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Sometimes, simple can go a long way. When considering how to prepare your home for the new season, it’s better to start small and work your way up. Ask yourself: what haven’t I checked on recently? What could be impacted most by the change in weather? Have I double checked any recent installs to ensure they were done properly?
It’s often poor maintenance, improper installation, or lack of planning ahead that leads to many home insurance claims.
To get you started, here’s a few simple tips and tasks you can consider to prepare and protect your home from the most common issues this season.
1. Roof Care Refresh
A properly cleaned and sealed roof means potentially less damage to your home overall. Inspect your roof to determine how much grime and wear is present and consider whether it needs to be power-washed, bleached, or repainted.
Additionally, search for any potential cracks or leaks and seal them as soon as you can. Double check the strainers in your drains are in good condition and not clogged, so debris doesn’t make its way into your tank.
2. Water Heater Headache
Regular check-ups and maintenance of the water heater and piping in your home is key to preventing indoor flooding. Check your water heater for signs it needs servicing like leaks, discoloured water, inconsistent temperature, or odd noises.
Where possible, inspect the piping in your home from its origin to destination. Check for signs of a leak like mold or mildew, a musty smell, or discolouration.
3. Retaining Wall Tidy Up
The springtime bloom can sneak up if you overlook excessive roots and foliage. A retaining wall covered in foliage is especially at risk if growth is not kept in check. Excessive roots or moisture in the surrounding soil can compromise the wall’s condition. Inspect your retaining wall regularly by checking for cracks or bowing in the material, and make sure all weep holes are free of debris and plant growth.
Additionally, ensure to cut back any extra foliage or roots and clear drainage to prevent water buildup above or behind the wall.
4. Watch Your Wires
With a simple spark on the wrong material, your home could face serious damage from a fire. Big or small, any kind of fire can be a hit to your finances. So, it’s important to rule out a major cause of unexpected fires: poor or improper wiring in your home.
Follow and inspect the full length of accessible wiring in your home. Wires that are frayed, exposed, or rubbing up against flammable materials should be dealt with by a professional.
5. Storm Cloud Coverage
Your property can outgrow its insurance coverage as the cost of materials continue to rise. Being aware of your policies and checking to make sure you have the appropriate amount of coverage can give you peace of mind when storms or a hurricane happen.
For Argus members, review your coverage on the Vantage portal to make sure everything is up-to-date for the season ahead and schedule a policy review each year to ensure you’re adequately covered.
A little goes a long way when it comes to maintenance. Avoiding the upkeep your home deserves will cost you time and money in the end, so stay on top of seasonal changes and rest easy knowing you’re prepared.
Get in touch with us if you have more questions about home insurance or check out our other learning resources for advice on managing your property and much more.