Preparing Your Home for Winter Weather  

Winter in Washington can bring a mix of snow, ice and freezing temperatures, all of which can pose risks to your home. Taking proactive steps to prepare your home for winter weather can help prevent damage and avoid costly insurance claims.

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

Use the following tips to prepare your home for winter:

• Insulate and seal your home. Proper insulation can help maintain a warm home and prevent frozen pipes. Insulate your attic, walls and crawl spaces to retain heat. Consider using weather stripping or caulk to prevent drafts around windows and doors. This not only keeps your home warm but also reduces energy costs.

• Maintain your heating system. Have your furnace, chimney and boiler inspected and serviced annually to prevent malfunctions that could lead to fires or other damage. Replace heating system air filters regularly to maintain efficiency.

• Protect your pipes. Pipes that freeze can burst and lead to extensive damage. To prevent this, insulate or apply heating tape to pipes, particularly those in unheated spaces such as crawl spaces and garages. Keep your home’s temperature above 65 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent pipes from freezing.

• Clean gutters and roof. Blocked gutters can result in ice dams, allowing water to infiltrate your home. To ensure proper drainage, clear your gutters of leaves and debris. Inspect your roof for damage and repair any leaks to avoid water intrusion.

• Trim trees and remove dead branches. Accumulations of heavy snow and ice can cause fragile branches to snap, potentially damaging your home or car. To reduce this risk, trim trees and remove any dead branches.

• Prepare for power outages. Winter storms can lead to power outages. Have an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries and nonperishable food. Consider installing a backup generator to keep your home powered during outages.

By taking these steps, you can protect your home from winter weather and reduce the likelihood of filing an insurance claim. Regular maintenance and preparation are essential to keeping your home safe and sound throughout the winter months.

Learn More

Contact You Choose Insurance to review your homeowners insurance policy today.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.