BY TONY WILCOX | Personal Lines Advisor Keeping your home safe and maintained in the spring With the spring season fast approaching and the weather already beginning to shift, it’s crucial for any homeowner to maintain their property and ensure that no issues have begun to arise that will get worse and result in a potentially expensive claim. Many first-time homeowners, however, may not know some of the common maintenance checks and procedures that can save money, effort and headaches down the road. While home maintenance and vigilance are constant necessities to ensure that the homeowner mitigates as much damage or loss as possible, here are a few common checks and procedures you can take into your own hands as a homeowner to ensure your home’s quality and safety.
Check your roof and gutters for winter damage The weight and effects of snow and ice that accumulates, thaws and freezes over the course of a winter can be hard on your roof. Make sure that your gutters haven’t been curved or warped during the winter months, and check to be sure that your roofing hasn’t incurred damage. Clear out any water, snow, ice or debris that has accumulated, and fix any damaged roofing through contracting or DIY. With the right intervention, your roof will be ready to stand up to spring showers.
Check your dryer lines for lint buildup The weather’s getting warmer, and you’re beginning to put away the thick and comfortable sweaters, shirts and pants that you’ve relied on this winter. Before moving into spring, however, your laundry room needs one serious check: your dryer lines. Lint buildup over months does happen. At best, it leads to less effective and energy efficient dryers. At worst, it could result in a fire. Be sure to check, and keep your home safe.
Check your basement and attic for mold or water damage This time of year is naturally damp, and these areas of your home will typically suffer from poor ventilation and high humidity. Keep an eye out for damage during this time and use a dehumidifier if necessary. It’s best to discover an issue before warmer weather increases its severity. When left unattended, mold and water damage can devastate your home’s structure and result in a claim.
Clean out your sump pump Your sump pump can suffer from humidity and a lack of ventilation, just like the rest of your basement. If a buildup of rust or other foreign material lessens your pump’s effectiveness, you could find yourself facing water damage when spring showers are in full force. Check your sump pump and clean or replace, if necessary, to keep your home safe and dry.
Check your outside faucets The amount of freezing and thawing we’ve had this season has been enough to put structural pressure on most pipes, raising the possibility of a burst. Turn your faucets off and on, and make sure the flow is solid and the handle is in working order. A malfunctioning faucet could potentially result in flooding or water damage if not taken care of, so check before you’ll be needing it this summer.
If you have a deck, check for decay The deck is an ideal home extension for socializing and pleasure over the summer, so it’s important that it’s properly maintained and ready for when company is over. It’s unfortunate to consider, but in the event of a section collapsing and resulting in the injury of a guest, your coverage may be liable. Check above and under for any signs of decay or rot, and you’ll know which areas, if any, to repair.
Prepare your AC system for summer While it’s still naturally cool outside, take care of routine maintenance and inspection for your air conditioning system. The last thing you want is an AC breakdown on a hot July day, especially one that could have been prevented with the proper maintenance and care. With the unpredictable weather patterns Indianapolis is known for in the spring, it’s best to prepare and take the proper steps to set your house up for smooth sailing in the summer. However, this isn’t the only maintenance you can accomplish. By taking the time to review your homeowners policies, you will know exactly what you are covered for, what you aren’t, and be prepared to make the adjustments necessary for a successful and secured summer. Contact me at 317-808-7718 to take the steps you need.