By SPJ Adjusting Services | Insurance Appraisals
Wind-driven rain in Louisiana is one of the most misunderstood causes of property damage across the state.. From om Lake Charles to New Orleans and Baton Rouge, homeowners are accustomed to dealing with quickly moving storms where rain does not fall straight down but rather is driven sideways, resulting in water entering areas where regular rain would never reach.
Wind-driven rain affects Louisiana during fast-moving storm situations where the pressure of the winds drives the water into susceptible building materials.
Factors That Make Wind-driven rain in Louisiana Unique
The coastal location in Louisiana makes dwellings prone to tropical storms, intense fronts, and sudden pressure systems. As a result of strong winds, rain can fall laterally to pound
- Exterior walls
- Windows and door frames
- Roof edges and valleys
These are critical
Soffits, vents, and chim
Even in well-constructed houses in a city such as New Orleans, Lafayette, and Shreveport, side rain can infiltrate because of 50-80 mph gusting winds. Water can infiltrate through very small weaknesses in a wall that never leak in a rain storm.
In order to better understand how water enters a dwelling through wind-driven rain
Wind-driven rain rain has the capability to:
- Push Water Through Protecting Barriers
Flashing, WINDOW SEALS, RIDGE CAPS, and ROOF UNDERLAYMENT can all be overpowered if rain is driven by strong winds.
- Penetrate Through Tiny Openings
While a gap may appear insignificant enough to go unnoticed on a quiet day, under high winds, it can become a direct water entry point.
- Building Material Saturation
Wood-frame or fiberboard sheathing homes in Louisiana can readily soak up water in no time, leading to molds and other related damages over time.
SPJ adjusters often find themselves in homes where damage wasn’t apparent until interior stain migration began days or weeks after damage occurred.
Is Wind-Driven Rain Covered by Louisiana Homeowners Insurance?
So, this is where most homeowners get blind-sided.
Typically Excluded Unless Due to a Wind Storm
Typically excluded in
Damage to your structure from high winds may include partial damage to your shingles, sealants, and/or siding, and damage resulting in water incursion is generally considered to be covered.
Usually not covered if insurers can raise ‘wear and tear’ defense
Insurers often reject claims for a variety of reasons, including:
A storm did pre-exist the opening.
Such leakage can be a consequence of old caulking or old shingles.
The harm occurred over a period of time and not suddenly.
That is when Louisiana homeowners reach out to SPJ Adjusting. Our adjusters record the specific damage and correlate it with storm occurrences, disputing an improper denial.
Flood damage is not covered under a standard policy
Wind-driven rain in Louisiana is not considered a flood. Rising water or storm surge will need NFIP or flood insurance.
Often, in coverage disputes over Wind-driven rain in Louisiana, whether a storm produced an aperture permitting water entry will be a factor.
Common Roofing Leaks Due to Wind-Driven Rain in Louisiana
Some of the patterns observed during storm damage inspections include:
Water staining along edges of roofs or eaves
Moisture in chimney and skylight areas
They leak only during heavy storms but not during rain.
Shingles which are raised slightly during gusts to allow horizontal rain to slide by
Autobiography
These are classic signs of Wind-driven rain in Louisiana, and these signs must be assessed by a professional rather than simply being termed “maintenance”.
Louisiana Residents Can Benefit by Minimizing Wind-Driven Rain Penetration
Seal leaks around windows and doors each year
Continue maintaining the roof flashing and valley regions
Install storm shutters in regions where storms frequently occur
Eaves or gutter extensions can be considered in order to direct water
Prune trees that direct wind pressure at dwellings
The most important factor is proper inspection following each and every major storm event.
Why SPJ Adjusting is trusted in Louisiana
SPJ Adjusting operates in:
Documenting Wind-driven Rain Claim
Assessments of roof damage
Insurance appraisal representation
Dispute Resolution Services for Claimed Officiating
Assistance with claims for hurricane damage, flood damage, or hail damage that have been denied or underpaid
Where your carrier is disputing a cause of loss, our expertise can assure your damages are appropriately identified and valued.
“Proper documentation is essential in establishing a claim under Wind-driven rain in Louisiana against an insurance company,”
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