The wind storm that disrupted President Biden’s travel plans was named Storm Noa by the French Met Office. Wind gusts exceeded 42 knots at Dublin Airport. Farmers the length and breadth of the country had to deal with extensive storm damage to farm buildings caused by this unusually large April storm.
Not all farm insurance policies cover damage to sheds, it’s only after a disaster that some policyholders realise this. At O’Connor Roofing Supplies we not only advise on replacement materials for your buildings but also on your rights as an insurance policyholder, through our sister company Stephen OConnor & Co.
Most farm buildings are sturdy in design and can handle even the worst storm conditions, but this normally depends on the extra precautions taken by the farmer, coupled with their age. Leaving large doors open during high winds can cause a tunnel effect which magnifies the strength of the wind causing many doors to blow off from within.
Another factor that farmers don’t think enough about is snow loading. A significant snowfall, similar to the type we experienced in 2010 can cause even the strongest roof structures to collapse, causing possible damage to livestock or stored crops.
Advice to farmers to protect against storm damage.
Firstly check your farm insurance policy, make sure it has adequate buildings cover, with a sum insured high enough to cover the very worst eventually. Recently insurance companies have started penalising policyholders who have not purchased enough insurance, with a clause called average. This means your claim can be reduced inline with the lower level of buildings insurance that you hold. A small increase in your premium today can save you thousands tomorrow, so check that sum insured.
Check and fasten all loose sheeting, gutters, and angle flashing, a simple fix today can save an entire roof.
If you are unlucky enough to have suffered any recent storm damage to your farm or industrial building, call our sales team at O’Connor Roofing on 0429376314 today or email [email protected] and we will guide you through the reinstatement process.
