In recent years the level of storm damage inflicted on Irish properties has been keenly felt by the insurance industry. At Paul Greene and Company Chartered Loss Assessors we frequently deal with domestic storm claims and commercial storm claims.
Where roof slates are damaged, we frequently encounter insurance company assertions that the damaged slates can be replaced in isolation. Reinstatement via “patch repairs” does not reflect normal policy entitlements in our opinion.
Due to the overlapping nature of traditional slate fixing, it is our view that slates must be stripped to ridge level to reinstate to acceptable building standards.
As Loss Assessors for storm damage clients, we must evaluate the method and extent of work required in order achieve compliance with building regulations. For example, if a roof requires extensive replacement of slates/tiles, the load bearing capacity of roof timbers must be considered in the context of current day regulations.
Where roof insulation becomes water damaged, the relevant regulations must similarly be considered in specifying replacement. Where ceilings require replacement, the necessity for upgrading to fire lined plasterboard must be considered.
In commercial storm damage situations, we frequently encounter damages to various types of cladding.
The manner in which such cladding is overlapped will dictate the extent of cladding requiring replacement. Compliance of repair works must be considered in light of regulations related to insulated panels which followed the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
