Strong winds can cause detachments and cracks in the houses. Specialist guides on how to prevent damage and act safely
The slices are increasingly frequent and intense in Brazil, especially in the exchanges of stations. With winds that can exceed 100 km/h, this type of phenomenon can cause a series of damage to the houses, in particular on the roofs, which are the first impact.
“The galleys are strong and sudden winds, usually linked to the arrival of cold fronts. They can cause detachment, fall of branches, infiltrations and even cracks on the walls”, explains Jarbas Medeiros, director of elementary branches and life of Porto Seguro.
According to the integrated center for defense and public security (Cidesp), the wind speed in this type of event varies from 54 km/has 120 km/h. With the strength of the wind, it is not uncommon for the properties to be exposed to rain or hail, they suffer from broken glass, damaged frames or compromised walls.
Fragile roofs require extra attention
According to Sedeiros, the roofs made with traditional materials such as clay, fiber cement or plastic tiles are often more vulnerable, but it is important to consider the structure of the roof and if it has adequate fixation and reinforcement in its structures.
However, over time, it is common for them to be misaligned or loose, which increases the risk of detachment in case of wind.
Other warning signals are recurring losses, lining or walls near the roof, as well as unusual noises during strong winds such as cracks or vibrations. “These indications can indicate or defects in the structure. The ideal is to make a periodic survey with a professional,” he says.
The presence of mold, rot or parasites on wooden pieces also indicates that the support can be compromised. “It is essential to act before the worst problem, especially in the face of the prediction of the severe climate,” adds the director.
How to strengthen the roof before the wind season
Preventive preparation is the most effective way to reduce damage. The evaluation of the use of more resistant materials such as metal or fiber tiles is one of the expert recommendations. It is also important to ensure that all tiles are well fixed and revise the support structure, strengthening the vulnerable points with additional moorings.
Another caution is to install covers or auxiliary coatings, which help to contain infiltrations even in the event of partial detachment. “The inclination and the shape of the roof also make the difference. The roofs with more aerodynamic design suffer less from wind pressure,” says Medeiros.
What to do after a storm
If the property is affected by a storm, the priority should always be the safety of the residents. If there are tests of structural impairment – such as falling tiles, serious crepes or exposed wiring – the recommendation is to immediately evacuate the property and seek safe shelter.
The civil defense should be called by telephone 199 every time there is a risk for the life or integrity of the Chamber. “It is important to never try to climb the roof or make repairs on their own. The possibilities of accident are high,” he warns.
Medeiros recalls that in this type of situation, residential insurance can be an important ally. Those who have an insurance benefit from repair services for burning damage and emergency services, such as temporary roof coverage, transport of furniture, temporary accommodation and cleaning the property.
“It is an important support in the most difficult days,” he says.
To simplify the service, the expert recommends residents to record damage with photos or videos, provided that this can be done safely. “This type of documentation helps in the evaluation process and facilitates the release of care,” he explains.
Common mistakes
Among the most recurring errors made after a storm is trying to repair the damage without help for experts and remain in the residence even with signs of risk. It is also common for people to underestimate the importance of insurance, which can make a punctual event in lasting damage.
“In addition to the coverage of the Gale, the residential insurance of Porto also includes situations such as fires, lightning, floods and electrical damage, among other occurrences. For those who do not have a policy, there is also the possibility of taking on individual services through the port service, such as the repair of the Panning and tiles”, suggests.
“What climate change has shown is that extreme events are increasingly present in our daily life. Preparing the property and having a qualified support network can make a difference,” concludes Medeiros.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
