Beat the freeze with fall home maintenance
The wintertime insurance claims that happen most frequently involve roof and siding damage, frozen pipes, damage from trees or falling limbs and house fires.
The wintertime insurance claims that happen most frequently involve roof and siding damage, frozen pipes, damage from trees or falling limbs and house fires. While it’s impossible to avoid extreme winter weather when it decides to strike, there are several precautions you can take with your fall home maintenance to significantly lower your home’s winter risk exposure.
Lower your fire risk
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the leading types of residential building fires in 2021 were cooking fires (170,000); heating fires (32,200); unintentional, careless fires (29,800); and electrical malfunction fires (24,200).
To lower your fire risk as temperatures drop, you should:
- Get rid of any dust or lint buildup around and under your dryer, and also clean out the exhaust duct. These materials are often flammable and an accumulation of debris increases your risk of something catching fire.
- Have your HVAC system inspected once a year (preferably prior to using your heat for the first time) and remember to regularly change the air filters.
- If you have a chimney, have it regularly cleaned and maintained by a professional.
- Check all of the electrical outlets in your home to make sure they are secure. Repair any receptacles that feel loose. Remember not to overload your outlets, as well.
- Inspect the fire extinguishers in your home to ensure they are in working order. Don’t have fire extinguishers in your house? Now’s a good time to invest in some – preferably at least one per story in your home.
Protect your plumbing
Nothing ruins a picturesque winter day at home quite like a burst pipe.
Take time to insulate water pipes in areas of your home that are the most vulnerable to freezing outdoor temperatures – especially those in rooms with exterior-facing walls. You should also inspect your water heater for leaks, check your drains for clogs and make sure your water shutoff valves work.
Don’t forget the exterior
Keeping gutters free of leaves and other debris in the fall can often feel like a losing battle, but having clear gutters and downspouts allows you to spot and repair any issues before they become a problem. Trimming tree branches that hang near or over your home can both help keep gutters cleaner and also lessen the likelihood of branches falling on the house in winter weather.
You should also make sure any summer outdoor equipment (grills, patio furniture, water hoses, etc.) is stored away from the elements, and turn off the main water supply to outdoor faucets.