When you think about keeping your homeowners insurance policy rates as low as possible, you think about keeping up maintenance to make sure people those who live in the home and visitors alike are less likely to get injured on your property.
Winterizing your home doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, you can winterize most of your home in a weekend.
You make sure your valuables are locked up safely, and you buy security systems, stronger doors, locks, and windows to protect your home from theft. You even opt for a cuddly kitten rather than a large dog in order to protect visitors from attacks.
However, have you thought about keeping your homeowners insurance policy rates as low as possible during the different seasons?
Winter weather conditions can cause some of the most damage to your home, as well as you, your family, and your visitors, and the best way to protect your home and everyone in and around it is to practice prevention, i.e., make necessary repairs before winter strikes, and take precautionary measures after winter strikes.
7 Ways to Winterize your Home
To make repairs to your home before winter, start at the top and work your way down.
Make sure your gutters are clean
Keep them clean by purchasing gutter guards those nifty little add-ons that prevent anything like leaves and branches from clogging up your gutters.
Repair Your Walkway
Repair any cracks in the steps or walk way, as well as any wobbly hand rails. If your steps do not have a handrail, consider installing one.
Repair Cracks in Stucco, Brick, Siding, Etc.
Also, take a look at the outside structure of your home. If you have any cracks, repair those as well.
Make Repairs to your Heating System
Now, take a look at the inside of your home. Make sure you and your contents stay warm by making any repairs to your heating system, adding extra insulation, and repairing cracks in windows.
If your windows are single-pane glass, consider upgrading to double-pane glass windows BEFORE winter really hits. Seal cracks under doors and around windows with insulation edging designed to keep drafts out.
Check your Fire Alarm Batteries
Regularly check your fire alarm batteries before winter hits to make sure you and your family are safe in the event of holiday lights starting on fire.
Learn Where your Water Shut-Off Valve is
Winter is not the time to learn to turn off your water shut-off valve. Winter conditions may cause water to freeze in your pipes and burst around your home.
Remove any garden hoses from the outside of your home, and shut-off the valve to prevent water from freezing in pipes.
Shut Down your Sprinklers
Shut down your sprinkler system (Use a maintenance company if you are unsure how to do this. Spectrum offers sprinkler system shutdowns to all owners who use our property management services!)