So you’re thinking about building that Outer Banks dream home, or buying a home that needs a little renovation – it’s a great opportunity to seal up those windows properly! I’ll share a secret on window installation that prevents wind driven rain from trickling through to your walls, as well as some information on what insurance covers. Your home is an investment, so protecting your home from wind driven rain on the Outer Banks will prevent costly repairs in the future.
Is wind driven rain covered by your insurance?
Not all home insurance policies cover it. It depends on the language of your policy, so pay extra attention to clauses referencing wind-driven rain. If your home insurance doesn’t cover it, be aware that flood insurance doesn’t cover it at all – it’s viewed as a wind event, not a flood event when rain is blown inside your windows. Be on the lookout for a clause such as this, which guarantees coverage against wind-driven rain:
“This policy is extended to insure damage as a result of rain or water (not constituting a Flood), whether the rain or water is driven by wind or not, that enters a building or structure insured under this policy.”
And it’s not just windows which can allow damage from wind-driven rain: your siding might be improperly flashed or sealed, your shingles may be missing or get displaced from wind, it might also enter when doors are improperly flashed or even through attic ventilation. So be extra careful when examining your home insurance policy to make sure you’re covered against damages – the Outer Banks is a beautiful place to live, but you need to be aware of our unique environment and the challenges it presents to builders and homeowners.
A quick and easy tip for sealing those windows
It’s pretty simple – use ZIP tape!
There have been several tests comparing flashing tape between various vendors, and ZIP tape has come out on top in every study I’ve seen. One of the best tests on durability of flashing tape in the presence of water was done by BuildingGreen – you can read all about it here.
So when you pick out those windows with your builder, or on your trip to Lowe’s, be sure to flash the openings with ZIP flashing tape and cover the entire opening – not just the sill plates. If you are replacing an exterior door (maybe the previous door wasn’t flashed properly and water got in), use the same technique – flash the entire opening to ensure that any wind driven water is drained properly before it enters your home.
Winters on the Outer Banks are notorious for Nor’easters, I’ve had to take a ferry to family Christmas dinners because roads have been impassable. With all of that wind and rain, take this simple step to protect your home here on the OBX and stress less! And be sure to examine your home insurance policy to make sure that wind-driven rain is covered. Hurricanes and Nor’easters happen, and repairing the damage is usually quick and inexpensive if you are covered. I hope this article helps prepare you for dealing with wind driven rain on the Outer Banks!