HOUSTON – With freezing temperatures headed our way next week, here are some tips on how homeowners and renters can make their homes “winter-ready.”
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“The time to prepare your home for the upcoming cold weather is right now,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas spokesperson. “Taking small steps to ensure your home’s interior and exterior are ready can help you avoid high repair costs and headaches in the future.”
AAA Texas Insurance reports claims during the February 2021 freeze event, which included issues such as frozen pipes, totaled more than $10,000 on average, though the amount can be much higher depending on the damage to personal property. That average figure increased by almost $3,000 from 2020 due to a rise in repair costs.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Home
- Remove hoses from exterior faucets.
- Repair or replace weather stripping around windows and doors, vents and fans, plumbing, air conditioners and electrical and gas lines.
- Use caulk or insulation to seal all cracks, holes and other openings on exterior walls.
- Let faucets drip a little bit to prevent freezing pipes.
- Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will help protect pipes. Close foundation vents and windows to basements. Wrap vulnerable pipes with pipe insulation.
- Know where your water shutoff valve is so that you can turn off the water in case of an emergency.
- The air inside the walls, where pipes are, can be much colder than air in the room, so set the thermostat at a reasonable temperature, even if you will be away from home.
- Keep bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate around the pipes.
- Close your wood-burning fireplace flue damper when you’re not using it. Follow all manufacturer instructions for gas fireplaces including those with pilot lights, which may require the flue to be partially open at all times.
Winter Damages Covered by Homeowners Insurance
Winter comes with snow, and sometimes lots of it. If your roof collapses or is damaged due to the weight of snow or ice from a storm, a standard home insurance policy may cover the damage. Another threat to your home in the winter season is cold snaps. Water left standing in pipes when the temperature drops may expand with enough force to cause it to burst, leading to serious water damage if the issue isn’t immediately identified. Damage caused by burst pipes as well as the repair costs are covered by most standard home insurance policies, as long as regular maintenance is performed, and owners maintain heat in the building.
What’s Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance
Most storm damage is covered under Home Insurance, however, some exclusions could apply. Flash floods caused by a sudden rise in temperature during the winter months can cause significant damage to your home that will not be covered by your standard home insurance policy, but flood insurance can be purchased separately.
Most damages not covered by insurance are due to homeowner neglect or lack of maintenance. These may include damages resulting from extreme cold due to failure to maintain heat in your house.
More Winter Liabilities
In addition to the above risks, slips and falls on your property are always a possibility in winter. Such incidents are likely covered by the liability coverage that comes with your home insurance policy, but it’s a good idea to double-check with your insurance agent. If you do experience an incident like this, help with potential legal aspects may also be included in your policy.
Is Your Home Insurance Ready?
By taking the necessary precautions and preparing your house for winter, you can avoid having to make an insurance claim this winter season. Trimming threatening trees, shutting off your water and draining pipes, and cleaning your gutters are all things that can be done before it gets too cold. If a winter disaster does strike, having the right home insurance coverage will help. Review your policy with your agent to be sure you’re ready.