Winter weather brings snow, wind, ice, and rain that may cause dangerous conditions in and around your home or business, thus leaving these properties more vulnerable to specific risks during the colder months. It’s important to take a preventative approach to minimize those risks and safeguard your financial stability.
While standard homeowners and business insurance policies may provide coverage for common claims, other cases that are caused by negligence on the part of the property owner may not be covered. In addition to protecting your home or business from insurance claims, proactively averting accidents or injuries also helps protect the people you care about or do business with.
At Doeren Mayhew Insurance Group, we understand the complexities of securing adequate coverage that will protect you against weather-related damage and claims. While we specialize in ensuring that you are properly covered, property owners like you can prevent insurance claims by winterizing your home or business.
Clear Debris
Avoid costly repairs and insurance claims by clearing all debris from the exterior of your home or business. Be sure to trim trees and remove dead limbs to prevent any number of mishaps. Consequently, clogged drains and gutters can lead to ice dams in the winter that force water inside through ceilings, floors, or walls.
Add Insulation
Residential and commercial roof collapses are often caused when heat escapes through a property’s attic. This allows the snow or ice to freeze, collect, and then the weight becomes too much to bear. Checking your home or business’ insulation and adding more to attics and crawl spaces can help protect your property against exterior repairs and related claims.
Check Pipes
Pipes also benefit from extra insulation, but they should also be checked for cracks, leaks, or bursting potential. Seal any gaps or holes with caulk or spray foam, while heating tape also keeps pipes warm during particularly cold periods. Keep your thermostat at home or in the office above 65° to prevent pipes from freezing throughout the winter months.
Inspect Heating Sources
Keeping up with seasonal inspections of your heating sources such as furnaces, fireplaces, and electric heaters can prevent fire-related damage or accidents. Winterizing your home or business should also include checking that all carbon monoxide and fire alarms work properly in case a fire does take place.
While certain risks increase when the temperatures drop, there are some simple steps you can take to safeguard your home or business against costly insurance claims. From adding insulation and checking your pipes to clearing debris and inspecting heating sources, winterizing your property will go a long way in preventing related injuries, accidents, or claims.
Contact us to schedule a personalized consultation to learn about our customized risk management solutions for businesses and individuals today.