In the first few months of 2021, winter weather caused a record $15.1 billion in insured losses, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The majority of the claims arose from February storms that affected a large area of the U.S., especially Texas. For all of 2020, there was $1.1 billion in insurance claims due to winter weather.
Follow these helpful tips to make sure your home and roof are prepared and protected in the snowy months.
- Protect your roof. Apply coating to help your roof endure poor weather conditions. Do this early, well before winter and bad weather hits.
- Come up with a snow plan. Snow on your roof can be heavy and is a major hazard. Secure a plan for removing it.
- Prevent frozen pipes and ice dams. As winter months near, make sure to routinely drain your pipes to prevent frozen pipes and cracks. Shut off water when necessary. Make sure your home’s attic is properly and securely insulated to help prevent ice dams.
- Minimizing cold drafts. Make sure to repair any cracked or broken doors and windows in your home. Drafts make for a high electric bill and uncomfortable living-space.
- Protect your windows. Consider installing window plastic or caulk along your windows’ and doors’ edges to reduce a draft and add an extra layer of insulation.
- Check your furnace, heating system, and fireplace. Have your furnace and heating system checked by a professional and clean/replace filters. Have your fireplace checked. Excess build-up can cause hazards.
Our final tip is: don’t go it alone! Get in touch with the experienced team at Garden State Central Insurance Services to learn more about your winter home protections and home insurance coverage.