INSURANCE
Fall Home Prep
These proactive steps will help get your home ready for the winter weather.
By Kait Kucy
Don’t wait until winter weather hits, find some time this fall for outdoor maintenance such as cleaning the gutters and storing away your patio furnishings. | PHOTO: GILBERTO MESQUIT/ADOBE STOCK
AS CRISP AUTUMN air settles in and leaves begin to fall, it’s an ideal time to start prepping your home for the cold winter months ahead. A little maintenance, both inside and outside of your home, goes a long way in keeping your space cozy, helping you avoid seasonal damage, and saving you money in the long run. Follow these recommendations to prepare ahead of winter.
OUTSIDE
Raking up leaves now can prevent slips later. | PHOTOS: MILLER_ESZTER/ADOBE STOCK
- Store or cover your patio furniture, umbrellas and garden tools to protect them from moisture and rust. You want them looking good and working well in the spring; protecting them is the best way to extend the lifespan of your outdoor furnishings and gardening supplies.
- Clean out your gutters and downspouts to help prevent water backups and ice dams later. These can cause structural damage to your roof if left unchecked.
- Trim branches that overhang your home. They shouldn’t rub against shingles, as this can damage the integrity of the roof. Remove weak or dead branches that could fall during a storm and damage your home or vehicles.
- Turn off the water to your outdoor hose bibb and drain any remaining water from the hose itself. Leaving water in the line can cause pipes to freeze and burst once temperatures drop.
- Check your outdoor drainage. Ensure that water flows away from your home’s foundation and drains are not blocked. When the weather starts to warm, snow and ice will thaw, producing a considerable amount of water that needs somewhere to go that is not into your basement!
- Rake any leaves or debris and clear your walkways. You want to reduce slip hazards and protect your lawn. Wrap small trees and shrubs in burlap to provide them with protection from the elements.
INSIDE
Test your batteries so you are prepared in an emergency. | PHOTOS: DAVID PEREIRAS/ADOBE STOCK
- Give your furnace a test run. Schedule any maintenance or tune-up appointments early in the fall before the rush. Swap out your filter for a fresh one. The last thing you want to discover on the first freezing cold night of the year is a heating problem.
- Check all windows and doors for any drafts and seal them up with weather stripping or draft blockers. You can substantially lower your heating bills by blocking drafts and insulating access points.
- Inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before turning on your gas- or wood-burning fireplace or space heaters. Replace the batteries if necessary.
- Assemble a winter essentials emergency kit, including flashlights, batteries, candles, snuggly throw blankets and other items that will help keep you warm and comfortable in an emergency.
Weather can be unpredictable and often severe in the winter. Maintenance is a great way to protect your home and prevent damage; good insurance coverage ensures you’re not caught off guard when the unexpected happens. Peace of mind comes from both prevention and protection. CAA