Winter weather can cause expensive damage to your home, so there are several things you can do to help prevent your winter home insurance claims. One of the first things you can do is install smoke detectors. They should be placed in each room where you sleep and in the hallway outside each bedroom. You should also have a detector in your basement. You should also change the battery in your smoke detectors once a year. Following these tips will help you avoid expensive winter home insurance claims.
Inspect your roof.
Roof damage can happen quickly in the winter, but there are ways to prevent roof damage in the fall. First, check your roof for visible damage. If you notice uneven snow coverage, missing shingles, or sagging, call a professional for a thorough inspection.
Inspecting the roof for damage can help you determine whether your home is in need of repairs. Check for sagging shingles, loose panels, and dents. You should also inspect your roof for damage caused by hail. This will show up as pockmarks on your roof. Damaged shingles can also result in structural damage. Look for other issues on your roof, like satellite dishes, skylights, and chimneys.
Inspect your attic.
To reduce the risk of winter home insurance claims, inspect your attic. Among other things, this inspection should reveal obvious problems such as frayed wires and missing shingles. If these problems are not resolved immediately, you may find yourself without coverage.
A properly insulated attic will help keep warm air from escaping the house. It can also help prevent ice dams by sealing air leaks. Moreover, you should install rubberized shingles to prevent the buildup of ice. Additionally, gutters should be free of debris to avoid ice formation. Finally, it is not advisable to climb on the roof to remove snow, as this can cause damage to the shingles.
Melt ice on walkways.
In winter, keeping walkways and driveways clear of ice and snow is crucial. This will help to keep people safe and prevent property damage. You can use salt and water or make your own natural deicer with rubbing alcohol and dish soap. Another essential thing to remember is that tree branches can become heavy when covered with snow and easily be thrown around during a storm.
Ice and snow can cause severe injuries and make your property a liability risk. You can be liable for any injuries if a visitor slips and falls on your sidewalk, driveway, or stairs. Typical home insurance policies will cover liability costs and medical expenses in such a scenario.
Insulate your attic.
Insulating your attic is an essential step for homeowners to take to protect their homes during winter. It will prevent heat from escaping the home and prevent ice dams from forming. It will also reduce the risk of water damage to the walls and ceilings of your home. In addition to insulation, you should ensure that downspouts work properly and that your attic is well insulated. Proper ventilation will prevent ice dams and prevent water damage to your home.
Attic insulation should be at least R-30. It should also be properly sealed to avoid air leaks and roof repairs.
Check for rodents.
Rodents can cause a lot of damage to your home, says TheSpruce. You’ll want to be very mindful of this as claims due to rodents, vermins or insects are not covered by your home insurance policy. These animals can gnaw on electrical wiring, contaminate food, and even cause house fires. The best way to avoid a winter home insurance claim is to check for rodents now while they are still active.
If you have rodents, get rid of them before winter begins. These little creatures can easily enter a home through even the smallest holes. Check around your home to ensure you have no unsecured food sources. Keep trash disposed of in a secure trash can. While these methods effectively reduce the risk of rodent infestation, they can’t guarantee that your home is rodent-free.
Inspect your smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors are a great way to protect your home and your family from dangerous smoke and fire. However, they aren’t foolproof and can be prone to a false alarm if the batteries run out, or they’re disconnected. Regular testing is vital to keep you and your family safe.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested every year (source). The detectors should be placed outside sleeping areas and on every level of the house. It’s also wise to install smoke detectors in the basement.