Homeowners, take these steps to avoid damage and insurance claims caused by winter conditions.
Many states throughout the country experience severely cold temperatures and extreme weather conditions during the winter months. Oftentimes, these harsh conditions can pose a threat to homeowners. To reduce the chances of your home sustaining damage this winter, here are some of the precautionary measures that you should take.
- Keep Your Home Heated– Homeowners should keep their home heated to at least 65° F, even when there is no one present in the home. Keeping your home warm will ensure that the plumbing running through your walls doesn’t freeze, burst, and cause significant water damage.
- Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimney– If you plan on using your fireplace this winter, then make sure you have a professional inspect both the fireplace and chimney first. The expert will identify and remove any buildup of creosote, a highly flammable substance that tends to accumulate while the fireplace is in use. Having your chimney cleaned will ensure that it does not combust and start a major house fire when you try to use your fireplace this winter.
- Close Your Fireplace Flue– When your fireplace is not in use, you should make sure to close the flue. Leaving your flue open will allow cold air, water, and even vermin to enter your home.
- Clear Snow and Ice from Your Walkways– If you receive heavy snowfall or if temperatures drop below freezing, then you need to remove the snow and ice that accumulates on your driveway and the walkways leading up to your home. Shoveling the snow and salting your walkways will ensure that visitors do not slip and injure themselves while on your property.
- Check Your Roof– During the winter months, ice dams can form on your roof and near your gutter downspouts. These damns can cause water to build up on your roof, increasing your chances of serious water damage. So, make sure you routinely check your roof for ice flows and clear them away, so water is able to drain off your roof.
These are some of the proactive steps that you can take to protect your home from cold-weather damage this winter. Want another way to take care of your home this season? If so, then secure the right homeowners insurance protections. Contact the experts at Pierce Insurance Group for all your home coverage needs today.