Extreme weather conditions related to winter have the potential to cause significant property damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, winter storms contribute 7.4% of all catastrophic damage to homes. This 7.4% doesn’t even account for other forms of winter-related attrition. To avoid home damage and other related dangers such as health problems, you should ensure proper home winterization.
Winterization may be less than effective if all the vulnerable areas of the house aren’t covered, which is why you need the following home winterization checklist to help you with the process.
1. Check Your Roof
The construction industry is only second to agriculture in seasonal cost variation in winter. According to government statistics, winter damage on homes costs the economy between $3 billion and $4 billion every year. A substantial amount of this money is used to repair damaged roofs. This is why you should make sure you winterize your roof before winter. Get a roofing expert to check your roof for damaged shingles and replace them and ensure there are no loose gutters in your home. You should also apply sealant across the roof to keep snow from seeping through. Ensure that your chimneys are cleaned out early in anticipation of the season.
2. Seal Your Windows and Doors
Americans spend considerable amounts of money on heating their homes during winter. Reuters reports that the cost was between $581 and $ 1520 in the 2018-2019 winter. This figure can be increased substantially by gaps in windows and doors. Estimates by the Energy Star Program shows that you can save up to 20% of your heating costs by ensuring that your doors and windows do not let in draught. You should therefore ensure that gaps are properly sealed, including spaces at the bottom of your doors.
3. Unclog Your Gutters
Trees usually shed their leaves before winter. The shed leaves and other debris are likely to find their way to your gutters. Research shows that these blocked gutters are one of the leading causes of ice dams. On the other hand, ice dams cause your roof to rot on the edges, which may end up costing you heavily in repairs or even roof replacement. To avoid this, clear out your gutters before winter to ensure that water flows through them without obstruction. It is when the water is obstructed that it thaws, creating ice dams.
4. Service Your HVAC System
Home air conditioning takes up as much as 50% of a typical houses’ energy bill, as reported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The cost goes higher if the HVAC system in use isn’t efficient. Therefore, you should ensure that your system is serviced and tested before winter to ensure it is in good working condition. Get an expert to change the filter and conduct other repairs they may deem necessary.
By following this checklist, you will be able to winterize your home adequately. Have questions regarding your homeowners insurance? Talk to the professionals at Gee-Schussler Insurance Agency to get started on your tailored policy today!
