Have you been wondering lately about the various seasonal liabilities’ homeowners face? Even if you’ve stocked up on firewood, prepared your lawn for the coming frost, and protected your home with an extensive Home Insurance policy, your house could still face a number of potential hazards as the seasons begin to change. The good news is that a little preparation, understanding of the risks, and preventative fall home maintenance can go a long way.
Colder Weather Could Put a Physical Strain on Your House
One of the biggest potential hazards to be aware of throughout the fall season is the physical strain that colder temperatures can sometimes put on your home. Even newer-construction homes may encounter technical difficulties in chillier weather. To keep the elements from negatively affecting your home, you should:
- Ensure your central heating system is working properly
- Check the exterior of the home for any holes or damage that could let pests and wild animals in or allow in a draft
- Seal the exterior wood of your house
- Clean out your gutters and ensure proper drainage
- Test your smoke alarms and your carbon monoxide detector
- Clean out your chimneys before using them
It’s Important to Take Additional Caution When Doing Seasonal Renovations
If you’re planning to do any renovations to your home this fall, make sure to take some additional precautions. Colder fall weather could otherwise lead to complications. You may wish to:
- Consider hiring professionals to complete outdoor work in chillier or rainier weather, including redoing the roof, resurfacing the driveway, and even power-washing the exterior
- Move clutter out of the way before starting interior renovations to avoid slipping and falling
- Make sure your homeowners’ insurance policy contains a no-fault medical clause to protect you in the event someone else suffers a small injury while inside your home
- Have a professional come and check your plumbing towards the start of the season and consider installing leak detectors
Be Aware of Potential Dangers That May Increase in the Fall
Unfortunately, fire damage and water damage can be a serious threat to your home during the fall. You should try to:
- Reduce the risk of fire damage by keeping your chimneys clean, avoiding overloading electrical outlets, and taking extra caution when lighting candles
- Prevent potential water damage by checking your pipes regularly, running the water when temperatures drop to avoid frozen pipes, and shutting off your main water valve if you leave your home for long periods of time
- Consider outfitting your home with seasonal protections such as double-paned windows, new roof tiles, fire-resistant siding, and so on
Although you may have a thorough Home Insurance policy, it’s still important to understand the hazards you could face in the fall and take steps to prepare your home for the upcoming season. With these details, you can help prepare yourself and your home for a safe and comfortable fall.
About Brooks, Todd & McNeil
Since 1839, the independent agents at Brooks, Todd & McNeil have been pleased to offer our community the best and most affordable policies from a variety of providers. Our dedicated facilitators are ready to put their 75 years of combined experience to work on your claims. To learn more about our products and services, contact us today at (800) 448-4567.