As longtime New England residents, we know winter doesn’t always follow the rules or a calendar. Homeowners who perform winter home maintenance before the cold season begins can help keep potential issues at bay.
While the winter season might officially start in December and end in mid-March, winter weather in the Northeast can arrive at any time, beginning as early as October and lingering well into April. Heavy snowfall, blizzards, and ice storms are par for the course in our area, and these winter weather events have the potential to cause damage to our homes, whether that’s due to a downed tree, compromised roof, or frozen pipes.
Fortunately, there are steps savvy homeowners can take to help minimize the impact of whatever Mother Nature may throw at us and reduce the chances of having to make costly repairs later. Plus, if you ever do need to file an insurance claim, the process is likely to go much more smoothly if you have taken steps to ensure your property is well maintained.
Not sure where to begin? Morse, of course, has you covered. These essential home maintenance to-dos can help you get started.
Winter Checklist for Your Home: 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for the Season Ahead
- Schedule an annual heating system inspection. Ask your trusted HVAC professional to inspect your heating system, replace filters, clean ducts and pipes, and check for carbon monoxide leaks.
- Inspect exposed pipes for cracks or wear, and ensure they’re properly insulated. Preventing a pipe from freezing or bursting is always better than dealing with costly water damage after the fact.
- Shut off and drain outdoor water sources like hoses, pools, water features, and sprinkler systems to prevent freezing. This small task can make a big difference when temperatures plunge.
- Clear gutters of leaves and debris to prevent ice buildup on your roofline. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can cause extensive damage if left unchecked.
- Secure outdoor furniture by bringing small items indoors and tying down larger pieces. This to-do will help prevent objects from becoming projectiles in high winds.
- Keep your thermostat set to a warm, steady temperature, even at night, to help prevent pipes from freezing. Although this tip may increase your heating bill slightly, it is far less costly than repairing a burst pipe.
- Check your roof for damage and, if necessary, hire a licensed and insured contractor to address any concerns and wear and tear before the snow arrives.
- Trim back trees and shrubs. Removing dead or hazardous branches can help prevent damage from ice, snow, high winds, and more.
- Make sure your attic and walls are adequately insulated. Are you experiencing high energy bills and drafts? Can you see the wooden support beams in your attic? If so, you may need to add more insulation upstairs. Similarly, if your home’s walls are cold to the touch or damp, you may have a wall insulation issue. If you have concerns, work with a contractor to assess the situation. Installing storm doors and covering your windows in plastic may be ways to add insulation.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace your batteries and any alarms and detectors that are older than 10 years.
Morse, of course, can assist you in reviewing your home insurance policy before winter weather hits.
Before winter arrives, it’s a good idea to review your home insurance policy so you know what coverages you have—and what additional protections you may need—when it comes to winter storm damage. While standard homeowners policies cover many types of winter-related damage, some incidents, like flooding from rapid snowmelt, for example, may require a separate flood insurance policy. A yearly policy review with your insurance agent will provide you with a sense of security that you’re protected against winter’s worst-case scenarios.
Winter in New England may be unpredictable, but preparing your home for stormy weather is relatively straightforward. If you have questions about winter storm preparation or want a complimentary personal policy review, contact the Morse Insurance team. We’re here to help New England homeowners like you stay protected and ready for whatever the season brings.
Contact Morse Insurance today or stop by one of our convenient Massachusetts locations.