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We can all agree that winter is a wonderful season. Sure, the weather can make life a little chaotic, but there’s nothing more peaceful and beautiful than the silence after a fresh snowfall. However, as we experience freezing temperatures and the accumulation of snow, a new set of problems arise, especially for homeowners.
Of course, we all wish to enjoy this season and to avoid potential problems. This is, after all, the perfect time to be cozy, drink a cup of hot cocoa, and curl up by the fire.
Insurance coverage is essential if you wish to protect yourself financially from damages to your property during this time. Though, it’s still better to avoid winter-related problems altogether. Therefore, you may wonder what you can do to keep your home and properties safe during the coldest months. Here are six insurance tips that will help protect your home from winter weather risks.
Trees densely laden with snow can quickly collapse and injure people, hit homes, or damage other properties. Even if they don’t hit anything, clearing them away can still be a real hassle.
Dead trees are a hazard, and you must remove them from your property as soon as possible. The healthy ones mustn’t be overlooked, either. They should be trimmed back to make sure that there are no overhanging branches that can snap off. Don’t neglect overhanging branches that could damage your neighbor’s properties, as well.
The risk of pipes freezing and then bursting greatly increases during the bitter winter months. This occurs when trapped water expands and puts pressure on pipes, causing them to explode. Allowing this to happen can result in burdensome costs and can cause major water damage.
The best way to protect your pipes is to keep your home’s temperature at around 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. Other preventive measures include covering pipes to insulate them, sealing gaps around pipes, draining the water as much as possible, and allowing faucets to run a slight trickle of warm water to keep water pressure down inside the system.
Make sure that you monitor snow accumulation. Over time, the weight of ice and snow can collapse roofs or damage valuable assets. Also, melting snow can cause major flooding. Do not allow it to accumulate- use a roof rake or similar tool to safely remove it.
If ice dams form on the roof, they will later melt and could seep through the roof, drenching and eventually damaging interior walls. This can be a difficult and costly renovation if it’s allowed to happen. To prevent this issue, you will want to make sure that your attic is well ventilated, the attic floors are insulated to prevent heat from rising high, and the roof covering has a water-repellant membrane underneath.
Given that you spend more time indoors during the winter, circuits are likely working double to accommodate continuously running appliances and electronic gadgets. Additional devices like electric blankets, portable heaters, and many other items designed to heat the home are also drawing power. You must always be cautious when it comes to electricity. Don’t allow circuits to become overloaded with too many devices because this can lead to blown fuses and possibly electrical fires. Nonessential appliances should be unplugged when not in use. Also, remember to unplug unused devices when you’re not home.
When the cold weather hits, there’s a lot that can go wrong with your house and other properties. Take time to understand exactly what your insurance policy covers and make sure that it has adequate coverage. Coordinate with your insurance company if you’re ever uncertain about something.
Use these tips to prepare your home for winter. Being proactive can prevent damages caused by the ice, snow, and extreme cold. Getting the right winter insurance coverage will help give you peace of mind. Knowing that you have a well-maintained house, and that you are well-protected by your insurance provider will allow you to sit back, enjoy your tasty beverage, and savor this beautiful season.
