The simple truth is that winter storms cause more than one billion dollars in insured losses each year. Though most people think of snow as a problem, the combination of cold and ice can do severe damage if your home isn’t insulated correctly or otherwise prepared for its weather conditions. You may find yourself dealing with problems like water leaks from pipes bursting due to expansion when you least expect them; and an insurmountable number of issues from expensive repairs due to water seepage through damaged ceilings (and walls). As the winter season approaches, it’s now the perfect time to prepare your home for cooler temperatures.
What Are the Main Issues That Occur During Winter Season?
Ice Damming
When you have ice damming, ice forms at the edge of your roof. This is bad because it doesn’t allow the melting snow and rain to drain off of your roof. Instead, it will end up coming in your home.
Burst Pipe(s)
Freezing pipes can be a big problem during the winter season. Water is stored in pipes, especially those that bring water into your home and the ones that take water to the outside. Not only will this stop any water from coming in or out of your home, but it can also leave a mess of ice everywhere.
Water Damage
Water damage from ice damming and burst pipes can cause all sorts of problems. Not only will you have water in your attic, but it can also damage the ceilings and walls of your home. This quickly can become a really bad situation because your home may not be safe enough to live in.
Residential Fires
The increased use of furnaces, hot water heaters, fireplaces, and stoves add to the risk of fires. If you are without power, you may even use other ways to try to heat your house, which can mean even more fire risk. Many people bring in portable heaters and gas stoves.
How Can You Prepare Your Home for the Winter Season?
Trim Trees
Storms, especially ice storms, can bring down trees. For this reason, you may want to cut down any trees that are too close to your home. You may also want to get rid of any trees that aren’t particularly healthy. These trees are more likely to come down in a storm than trees that don’t have any damage to them.
Clear Gutters
It is important to clean the gutters after all of the leaves have fallen. If not, water and ice can build up in your gutters because there is nowhere for it to go. If this happens, you may find water getting into your attic and your home.
Clean Chimneys Before Starting Fireplaces
Before you start your fireplace, you are going to need to make sure that it is ready for use. Many times, debris builds up in the chimney, which can start a fire. It is also much healthier on you, so that all of the smoke goes outside of your home, instead of in it.
Check Smoke Detectors
Since fire is so rampant during the winter when using fireplaces and other heaters in your home, you are going to want to make sure that your smoke detectors are working. You need to be able to get out of the home, at the first sign of fire.
Inspect Insulation
You are going to want to make sure that you have enough insulation in your home to keep it warm. It might be a good idea to add some insulation to help you save on your heating bills.
Use Technology to Keep Your Home Safe During the Winter Season
There are many smart home technology devices that are used to monitor different hazards that can happen. This can include doorbells, smoke detectors, thermostats, and water leak detectors. Installing some of these (or all of them) could even help you save money with your home insurance policy.
Prepare Your Home for the Winter Season
The best way to make sure that your home is fully protected this winter is to make sure you have enough insurance. You need to know that if something happens, your homeowners’ insurance will cover the repairs. This gives you one less thing to worry about when winter weather hits.
If you’re not sure how much coverage you need or what type of protection may be right for your needs, contact an IMA Select Representative in your area and they’ll help tailor a solution just for you!