Summer is coming to an end, and that means fall is right around the corner. For homeowners, that means starting some property maintenance to prepare the house for the cooler seasons ahead. Fall is the perfect time to perform some essential home maintenance so that you're not caught in the depth of winter with a Drafty house or a malfunctioning heater. In addition to securing home insurance in Connecticut, CT, take a look at these tips on how to reduce fall and winter property damage.
If there are leaks in the windows, then you can expect a chillier home this winter. There are many seal repair kits available at local hardware stores that will stop breezes flowing through your windows. Do the same for doors – check if there are leaks and seal them up. If a window is improperly sized, cracked, or broken, it may need to be replaced. Doing this helps to keep the cool air out in winter and the warm air inside.
Every six months, replace batteries in all the detectors in your home. Test them to ensure they are in good working order. Remember that you should have an alarm on every level of the house. If you don't have a fire escape route planned out, now is the time to Draft one up.
With fall comes cooler temperatures. One of the main vulnerabilities in cold weather is pipes. However, winterizing pipes is one of the easiest, most valuable ways to protect your property over winter. Fit insulation around pipes to prevent them from freezing. Give priority to the pipes that are closest to the outdoors and are exposed, such as those in the garage and underneath the sink. Now is the time to turn off the water to any area that won't be used and check pipes for cracks that could grow into a significant leak.
A roof inspection may not be on the top of everyone's fall maintenance checklist, but it should be. Your roof is the first line of defense against harsh winter weather, and you want to be sure it is up for the task. Take a look to see that the roof has no broken tiles or cracks. Any missing shingles should be replaced immediately, as the last thing you want in winter is rain coming in through the roof. Checking the roof also gets more dangerous the wetter and colder it gets, so it's best to check it now before the weather turns.
Although the fall leaves are beautiful in color, you don't want them rotting in the gutters and clogging up the water flow. Spend some time now safely removing dirt and debris from the gutters. A simple clog in the gutters or downspout could lead to water seeping into your home and broken pipes. While you're out in the yard, disconnect the garden hoses and drain them so there's no chance of water freezing inside the pipe. If possible, shut off water to all outside faucets and drain them. Store outdoor furniture out from the elements as it may get damaged from inclement weather.
Before the prices soar, ensure you have a stock of winter supplies. Purchase a flashlight and batteries, a snow shovel, and sidewalk salt before the temperatures dip in winter.
If you experience air coming in through your electrical outlets or walls, you should check if there are damages that need to be repaired. Filling any cracks with brick pointing or insulating the electrical outlets will help keep your home warmer, thus reducing your heating bills.
Ensure your water backup valve or sump pump is working well to keep water away from your home. Also, clean your gutters and drains to ensure water drains properly without pooling. Pooling can damage your home's foundation and walkways.
Get your heating system inspected by a professional to detect and fix minor problems before they become costly repairs. Clean the ducts to enhance your heating system's performance while enjoying dust-free hot air. Also, get your chimney and fireplaces tuned up to prevent expensive damages.
Inspect your home exteriors to check for accessible entry points for squirrels, mice, rodents, and other creatures. Even a small opening is enough for mice and squirrels to enter your home and cause significant damages. Therefore, seal such openings to restrict the entry of creatures.
Overhanging tree branches and branches close to the power cables or your roof, driveways, and neighbor's property can cause extensive damages, including liability risks. Therefore, trim these branches to prevent such damage.
Want another great way to safeguard your property? Secure homeowners insurance. To find the home insurance that suits your needs and budget, visit the team at C.V. Mason Insurance Agency. Our home insurance policies work to protect residents in Bristol and neighboring cities in Connecticut. Give our experts a call for more information.
