With the changing seasons comes changing weather. Homeowners should prepare for fall-related weather issues to avoid insurance claims in a number of ways. If you are a homeowner, save this article for the fall home maintenance tips.These are recommended best practices to incorporate into your home maintenance routine this year and years to come to avoid serious damage to your property.

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

 

1. Clean & Inspect Gutters:

• September & October bring aesthetically pleasing eaves that we all admire but these leaves that fall could lead to costly damages. It’s crucial for homeowners to regularly clear gutters of leaves, sticks and debris to prevent blockages. If gutters are ignored, blockages could lead to water overflow which could create serious issues such as roof leaks, foundation damage and water intrusion in basements or walls.

2. Trim Overhanging Trees & Branches:

• Over the year, your trees grow older too. Don’t forget to prune your trees to remove dead or overhanging branches. These dead or overhanging branches could break off during heavy wind or rain storms. Falling tree limbs can create a number of issues including damage to roofs, siding, vehicles or even power lines which could be extremely expensive repairs. Be sure to check with your insurance agent to see if your policy includes services lines coverage.

3. Inspect Roof for Loose Shingles & Leaks

• The fall is prime hurricane season and can bring heavy rain and high speed wind gusts. Always complete a full inspection of your roof for any loose shingles or leaks to repair before any damage occurs. Otherwise, you could be faced with interior water damage leading to mold growth and weakened structural integrity.

4. Seal Windows & Doors

• Seal windows & doors to not only save you from the potential risk of water seepage but also save money on your energy bill! You can seal by applying weatherstripping and caulk around the windows and doors. Poorly sealed areas lead to water damage and mold or mildew buildup in the home.

5. Check and Service Heating Systems

• Before the colder weather arrives, make sure to check your heating system ahead of time. Schedule a professional inspection of furnaces, fireplaces and HVAC systems to ensure they’re functioning properly. Faulty heating systems are known to cause fires, carbon monoxide leaks or breakdowns during the winter which could then lead to freezing or bursting pipes (not to. mention health issues!).

6. Install or Test Sump Pump System

• If you have a sump pump, confirm their functionality and have battery backups in place to handle heavy rainfall and prevent basement flooding. When a sump pump is overflowed, flooding could occur and damage your home’s flooring, furniture and even the home’s foundation. Again, these are very time consuming and costly repairs.

7. Inspect and Drain Exterior Faucets & Sprinklers

• This is one that many homeowners often forget! Draining outdoor faucets and shutting down irrigation systems will prevent freezing and pipes from bursting in the colder months. As we know, frozen pipes that crack lead to water damage and extensive repair.

8. Check Chimney & Fireplaces

• Before using your fireplace, be sure to have your chimney cleaned and inspected for blockages and cracks. A dirty or blocked chimney increases the risk of fire or carbon monoxide buildup leading to severe property risk including a total loss or significant health risks.

 

Homeowner upkeep can be a pain but practicing these safety protocols will save you time, energy and money spent on fixing damage from ignoring these actions. In addition, this could help you avoid filing an insurance claim which could lower your insurance rate or increase your insurance premium. Avoiding this domino effect is ideal for both clients and insurance carriers. If you are in need of a home insurance quote, please email us or fill out our contact form on our website. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest insurance news, tips & tricks!