Prevent Winter Damage by Preparing Your Property

How to Protect Your Home From Winter Damage

With the holidays comes the winter. The sub-zero temperatures and harsh storms make us want to wrap up warm. It is equally important to remember that our homes are as susceptible to the cold as we are. Cold temperatures, ice, snow, and rain are capable of wreaking havoc on a property and causing significant damage. In addition to keeping your home insurance on Long Island, NY up to date with your needs, here are some ways to prevent winter damage to your property.

Frozen Pipes

The average homeowners insurance claim for water damage due to a burst pipe in winter now exceeds $8,000. To reduce the chance of a pipe freezing and then bursting:

  • Seal cracks, holes, and other openings in the exterior of the house to keep cold air out of the property and away from pipes inside the walls
  • Insulate exposed pipes by wrapping them in foam sleeves
  • During a hard freeze, open cabinets and closets to allow the warm air to circulate around the pipes
  • Open faucets to a very slow drip
  • Keep the heating on low even if you’re away for a couple of days

Ice Dams

Ice dams form when the heat rises from inside the attic and warms the upper portion of the roof unevenly. Snow melting near the roof peak then re-freezes as it reaches the lower, frigid zone near the eaves and forms an ice barrier that traps water on the roof. This water then begins to seek through the shingles and cause water damage in the attic. To prevent ice dams:

  • Seal cracks and other openings in the ceiling to prevent heat leakage into the attic
  • Make sure attic insulation is intact and distributed evenly
  • Verify that all attic vents are fully open and unobstructed to keep the attic temperature cool

From water damage to fire damage, your home insurance protects your property. Do you need help securing the right homeowners insurance for your needs? Contact the team at Premier Risk, LLC to get started! We serve Long Island and neighboring cities in New York.

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