Be sure to have them check your rafters. My tree dropped a big ass branch on mt neighbor’s roof during an ice storm, and although you couldn’t tell from an external visual inspection, it cracked or broke about 26 rafters. So I recommend having them get up inside to take a look before the insurance company cuts the check.Report
Thanks. I found the puncture when I went to check the attic, so I’m certainly going to have them up there. My survey of the damage thus far is admittedly cursory. The main thing is that the house is still standing and we’re still living in it. Unfortunately, the cats did survive.Report
Glad the folks are unhurt, even the cats (although I sympathize with you).Report
As for what happened, during a recent high wind and rain storm, a tree that had survived a hurricane and an October snowstorm in the past 12 months came down. Looking at it and the relative lack of other damage to other trees in the area, I think it might have taken a lightning strike, but who really knows. Anyway, I was playing basketball when I called home to tell Zazzy to put the meatloaf in and she mentions that the tree fell but the only thing wrong is a broken window. I assumed it fell into the yard and swiped a window. Nope. It apparently fell directly onto the house, but in such a way that the only damage is a broken sky light and a small puncture that appears to be through a side wall and not the roof. Considering the tree is currently lying on top of the house, I consider us lucky. Luckier still when I remember that, hey, I have home owner’s insurance! That’s a good thing!
So, yea, we’re all fine, the house is largely fine and will be repaired, and I’ve got funny pictures and stories to tell.Report
Might not have been lighting (barring any scorch marks) My husband is an arborist he says that the snow storm then the hurricane probably stressed the tree and weakened it so that the rain and wind storm took it down. People think well it survived that it must be a strong tree…not necessarily.
Sorry about your house hope the rafters are OK but glad the tree did not just squash it like a bugReport
“That which does not kill me makes me stronger”.
I’ve always thought that was an extremely stupid philosophy. Apparently, so did the tree!Report
Might not have been lighting (barring any scorch marks) My husband is an arborist he says that the snow storm then the hurricane probably stressed the tree and weakened it so that the rain and wind storm took it down. People think well it survived that it must be a strong tree…not necessarily.
Sorry about your Kazzstle (props James) hope the rafters are OK but glad the tree did not just squash it like a bugReport
Thanks, Anne. That is helpful to know. No scorched marks that I could see. I will now eye ever tree suspiciously and shake my fists at any sign of weakness on their part.Report
oops sorry for the double post don’t know what happened thereReport
You can say that again!
Now everyone laugh, and we’ll go out with a freeze frame.Report
Dude, is that your house? Suck.Report
I don’t think that’s quite what they meant by “go green”.Report
Oh no! Would you like to elaborate?Report
Dude, what happened to your kazzstle?Report
Holy crap! Kazzstle! That’s awesome!!!Report
You’re welcome!
Be sure to have them check your rafters. My tree dropped a big ass branch on mt neighbor’s roof during an ice storm, and although you couldn’t tell from an external visual inspection, it cracked or broke about 26 rafters. So I recommend having them get up inside to take a look before the insurance company cuts the check.Report
Thanks. I found the puncture when I went to check the attic, so I’m certainly going to have them up there. My survey of the damage thus far is admittedly cursory. The main thing is that the house is still standing and we’re still living in it. Unfortunately, the cats did survive.Report
Glad the folks are unhurt, even the cats (although I sympathize with you).Report
As for what happened, during a recent high wind and rain storm, a tree that had survived a hurricane and an October snowstorm in the past 12 months came down. Looking at it and the relative lack of other damage to other trees in the area, I think it might have taken a lightning strike, but who really knows. Anyway, I was playing basketball when I called home to tell Zazzy to put the meatloaf in and she mentions that the tree fell but the only thing wrong is a broken window. I assumed it fell into the yard and swiped a window. Nope. It apparently fell directly onto the house, but in such a way that the only damage is a broken sky light and a small puncture that appears to be through a side wall and not the roof. Considering the tree is currently lying on top of the house, I consider us lucky. Luckier still when I remember that, hey, I have home owner’s insurance! That’s a good thing!
So, yea, we’re all fine, the house is largely fine and will be repaired, and I’ve got funny pictures and stories to tell.Report
Might not have been lighting (barring any scorch marks) My husband is an arborist he says that the snow storm then the hurricane probably stressed the tree and weakened it so that the rain and wind storm took it down. People think well it survived that it must be a strong tree…not necessarily.
Sorry about your house hope the rafters are OK but glad the tree did not just squash it like a bugReport
“That which does not kill me makes me stronger”.
I’ve always thought that was an extremely stupid philosophy. Apparently, so did the tree!Report
Might not have been lighting (barring any scorch marks) My husband is an arborist he says that the snow storm then the hurricane probably stressed the tree and weakened it so that the rain and wind storm took it down. People think well it survived that it must be a strong tree…not necessarily.
Sorry about your Kazzstle (props James) hope the rafters are OK but glad the tree did not just squash it like a bugReport
Thanks, Anne. That is helpful to know. No scorched marks that I could see. I will now eye ever tree suspiciously and shake my fists at any sign of weakness on their part.Report
oops sorry for the double post don’t know what happened thereReport
You can say that again!
Now everyone laugh, and we’ll go out with a freeze frame.Report
Covered by house insurance? y/n?Report
Yes, indeedy. If I collect more money than I’ve paid in premiums, will Mitt Romney care about me any less?Report
moocherReport