As winter approaches, Wisconsin residents are gearing up for the challenges posed by prolonged cold weather.
For homeowners, this means taking proactive measures to safeguard their properties and avoid costly homeowners insurance claims
Among the most prevalent winter concerns is damage from frozen pipes, with an average claim cost of $12,514. To prevent this, insulate vulnerable pipes in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
Another common issue arises from heavy snowfall, leading to ice dams on roofs. Clearing gutters and downspouts help, but specific areas like eaves, valleys, vents, chimneys, shaded spots, and the north side of roofs demand extra attention. Snow removal from these areas further minimizes the risk of water damage.
Winter homeowners insurance claims also see an uptick in house fire claims, often due to the use of candles, fireplaces, and space heaters
Never leave fires unattended and turn off space heaters when not in use. Having a fire extinguisher on hand can also mitigate potential damage. The weight of snow on trees can pose a threat to homes. Pruning branches, especially those of dead or diseased trees, reduces the risk of damage to siding or roofs. For larger or closer trees, professional assistance may be necessary.
While these tasks may not be the highlight of the season, their completion is crucial. Tackling them before homeowners insurance claims set in and addressing issues as they arise will help homeowners navigate the challenges of winter weather without resorting to filing homeowners insurance claims.
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