Poorly winterized homes can be a source of both property and liability insurance claims. However, an investment of time and preparation now can save you money and hassle in the long run. The following are tips to help winterize and prepare your home, minimizing the risk of a winter-time insurance claim.
- Replace filters in all of your heating systems before turning them on for the season. Make sure your units have been professionally serviced, and replace the filters on a regular basis.
- Replace batteries in both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Check for and seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors. Seal around windows and walls where air-conditioning units are installed.
- Check the insulation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Too much heat escaping can cause ice and snow to melt too fast to be carried away efficiently. If moisture seeps into the roofing, it can cause damage or collapse. Adequate insulation can also help prevent the inconvenience of frozen or burst pipes. If pipes are located in unfinished spaces, such as garages, wrap the pipes with heating tape.
- During the winter, keep interiors at 65 degrees or more. Remember, the interior temperature of walls can be a lot colder than the air in the rooms, putting pipes at risk of freezing.
- Check your driveway, sidewalks, and handrails to make sure they are in good repair – this important safety precaution may also limit your liability should an accident occur.
- Make sure your snow blower and other snow removal equipment is in working order. Having cleared walkways will help ensure no one is seriously injured on your property by winter weather conditions.
- Before the first freeze, remove debris from gutters so heavy winter rains and melting snow can flow freely and not damage your roof or walls. Consider installing gutter guards to keep gutters clear from additional debris.
- Survey your landscaping. Trim trees with overhanging limbs that could block your walkways or endanger your home or vehicles during heavy snowfall and ice storms.
