Interesting info on Hail Resistant Roofs

Information is from Insurance Institute Article

From the Institute for Business & Home Safety

• There are approximately 3,000 hailstorms annually in the United States, resulting in average insured losses of $1.6 billion.
• International Building Code currently does not require the consideration of impact resistance in the selection of roofing materials.
  • IBHS has proposed changes to the International Codes that would require this consideration in moderate and severe hail exposure areas.
• The  lifespan of an average roof is 20 years:
  • Roofs in severe hail-prone areas must be replaced every seven to 10 years, according to insurance industry data.
  • States in the Great Plains and Southeast can expect hailstorms producing stones of least 1.5 inches in diameter within the life of a typical roof.
• Costs and benefits of impact-resistant roofing materials:
  • $75/square approximately installed;
  • $2,200 in added costs for 30 squares of shingles.
  • The loss rate for impact-resistant metal roofs is 13 percent; 53 percent lower than asphalt, clay or tile.
  • Products classified in accordance with UL 2218 standard have been shown to sustain significantly less damage after being impacted by 1 to 2-inch hailstones.
• A study by the Institute for Business & Home Safety found:
  • 44 percent of all non-impact resistant, single-family roofs investigated needed repair or replacement after being struck by hailstones with diameters of 1-2 inches.
  • Requiring impact-resistant roofing materials in vulnerable areas would result in a 50 percent reduction in hail-related property losses.
  • A recent hail-loss investigation of 320,000 homes in 115 zip codes, with 77,000 claims found:
    • 40 percent fewer claims for homes with impact-resistant roofs;
    • 55 percent reduction in losses for homes with impact resistant roofs;
    • Homeowner savings of $200 to $300.

Labor Day- Grilling advice

I can't believe that summer is just about over!  The last couple of nights have been cooling fast- fall is in the air. 

Some of us will be out on the grill today and by this time of the year we are all grilling experts, right?

Over the years I have had to deal with three household fires caused by a Grill fire getting away from the Chef.

I ran across this list of tips to keep you on top of your grilling game and keep your Labor Day incident free.  Have a great Labor Day & be safe out there !

• Before using a propane gas grill, check the connection between the tank and the fuel line. Make sure the Venturi tubes (where the air and gas mix) are not blocked, and check hoses for cracks or damage.
• Thoroughly clean gas grill after each use. 
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby but not on the grill at all times. 
• Never throw a match in a grill especially after the gas has been on three seconds.
• Don’t leave a grill unattended.
• Do not wear a loose apron or loose clothing while grilling. Always wear shoes.
• Always use the grill's starter button, if the starter is broken do not use the grill. Remember to cover the grill to avoid to corrosion and rusting in both the controls and gas line. Rust can make grill controls hard to read and make the starter button difficult to depress. You may also want to consider a grill with an automatic starter, rather than button starter that can become difficult to push.  
• Be careful when grilling food with high fat content because they can produce high flames.
• Always thoroughly cook food to a safe temperature. 
• Never throw away grill instructions or owners manual. Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully.
• Never use a propane barbecue grill on a balcony, terrace or roof. And never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas, as deadly carbon monoxide can be produced.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children. Supervise children around outdoor grills, which are objects of curiosity.
• If using a charcoal or wood fire, dispose of hot coals properly by soaking them with water, then stirring to ensure that fire is extinguished. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
• Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill since they are flammable 

Next - think about winterizing that Grill so you will be ready next year for Prime Time Grilling in Pueblo.