Your home is probably one of your most valuable assets and keeping it in good condition is important. Before the rainy, colder fall weather rolls in, some steps to prepare your home can protect your home from damage during the fall and winter months.
Clean out gutters
Spend a few hours clearing debris from gutters and downspouts around the home. Check the fasteners that hold the gutters in place and replace any that may allow water to run onto the structure. This will help you avoid the risk of water intrusion, wood rot, ice buildup, and pool water that can affect the foundation.
Inspect windows and doors
To keep your family warm during the winter months, remove summer window shades and store them, and check all window frames and doors for damage. Install weatherstripping on doors and replace any damage to the weatherstripping around your windows.
Control of the heating system
Have a professional check your heating system, who will replace filters, look for any problems and repair them if necessary, and clean the ducts in your home. Your indoor air will be healthier, cleaner and your system will perform better with annual maintenance – helping you avoid more expensive repairs and a heating system that stops working when you need it most.
Plumbing control
Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets and close the valves of your outdoor water system if possible. Inspect any visible pipes for drips or leaks and have them repaired. Insulate pipes in parts of your home that are unheated.
Farm control
Check any trees near your home to ensure your home is protected in a storm. Call a tree specialist to remove any aging or rotting branches.
Chimney and fireplace
Have a professional clean your chimney so your fireplace is safe to use during the colder fall and winter months.
When something goes wrong – your insurance is important.
No one can predict every future event. Even with the best planning, things can go very wrong. Frozen pipes, falling trees, severe wind events, flooding, vandalism, theft or other incidents can lead to very costly repairs, or can make your home unlivable. The typical home insurance policies protect the home itself, not your belongings.
The right insurance ̵1; for you.
Having the right insurance policies in place can protect your financial health and pay for unexpected damage to your home. There are special types of affordable supplementary insurance that provide protection that goes beyond what your home insurance covers.
To learn more about the personal insurance available to homeowners, talk to one of our local agents. We can evaluate your current policies and advise you on your options for add-ons that are extremely affordable but can be a lifesaver when the unexpected happens.
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