Winterize Your Home, Save on Homeowner’s Insurance

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Winter is on the way. Take a tip from the ants, grasshopper. Prepare now for the cold months ahead. You’ll be doing your home and your pocketbook a favor. Every year, U.S. snow storms and freezing weather account for over a billion dollars in homeowner insurance claims. The biggest culprit is water that seeps in through your home’s vulnerable spots. Properly winterize your home to prevent costly damages, the inconvenience of major repairs and, if you avoid filing a claim, you may even save on your homeowner insurance policy.

  • First, review you current policy to make sure you have adequate homeowner insurance coverage for damages that result from burst pipes and snow overload on roofs.

  • Get the camera and make a visual inventory of your home and possessions. Then store it in a safe place. Even better, use a camcorder so you can make audio comments about value, date of purchase, cost to replace, etc.

  • Check and repair any damaged flashing on the roof. Replace worn roof shingles and tiles. And while you’re up there, clear the gutters and downspouts, too. Then install leaf guards on the gutters and put extensions on the downspouts so running water is directed away from your foundation.

  • Check all exposed ductwork and insulate where possible. This will keep air warm as it circulates through the attic and crawl spaces, preventing ice build-up.

  • Windows are another weak line of defense against water damage. Remove and replace old caulk to seal up gaps around windows.

  • Do you have a basement? Cover the window wells with plastic shields to keep icy water from leaking in.

  • Have your chimney professionally cleaned, your furnace professional checked and change filters to prevent fires.

  • Insulate all exterior and exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursting. Insulation is way cheaper than a flooded basement. Don’t forget to drain your air conditioner pipes and turn off the water valve if your AC unit has one.

    • Okay. Now get your Snuggie out of storage and you’ll be all ready for winter.