Simple Home Upkeep: Avoiding Water Damage
Here in Connecticut, most of us have grown accustomed to worrisome winter weather. Water can cause damage to your home in a variety of ways, including burst pipes and basement floods, but what about the water that results from melting snow?
Not all types of water damage are covered under homeowner’s insurance policies. This makes it essential for anyone that owns a home to take the necessary steps to help prevent damage caused by snow. Keep an eye out for snow and ice on your roof after freezing weather strikes, and take a few simple precautions that may help costly repair services, at a minimum. Here are a few things to keep in mind the next time you step outside to check your roof.
Roofing
Are you fully aware of the condition of your roof? Sure, it may look alright at first glance, but without a thorough inspection, you’re not going to notice the small chips and cracks, which could lead to larger problems. It may be especially difficult to inspect during the winter months, so next year, try to check before winter strikes!
Melted snow can easily make its way into these minor cracks and cause a whole list of exterior and interior damages. Leaking water can seep inside your home, causing stains on the ceilings and walls. Melted snow may also produce damage to your insulation, creating water vapor that will compromise the structural integrity of your home. This excess water can even lead to mildew build-up and mold, a true mess of costly problems!
Gutters
If your gutters become overwhelmed with ice buildup, then water will not be able to properly drain off of your roof; this may leave the water with no place to go but inside your home. If there is an insufficient supply of heat reaching the attic of your home, ice dams in the gutters are more prone to develop. It’s also important to make sure downspouts are not blocked by snow or ice; these allow water to flow away from the house.
It is important to keep tabs on the buildup of snow and ice on the roof and in your gutters. If there is an accumulation, hire a professional to remove the snow and ice. Getting the right homeowner’s insurance is one of the first steps you should take after purchasing a home, but it’s just as essential that you do your part as well. Keep your home maintained and steer clear of the costly damage that can be caused by snow and ice buildup on the roof.
Nicholas / Tobin Insurance, located in New Milford, Connecticut, provides its clients with the highest quality insurance products and services available today to protect them, their families, and businesses. We offer homeowners insurance, renters insurance, car insurance, business insurance, travel insurance and more! Our commitment to service means our team of licensed insurance professionals is here to help with simple policy questions, consult with you to determine appropriate coverage and be available 24/7 when trouble strikes and you need assistance managing through the claims process.
