Spring home maintenance
can prevent damage your insurance won’t cover
Spring is just around the corner
and for many that signals the start
of outdoor projects to enhance lawns, gardens and home exteriors.
Spring also is an ideal time to inspect in and around your
home for wear and tear and safety hazards. From cracked foundations to clogged gutters to
worn shingles, improperly maintained homes can lead to expensive repairs down
the road – and many of those repairs are not covered by your Homeowners Insurance.
Homeowners Insurance is designed to protect you from sudden
and accidental losses such as fire, windstorm, theft or a broken water pipe. It’s not intended to cover maintenance-related
issues such as water damage from a leaky roof or a cracked foundation. Each homeowner is responsible for conducting
regular preventive maintenance.
NW Insurance Council
offers the following tips to help you conduct home exterior maintenance and
reduce safety hazards.
- Check and clean gutters to
prevent water from backing up into your attic.
- Check the roof. Look for worn, curled or missing
shingles and replace them.
- Repair loose or damaged siding.
- Examine soffit boards (horizontal
surfaces under eaves).
- Make sure downspouts slope
away from the home and carry water at least five feet from the foundation
walls.
- Have a professional inspect
your air conditioning system.
- Make sure sprinkler heads are
directed away from the house to prevent water build-up near foundation
walls.
- Remove clutter from storage
areas to reduce fire hazards.
- Examine decks, porches and
balconies for weak or broken railings and posts. Railings should be spaced no more than
four inches apart to prevent children from slipping through.
- Caulk and reseal window and
door flashing, seals or weather stripping.
- Check the attic for moisture
and surface discoloration.
- Check fire extinguishers in
your kitchen and garage to make sure they are full and work properly.
- Install special outlets equipped
with ground-fault circuit interrupters when outdoor electrical outlets are
located near water sources.
- Be sure exterior walls are
well painted and sealed.
- Inspect your lawn for rocks or
other objects that could be launched from your lawnmower and injure others
or damage property.
- Contact your insurance company
or agent to review your Homeowners policy to be sure you have the coverage
you want and need.
NW Insurance Council is a
nonprofit, public-education organization funded by member insurance companies
serving Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
