Fall is in the air and the days are getting shorter. While you enjoy the fall activities, don’t forget to prepare your home for cold weather.
- Check your home for leaks in your window seals or roof. If your home’s eaves have stains, that can indicate a leak. If you find any stains, call a roof contractor to make any repairs before winter.
- Ensure the water drains away from the home. Back-up of gutters may result in ice damming and lead to water damage.
- Before winter arrives, shut off all outside water faucets or garden hose connections, then drain hoses and store them in the garage.
- Clean overgrown vegetation and trim dead branches from trees that are close to your home. Also, give your lawn one last cut before cleaning and storing your lawn mower.
- Clean out your grill and firepit. Cover up or store any outdoor furniture so it’s out of the elements, safe from storms and stays nice for next year.
- If you have a HVAC service contract, have them stop by. Otherwise, replace filters and install covers on the AC condensing units on the outside of the home.
- Call a professional to check your fireplace and chimney – especially if you plan to use it during the winter. Nothing is worse than smoking up your home when the weather is cold because your fireplace flue wasn’t cleaned. If you use a wood burning fireplace, be sure to dispose of the ashes properly using a fireproof metal bucket.
- Make sure everything you’ll need before winter is in good working order. Test your snowblower and have it serviced. Ensure your outdoor activated night lights or security system components are all operating correctly.
- Repair cracks in driveways, walkways and steps. Fixing these issues prevents water from getting into the cracks, freezing and expanding, which can turn small cracks into big cracks.
It is always a good time review your home insurance policy. We’re happy to answer all of your policy questions this fall and beyond. We can be reached at 800-637-4676 or [email protected].
Source: Chubb
