Winter weather is coming

Winter 2005. All was busy around the house that cold winter morning.  My husband and I were getting ready for work. The kids were ready for school, and out the door we go. A few hours later that afternoon, Mike went home to pick up some papers he had left behind sitting on the desk in the den.  As he approached the house, he noticed water streaming down from the roof and gutters, so he thought, until he got closer.  The water wasn't coming down from the roof, but sheeting like a waterfall on the interior side of  the master bedroom window.

To his surprise, Mike ran inside and in disbelief, watched the ceiling drywall crash to the floor with a waterfall of insulation hanging from the exposed trusses above.  It was a mess!

The cost to repair this small crack in our water pipe... $50;
The cost to repair/replace the damages of the home interior... $6,800. 

Okay, lesson learned the hard way.  But here is my (and your insurance company's) wisdom to cold weather prevention tips to reduce winter claims for homeowners:

1. Prevent ice dams by cleaning gutters and installing gutter guards. Ice can cause damage to walls and ceilings which can lead to mold and other problems.
2. Keep your inside temperature at 65 degrees or warmer and wrap water pipes with heat tape or insulation to prevent freezing.
3. Repair any cracked or leaking pipes. These areas freeze first.
4. On extremely cold days/nights, open doors and cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
5. Trim trees and remove dead branches at least five feet from your home.  Once heavy with snow, trees can fall into driveways, entryways, covered patios, garages, etc.  Remove trees that are leaning and seek professionals to clear your lot if you need help.

Here are the facts, water damage claims average $5,500 per occurrence and is the 5th leading cause of homeowner claims.  Don't add to this statistic.  Follow these few Cold Weather Tips and keep your home safe and sound for you and your family. 

If you have any good suggestions that you would like to share please respond so that we can post your good ideas too!

We are offering general information and opinions. Talk to your insurance professional for questions and concerns about your insurance policy.