel flashing Precision patching, specialist sealing Export to Sheets Understanding your home's era and structure helps direct a targeted and cost-effective repair plan. There's peace of mind in knowing what to expect: Initial Inspection: A qualified roofer conducts a visual and physical inspection, checking loft spaces and exteriors. A qualified roofer conducts a visual and physical inspection, checking loft spaces and exteriors. Written Assessment: You receive a written, photographic report outlining exact issues and outlining your options. You receive a written, photographic report outlining exact issues and outlining your options. Transparent Quote: The service provider should break down materials, labour, disposal, timescales and warranties. The service provider should break down materials, labour, disposal, timescales and warranties. Work Execution: Experienced tradespeople carry out repairs, maintaining tidy work areas and minimising disruption. Experienced tradespeople carry out repairs, maintaining tidy work areas and minimising disruption. Completion & Aftercare: You should be offered a completion certificate, before-and-after pictures, advice on ongoing maintenance and any warranty information. Was your last roof repair this thorough? If not, what corners might have been cut? Worrying stories abound about 'cowboy' contractors quoting low, starting work, then inflating the bill with 'unexpected extras'. Protect yourself by insisting on: Fixed, itemised quotes valid for at least 30 days Clear policies on unforeseen repairs (for example, written notification and extra sign-off before further work) Guarantees in writing, along with details about liability insurance As of 2024, a basic roof tile replacement on a semi-detached house in Wimbledon typically ranges from £120 to £250 for a minor patch repair, while more extensive repairs or flat roof overlays can run from £500 up to several thousand pounds, depending on scale. Property in Wimbledon often commands a premium, so why compromise on the materials that keep your home safe against the elements? Insist on: British or European standard-approved tiles and membranes Leadwork that complies with BS EN 12588 Modern, high-bond adhesives where appropriate Breathable underlays to prevent future condensation and mould Ask your roofer: are the materials guaranteed? Cheap imports often mean more repairs down the line. Consider these examples: After Storm Eunice in 2022, a Wimbledon townhouse saw significant ridge tile dislodgement. The homeowner spotted debris in the garden but didn't act promptly. Within weeks, heavy rain had soaked into the roof space, destroying ceiling plaster and causing £3,800 in repairs – which could have been caught early for less than £350. In a block of recently built flats, subtle leaks at the base of solar panels were traced to poor flashing by the original developer. Professional contractors used drone imaging to pinpoint the source, replaced the faulty flashing, and prevented months of further water damage. Are you confident your own roof hasn't suffered hidden damage this year? A well-maintained roof does more than keep out the rain. Positive effects of timely repairs include: Improved thermal efficiency (less heat loss) Higher resale values by preserving the building's fabric Extra peace of mind in stormy seasons Lower risk of emergency repairs in the future Research among property owners in South West London shows those with annual roof surveys spend, on average, 35% less on unplanned repairs over a five-year period. Making the right appointment can be the difference between a lasting fix and recurring issues. Ask potential contractors: How long have you traded in Wimbledon or the wider SW19 area? Can you provide recent, local case studies and customer references? Who will actually carry out the work – employees or subcontracted teams? Are you insured, and can I see proof? Do you provide written estimates and warranties? What aftercare or ongoing maintenance advice is included? Local specialists tend to know common roof types and pitfalls; their reputation rides on dealing fairly. Routine checks and small preventive fixes help stave off major disruption later on. These often include: Cleaning roof valleys and guttering every spring and autumn Pruning overhanging branches close to rooflines Checking loft spaces for unusual damp or daylight Replacing any cracked or slipped tiles promptly Regular maintenance slots easily into existing schedules, alongside boiler servicing or garden upkeep. No, not all loose tiles require a whole new roof. Sometimes issues are as simple as a broken tile or a few misaligned slates. Other myths include: 'Flat roofs always leak.' Modern repair methods, like GRP and high-performance felt systems, provide watertight finishes lasting 20 years or more. and high-performance felt systems, provide watertight finishes lasting 20 years or more. 'Roofers only work in summer.' In reality, most will respond year-round, weather allowing. 'Hidden leaks will dry out in summer.' Water in roof spaces evaporates into timber and plaster over time, spreading damp and compromising building integrity. These myths can lead to costly decisions or dangerous delays. Strong property values and dramatic weather changes see Wimbledon residents valuing reliability and accountability in roof care more than ever before. When was your home last checked by an accredited specialist? Ask the right questions. Expect high standards. Protect your property for all the seasons to come. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
