You don’t have to wait until temperatures drop to start protecting your house for the winter. You and your family can save money on your energy bills and enjoy a comfortable, cozy home if you take a little time to prepare your residence for the hazards of the season. From blizzards and ice storms to high winds and hail, your home may be exposed to many risks during the colder months.
Updating Your Home Insurance
Home insurance is one of the most valuable tools in your home protection plan. Before winter starts, review your policy to make sure you have adequate home insurance coverage. If you’ve made any improvements to your house, like building a new deck or renovating your bathroom, verify that your policy limit will cover these improvements. If you’ve taken any measures to make your house more secure, like installing storm windows or impact-resistant roofing, take advantage of the opportunity to receive a discount on your home insurance.
Insulating Doors and Windows
Insulating your home against the effects of cold temperatures is one of the most effective ways to protect your residence. In a cold house, pipes can freeze, resulting in serious water damage when water flow is restored. Although many home insurance policies cover damage caused by frozen pipes, insurance companies expect homeowners to take precautions to prevent pipes from freezing.
If you notice drafts in your home or vapor forming on the inside of your double-paned windows, you may have air leaks in your current window frames. Replace your old windows with new, energy-efficient units to cut down on air infiltration and keep your rooms at a safe temperature on cold winter days. Installing protective, hail-resistant storm windows over your existing windows will provide additional insulation and may make you eligible for a discount on your home insurance.
Keeping Porches and Walkways Safe
On snowy or icy days, slick porches and walkways pose a risk of injury. To protect your family, friends and visitors, spread a granular ice-melting product over outdoor surfaces to prevent slips and falls. Keep your walkways and sidewalks shoveled when the snow falls to allow pedestrians to walk safely by your house. Check your home insurance policy to make sure you have adequate liability protection in case a friend, guest or neighbor is injured on your property. With a few basic safety precautions, you and your loved ones can have a secure, comfortable winter.
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