Owning a home in Florida is a dream to many people specially for those who haven’t had the chance yet to own a house. There are some liabilities that come with owning a home in Florida. And we will uncover the 6 unbeatable home issues in Florida homeowners face. Most of the Florida homeowners already experience one or more of those issues, and if you never owned a house before, then… We will uncover the 6 unbeatable home issues in Florida homeowners face.
Having your own house is a beautiful thing to have. But just like everything else in life, once we get the things we we been waiting for a long time to get, we soon come to find out that’s not what we were expecting. Same goes to owning a house. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
Whether you’re already a homeowner in Florida or not yet, we will uncover for you in this article with the obstacles homeowners face in Florida to get you all prepare for them and what you need to do.
1- Challenges Homeowners Face in Florida with Hurricanes and Floods
Hurricanes and floods can cause significant damage to houses, and those living in Florida know how destructive these natural disasters can be. The state is prone to hurricanes, and flooding is a common occurrence in several areas. If you live in Florida, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and damages that hurricanes and floods can cause to your house. This is would be the number one problem in Florida that creates home issues in Florida homeowners face, for Most common types of damages caused by hurricanes and floods. Here’s are he following problems homeowners have to deal with in Florida.
#1 Roof Repairs
One of the most common damages caused by hurricanes is roof damage. High winds can cause shingles or roofing tiles to come off, leaving your home exposed to rain and debris. This can result in water damage to your ceiling, walls, and belongings. To avoid roof damage, make sure your roof is in good condition before hurricane season. Trim overhanging trees that may fall on your roof during a storm, and install hurricane straps to secure your roof to your walls. If you notice any roof damage after a storm, contact a roofing expert to repair it as soon as possible.
#2- Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are also susceptible to hurricane damage. Strong winds can shatter windows or force doors open, causing rain and debris to enter your home. To prevent this, invest in hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows and doors. You can also reinforce your doors with hurricane-resistant hinges and locks.
#3- Foundations
Floods can cause significant damage to your home’s foundation. Water can seep through tiny cracks in your foundation, weakening its structure and causing severe damage. To protect your foundation, make sure your home’s drainage system is working correctly, and the soil around your home is properly graded to drain water away from your house.
#4- Electrical Systems
Hurricanes and floods can damage your home’s electrical systems, causing power outages and electrical fires. To protect yourself and your home, make sure your electrical systems are up to code and install a surge protector to prevent power surges. If you experience a power outage or any electrical issues after a storm, contact an electrician to fix the problem.
#5- Mold
Mold is a significant concern after a flood. Flooding can bring moisture into your home, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold can cause health problems and damage to your home’s structure if left untreated. To prevent mold growth, clean and disinfect your home after a flood and make sure to dry out any wet areas as soon as possible.
2- Home Issues In Florida Homeowners Face With Home Insurance
homeowners in Florida are often faced with several challenges, and one of the biggest struggles they face is with home insurance. With hurricanes, tropical storms, and floods being a regular occurrence, it’s not surprising that homeowners in Florida find it challenging to secure a comprehensive home insurance policy. We’ll dive into why Florida homeowners struggle with home insurance and what they can do to protect their homes.
High Premiums:
Florida boasts of some of the highest home insurance premiums in the nation. According to a recent report by the Insurance Information Institute (III), Florida ranks as the third-most expensive state in the US for home insurance. Many factors contribute to these high costs, such as the frequency of natural disasters, the state’s location, and the age and condition of homes. Homeowners must prepare themselves to pay a premium price for home insurance in Florida.
Coverage limitations:
When it comes to home insurance coverage, Florida homeowners must navigate around several state-specific limitations. For example, many insurance companies in Florida exclude windstorm and flood damage from their standard policies, which means homeowners must purchase additional coverage to protect their homes. Such limitations also impact the cost of home insurance, leading to higher premiums.
Low coverage limits:
Another challenge that homeowners in Florida must grapple with is low coverage limits. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies in Florida to place limits on certain types of losses or to impose caps on the total coverage amount. This can be problematic for homeowners who may require additional protection from certain risks.
Increased Claims:
As a state that faces consistent severe weather events and natural disasters, it’s no surprise that homeowners in Florida make a considerable number of insurance claims. However, this puts the onus on insurance companies to pay out a high number of claims, resulting in an increase in insurance premiums for policyholders. As a result, insurance companies are becoming more stringent with payouts, leading to many claims being denied or reduced.
1- Know Your Enemy: Types of Termites Found in Florida
It’s essential to understand that not all termites are the same. In Florida, the most common types are subterranean termites, which live in the soil, and drywood termites, which live inside the wood. Subterranean termites are more destructive and cause more damage because they build colonies in the soil and travel to reach the wood. Drywood termites, on the other hand, usually infest attics and wooden furniture and do not need to return to soil. Knowing which type of termite you’re dealing with is vital in determining the most effective strategies to take.
2- Signs of Infestation
The earlier you detect the presence of termites, the easier it is to control them and prevent widespread damage to your home. Some of the signs of infestation include mud tubes, visible termite swarmers, discarded wings, and damage to wooden structures. Additionally, if you notice any softwood or hollow-sounding wood, click sounds, or a musty odor, there may be an infestation. If you suspect any termite activity, it’s best to act immediately and call a professional pest control company.
3- Preventive Measures
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to termites. Here are some of the best preventive measures that homeowners in Florida can undertake to protect their homes:
Regularly check for signs of moisture and prevent excess moisture buildup.
- Keep woodpiles away from your house and elevate firewood off the ground.
- Maintain a clearance of 18 inches between soil and any wooden parts of your home. This clearance is for preventing the termite from coming up from the soil.
- Have a termite inspection conducted by a trained and licensed pest control professional at least once a year.
4- Treatment and Control
Once a termite infestation has been detected, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further damage. The most effective control method is a professional application of liquid or bait treatments. Liquid treatments are applied into the soil around the home’s foundation to create a barrier. Bait treatments, on the other hand, are strategically placed in the soil around the home and in areas where termite activity is high.
5- Ongoing maintenance
After treating the termite infestation, the battle isn’t over. It’s essential to maintain a vigilant attitude and ongoing preventive measures to keep your home termite-free. Regular inspections by a qualified pest control professional will ensure that any new colony can be captured as early as possible. In addition, fix leaky roofs and plumbing, avoid any unnecessary construction that disturbs the soil, don’t pile wood that contacts soil in the yard.
