The crocuses are beginning to bloom, and spring is in the air in New England. You’ve done it; you have survived another New England winter. As spring knocks on the door each year, we begin to think about spring cleanup. Owning a home is a significant investment and safeguarding it against potential risks is paramount. Spring cleanup is not just an opportunity to clear out clutter but also to take stock of your home and check out possible areas of concern. At Deland, Gibson, we are always thinking about insurance, and while homeowners insurance provides a safety net in case of unforeseen events, such as natural disasters or accidents, preventive measures through regular home maintenance can help mitigate unforeseen risks and even potentially lower insurance premiums. To help you think through this year’s spring cleanup and home maintenance opportunities, we have compiled the following guide, which will delve into five essential home maintenance tasks to help protect your investment and ensure adequate insurance coverage.
1. Inspecting Your Roof
When it comes to protecting your home, your roof couldn’t be more critical. It is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, as discussed in other articles like Ice Dams – What Are They And How Can You Protect Your Home. Regularly inspecting your roof, particularly as we enter the spring, can help identify issues such as missing shingles, leaks, or damage from fallen branches. Scheduling annual professional inspections can help you stay ahead of essential maintenance and reduce costs in the long run. By promptly repairing any damage, one can prevent water intrusion, which leads to costly repairs and insurance claims.
2. Cleaning Your Gutters & Downspouts
No one likes cleaning gutters, but did you know that clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water overflow that can damage your home’s exterior, landscaping, and even your home’s foundation? We recommend aiming to clean your gutters at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall, to remove leaves, debris, and anything else that may obstruct the flow of water. Also, ensure that downspouts are directed away from your home to avoid directing water at your home’s foundation, preventing damage and potential flooding.
3. Inspect Your Plumbing System
Plumbing issues, such as leaks or burst pipes, can create significant water damage and even lead to mold growth. Your spring cleanup is a great time to inspect plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances for leaks, drips, or signs of corrosion. An additional safety measure that is becoming more popular in homes is installing water leak detection devices to alert you to potential leaks and minimize damage. As we’ve reviewed in other blogs, Frozen Pipes Will Cost You A Fortune, insulating pipes in colder climates can prevent freezing and bursting during winter months. Finally, the spring is a great time to check on your home’s sump pump. We often see heavy rains and significant snow melts during the change of seasons, and confirming that your sump pump and backup pumps are working correctly can help protect you from flooding and save you a significant headache.
4. Check on Your HVAC System
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems require regular maintenance to operate efficiently and prevent breakdowns. Checking on the operation of your system during your spring cleanup can help you stay ahead of maintenance. Did you know that replacing air filters every three months can improve indoor air quality and prevent dust buildup? Also, with summer soon approaching, the spring is a great time to schedule a professional HVAC inspection and service to clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure optimal performance. Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and reduce energy costs.
5. Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors:
Having just survived another New England winter, there is a good chance that you are already aware of any leaky windows and doors that you may have. These leaky windows and doors can allow drafts, moisture, and pests into your home, compromising energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Your spring cleanup is a great time to inspect window and door seals for cracks, gaps, or deterioration and consider replacing/upgrading any windows and doors in your home. At a minimum, replace weatherstripping and caulking as needed to seal gaps and prevent air leakage.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—Deland, Gibson’s five essential home maintenance tips for your spring cleanup. By implementing these practices, you can reduce the risk of damage to your property and potentially lower insurance premiums. Reach out to us today if you would like to review your homeowner’s insurance policy and coverage. Remember, proactive maintenance is key to protecting your investment and maintaining peace of mind as a homeowner.
Providing Peace of Mind Through Proactive Service
Deland, Gibson: a Trusted Choice, Five Star Accredited independent insurance agency. Established in Massachusetts in 1900, Deland, Gibson is a 4th generation family-run insurance agency that has thrived working as a trusted advisor for its client base. We work with individuals and businesses to lower their Total Cost of Risk. We analyze a client’s direct and indirect costs and implement risk reduction plans to address areas of business, hazard, or strategic risk.
