3 ways to Spring and storm proof your home

Do you know what the two most common homeowner’s insurance claims in Indiana are? If you guessed damage from wind and hail and water back-up and intrusion, you are correct! Indiana is right on the eastern edge of “Tornado Alley”. Thankfully, we do not see the storm activity of some of our neighboring plains states, but we still experience our fair share of storms. While some damage caused by these storms is not preventable (please do not stand outside in a storm and try to direct a falling tree where to land!), there are some steps you can take to mitigate damage caused by storms and their aftermath.

1. Clean and clear gutter and downspouts

If this was not part of your home winterproofing process, make it part of your spring cleanup process! Water is a simple molecule. Gravity helps it find the easiest path to the ground. You want this easiest path to be from your roof to your gutters, and out your downspouts to the ground. You do not want it to be from your roof to your gutters, to a debris clog, with it sneaking into your attic and down your walls. This could turn into a costly repair. Also, make sure your downspouts release the water at least five (5) feet from your home’s foundation.

2. Exterior inspection and maintenance

As humans, our relationship with water is essential to our overall wellbeing. As we alluded to above, water’s relationship with our homes is normally not a positive one. We have already established that water will take the least restrictive path to the ground. With the freezing and thawing of winter, this path may be through a damaged shingle(s) and into your home’s attic and down into the ceiling. Or, it may be through the smallest crevice from peeling caulk around a window, or eroded mortar in between bricks. Complete a visual inspection your home’s exterior (four sides and roof) and consult a licensed and insured contractor should you find something that needs a second look.

3. Prepare your air conditioning unit

The most important step a homeowner can take in extending the life of a major home system, like an air conditioner, is to replace the filter(s) regularly. Regularly in this case is monthly or bi-monthly. Make sure to read your unit’s operating manual to confirm. At a minimum, a dirty filter will severely hamper the efficiency of your unit, but at worst, it could cause the unit to cease and fail. Replacing an air conditioner is not what you want to be dealing with on a 90-degree July day! In addition to changing the air filters regularly, we also recommend inspecting the exterior unit for damage that may have been caused by the harsh winter. It is a good idea to get on the schedule for an annual tune up from reputable contractor.

BONUS!

New building codes require smoke detectors to be hard wired, but if you have an older home without hard wired smoke detectors, spring is perfect time to check and replace your smoke detector’s batteries. Smoke detectors saves lives, which is obviously much more important than any property damage. Even if your smoke detectors are hard wired, is still important to check the battery back-up.

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