Fall Home Cleanup

Fall Home Maintenance Tips to help you Save Money and Avoid Insurance Claims

September 9, 2021

Fall is a good time to do some home repairs and maintenance so you can keep warm and dry during the long winter months. After all, every home needs a little TLC to maintain its value and keep the homeowner comfortable. By preventing damage you can keep your homeowners insurance cost low and avoid insurance claims. Whether you are a new homeowner or you’re just looking for some basic tips to protect your home from seasonal weather damage, we have some helpful tips for you.

Heat Loss Areas

Fall is a great time to check areas in your home where heat is escaping your home or if cold air is getting in. As there’s more precipitation than normal in the fall and winter, check the airtightness of your doors and windows to prevent water seepage. If necessary, add weather-stripping or caulking to these areas as these areas can wear down or deteriorate over time. When there is air creeping in or out through the windows and doors of your home, it creates potential damage as well as costs money on heating bills.

Roof & Gutters

Assess the condition of your roof or have a roofing professional inspect it to ensure that it’s ready for winter. Make sure the seals around the chimney, skylights, and vents are in good condition and that there are no missing or loose shingles.

Also, make sure your gutters and downspouts are cleaned and replace damaged sections. It may be a good idea to install leaf guards that allow water to go through while preventing leaves and other debris from accumulating. Gutters are designed to keep rainwater away from the house so if your gutter is blocked, water can overflow onto your property and even seep into the basement.

The grading around your house also helps drain runoff water from the foundation. Make sure you have a small slope that runs for at least 6 feet from your house.

Repair Uneven Cement/Pavers

Your home insurance policy also provides liability coverage should someone be injured on your property. If someone should trip and fall while at your home, you could be responsible for their medical bills and or legal expenses. Taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of a trip and fall from occurring on your property is a good idea. Check for areas such as steps, tiles, and patio stones, which may be broken or uneven and repair them. This also makes it easier to clean and clear from ice/snow.

Plumbing

Verify the age of your water heater tank and do regular maintenance, as a water tank needs to be replaced after about a decade of use. Do not leave your water tank replacement to a time where you think it needs it. Water tanks deteriorate from the inside out, so while it may appear to be in good condition on the outside, it could be time to repair it to prevent any water damage to your home.

Home Fire Prevention

A fire occurring in your home is a very scary thought and can cause devastating damage to your home and belongings.

Check the condition of your heating system and fireplace. To ensure optimal performance, have your heating systems inspected by a licensed professional, especially if you notice any signs of malfunction such as a noisy belt. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning appliance, it’s important to have your chimney swept at least once a year to remove creosote and blockages. A buildup of creosote can result in a chimney fire. And, blockages can put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Dryer fires can cause significant damage due to the vents clogging from lint buildup. You should always clean your lint filter every time you run your dryer and remove all lint and debris in your dryer vents at least once a year.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Make sure the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are working properly; clean them and replace the batteries twice a year (spring and fall). Better yet, install detectors with a 10-year lifespan to avoid the yearly replacement of batteries.

We understand accidents and disasters can happen when least expected. However, with these tips, you could be able to mitigate some of the risks should the unexpected occur. In the unexpected event your home should fall victim to a disaster occurring, be sure to contact us as soon as it is safe to do so to report damages and file a claim.