Posted On: April 10, 2006, 3:04 pm CDT

Posted By: Roger Poe

Is is disturbing to note that in Texas, hurricane Rita claimants are being told by State Farm and Allstate that wind lifted / broken tar sealant bonds on shingles, is not (policy covered) damage to shingles.


ELK Corporation strongly disagrees;

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TECHNICAL BULLETIN - HURRICANE EXPOSURE

The process of detecting and evaluating damage from hurricane exposure is subjective at best, and often everyone involved may offer a different assessment.

Damage can range from wind uplift, shingle loss, broken sealant bonds, granule loss, external sources, and may not be readily apparent. However, even small amounts of damage can harm the surfacing material, leading to deterioration of the shingles months or years later.

GRANULE LOSS
Regarding damage to the embedded granule surfacing in the asphalt top coating, hurricane wind exposure can result in varying degrees of granule loss. Hurricane wind exposure loosens the granules, potentially allowing the granules to separate from the coating layer and wash off the roof.

Without the granule surfacing, the asphalt top coating is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from ordinary sunlight and will eventually deteriorate, exposing the fiberglass substrate and creating a leak potential. If a shingle indicates outward damage, the underlying components may be compromised and affected to some degree.

The extent of granule loss resulting from hurricane exposure is influenced by, but not limited to, the following:

1. Age of the product.
2. Force and duration of winds and wind driven rain.
3. Type and amount of wind driven debris.
4. Orientation and slope of the deck in relation to winds.
5. Amount of foot traffic.

BROKEN SEALANT BONDS
When sealant bonds are broken due to hurricane winds, it is possible, but not likely, for shingles to reseal. The subsequent strength of resealing, if any, would not be as strong as the initial thermal bond and would be contingent on, but not limited to, the following:

1. Age of the product.
2. Time of year and amount of exposure to ambient temperatures.
3. Length of time before shingles are exposed to subsequent high wind events.
4. Orientation and slope of deck.
5. Stress and strain on the shingles due to exposure to sustained high winds and/or deck movement.
6. Number, placement, type, and length of fasteners.
7. Contamination to the sealant bonds by dirt, debris, or other foreign substance.
8. Condition of the underlying deck or underlying shingles if a roof over.

In accordance with the terms of the limited warranty, there is no coverage for damage caused by hurricanes. Shingles in hurricane areas will continue to carry the limited warranty for manufacturing defects and remaining limited wind warranty.

Any damage relating to conditions caused by a hurricane, including granule loss, breach of the seals, nail tears and other structural damage, will not be covered by the limited warranty or limited wind warranty at any time.

TB-420 2/24/06
ELK P.O. Box 500 Ennis, TX. 75120
Toll Free - 1-866-355-8324 www.elkcorp.com
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Seems like State Farm will have to justify their Texas wind coverage position, that soundly contradicts their Mississippi wind coverage position.

http://www.sunherald.com/mld/thesunherald/news/special_packages/renewal/long_beach/14281112.htm