As the snow begins to melt and the first signs of spring start to emerge, it’s crucial for homeowners to prepare their properties for the changing seasons.
This period, while often welcomed for its warmer temperatures and renewed outdoor life, also poses unique challenges to your home’s integrity. The annual spring melt can lead to potential water damage, foundation issues, and other costly problems if not properly managed. AHI Group understands the importance of safeguarding your home against seasonal risks, not only for the sake of preserving your investment but also for avoiding future impacts on your home insurance premiums.
Our top tips for protecting homes against spring melt
The transition from winter to spring can bring about an array of challenges, including water damage and structural issues. To ensure your home remains safe and intact during this period, we’ve compiled a list of top tips for effectively protecting your property. These strategies are designed to prevent the common pitfalls associated with the thawing process, helping you avoid unnecessary repairs and insurance claims. Let’s dive into these preventative measures to keep your home in pristine condition.
Clean gutters and downspouts
Ensuring your home’s gutters and downspouts are clear of debris is essential for proper water flow away from your property. Blocked gutters can lead to water overflow, causing damage to your roof, siding, and foundation. Regular cleaning before and during the spring melt can prevent these issues.
Inspect and repair roof damage
Winter weather can be harsh on your roof. Come spring, inspect your roof for any signs of damage such as missing shingles or leaks. Early repairs can prevent water from entering your home, safeguarding against structural damage and mold growth.
If you didn’t already know, recent roof updates – even within the last 10 years – can impact your insurance rates, potentially qualifying you for lower premiums. If you’ve modified or updated your roof within the last decade, give us a call.
Grade your lawn away from your home
Water pooling around your foundation can lead to significant issues. Ensure the ground slopes away from your house, facilitating water runoff to prevent foundation damage. This may involve regrading your lawn or adding soil to certain areas.
Install a sump pump
A sump pump can be a homeowner’s best defense against basement flooding during the spring thaw. If you already have one, test it to ensure it’s in working order. Installing a battery backup is also advisable in case of power outages.
Extend your downspouts away from your home’s foundation
Downspouts should extend at least 5 feet away from your home’s foundation. This helps direct melting snow and rainwater away from your property, preventing water intrusion and protecting your foundation.
Seal gaps and cracks in the foundation of your home
Inspect your home’s foundation for any gaps or cracks. These can be entry points for water, leading to leaks and moisture problems inside your home. Sealing these openings can significantly reduce the risk of water damage.
Insulate your pipes
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to water damage. Insulating your pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements and attics, can prevent them from freezing as the temperatures fluctuate during the spring thaw.
Create a clear path for snowmelt
Strategically shovel snow away from your home’s foundation while it’s still winter. Creating paths for snowmelt to flow away from your property can prevent water accumulation and potential damage to your foundation and basement.
How do spring melt insurance claims affect your premiums?
Water damage and foundation damage resulting from the spring melt are among the most common and costly claims homeowners face. When an insurance company receives these claims, it often indicates a higher risk of future claims, which can directly impact your insurance premiums. The rationale behind this is rooted in the way insurance companies calculate risk and determine premium rates. Each insurance company has its own database and statistics for how insurance premiums are gauged.
If a home has a history of water or foundation damage, insurers perceive it as more likely to encounter similar issues in the future. This perceived increase in risk often results in higher premiums for the homeowner, as the insurance company aims to offset the potential cost of future claims. This offset may be greater the more claims you file or even if the few claims you do file are severe in nature.
By taking proactive measures to protect your property, you can minimize the likelihood of damage and the need to file a claim. This can help keep your insurance record clean, which is beneficial for keeping your insurance costs low over time.
Have any questions about protecting your home against spring melt? Report a claim, or ask us about our advice on what to do about recent damages? Recently updated your roof? Give us a call here at AHI Group and we’d be happy to help you.
