A crunchy kaleidoscope of fiery-hued leaves blanketing the ground and the presence of pumpkin-flavored everything is evidence that fall is in full swing. But, in many parts of the country, the season’s brisk golden days and chilly nights will soon transform into a full-fledged winter wonderland. And when severe seasonal storms are involved, weather can quickly turn from delightful to frightful.
Damage from freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall and accumulating ice causes an average of $1 billion in damage each winter, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Winter storm damage ranks third on a scale of insured catastrophic losses following hurricanes and tornadoes, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). The total amount in claims filed due to winter-related incidents in 2015? Roughly $3.5 billion, the III and Property Claim Services reported.
Although winter weather can have adverse effects, preparation – and awareness of the most common seasonal mishaps – is key.
Dodge Ice Dams and Roof Collapse
An ice dam – a common winter occurrence – is a thick wall of ice that slowly forms along the edge of your roof. The culprit? Snow that melts and refreezes in a recurring cycle due to fluctuating temperatures. Once this dam is created, melting snow is unable to run off or drain through the gutters when temperatures rise, causing copious amounts of water to remain trapped on your roof. The water could seep under loose shingles and into your attic, creating mold and resulting in extensive damage.
To prevent these pesky dams, keep gutters and drainage spouts clear. Periodically throughout winter, and especially after a blizzard, carefully remove snow from these areas with a roof rake – a tool with a telescopic handle designed for scraping snow from high areas.
While you’re at it, help prevent costly roof collapse by giving your whole roof a thorough sweep, especially flat and low-sloped parts. To determine if you’re in the “danger zone” for collapse, follow this guide from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.
If there’s too much snow to handle alone or if you’re unable to reach areas of heavy accumulation, don’t risk using a ladder to climb onto a slick roof – call a professional to remove the snow before serious damage occurs.
Prepare Your Pipes
Damage from freezing pipes is one of the more expensive winter threats, accounting for nearly 22% of all home insurance claims and costing an average $4,024 per claim, the III reported. If the water in your pipes gets too cold, it can freeze – causing your pipes to burst and flood your home.
To help keep your pipes from wreaking havoc, keep them insulated and in good repair. Make sure most vulnerable pipes – those near exterior walls – are covered with heated tape or a foam pipe sleeve, and repair cracked pipes immediately.
If you plan on being away for a few days, set your thermostat to at least 65 degrees and open the cabinets beneath sinks. And if you’re going to be gone all winter, shut off your main water valve.
Lop Long Limbs
Long tree branches can be a recipe for disaster if left unattended during the winter months. The weight of snow and ice can cause them to snap, fall and land on the roof of your home or on your car, causing serious damage or injury. And strong winds during blizzards can turn dead branches into projectiles with the same adverse effects.
Before fall wanes and winter begins, prune the trees in your yard, paying close attention to branches that hang directly over your roof or driveway or near windows.
Say “So Long” to Seasonal Setbacks
While most of these winter mishaps – including flooding from burst pipes – may be covered under a standard homeowners policy, dealing with damage of this kind is time-consuming and expensive, even with insurance.
Be proactive: Begin to prepare your home now and keep these tips top of mind to effectively stand up to winter weather. And if you’re not sure if you have enough insurance to cover damage that may occur, contact your provider.
Shelly White writes for SafecoInsurance.com and HomeownersInsurance.com, an online resource for homeowners and drivers across the country. Offering automobile and homeowners insurance quotes, consumers rely on HomeownersInsurance.com for competitive rates from top-rated insurance carriers. The HomeownersInsurance.com blog provides fresh tips and advice on a range of financial topics to help homeowners and homebuyers make educated decisions about their insurance purchases.
Comments (1)Subscribe to CommentsComment