Spring is an excellent time to do a thorough check-up on the outside of your home to avoid a potential loss on your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy. While losses may be covered by your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy, it is certainly best to do everything possible to stay safe. As we say in our agency, claims are awful, even with the best Homeowner’s Insurance Policy.
Foundation – Check the foundation of your home for cracking, bulging, leaks, or wear and tear. Contact a contractor if you see any suspicious cracks in your concrete floor, slab, or foundation.
Roof – Inspect your roof for any sign of missing shingles, cracks, leaks, or buckles. If your roof is old, you may want to start a fund for a new roof. Make sure that your soffits, fascia and all flashing are intact and not damaged by the elements. Remember that your roof is your first line of defense against water damage and a claim on your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy.
Window sills, door sills, and door thresholds – Check for cracks, chipped paint, missing caulking and repair or replace as needed.
Paint – A good paint job not only makes your home look nice, it also protects it from the elements. Repair any cracked or peeling paint for an inexpensive fix.
Windows and Doors – Repair any holes in screening to prevent bugs or other animals from entering your home. Check for damaged frames and hardware. Make sure screens and frames are securely fastened. Oil and secure door hinges and closers.
Gutters and downspouts – Gutters direct water away from your roof and home. Check for loose or leaky gutters. Clear out debris and check for corrosion, rust, loose fasteners, or joint separation. If a gutter has separated from the house, reattach it.
Siding – Clean siding to keep mold away. Paint wood surfaces if needed, being sure to sand smoothly if paint is peeling.
Decks and porches – Check for loose rails or rotting of rails, steps, decks, patios, or porches. Be sure to treat wood decks and fences regularly if they are exposed to sun and rain. While a slip and fall would be covered, it can be very traumatic and is easily avoidable.
Landscape – Make sure your yard’s grading directs water away from the home. Low areas in the yard or near the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Trim trees and shrubbery away from structures and remove any weakened sections of trees that might easily break off and fall onto structures. There is minimal coverage for tree damage on most Homeowner’s Insurance Policies.
Yard objects – Remove yard objects, including lawn furniture, planters, bird feeders, and decorative objects, before a storm to prevent them from becoming flying missiles. Liability coverage on the Homeowner’s Policy covers flying objects, but you don’t want to injure someone or somethingelse.
Chimney – Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep. Fire is a covered peril on a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy, but not something you ever want to endure.
Gracey-Backer, Inc., an Insurance Agency in Delray Beach, Florida specializing in all lines of personal insurance, and has since 1925. For a no-obligation quote on homeowners insurance, auto insurance, flood insurance, boat insurance, or umbrella insurance policies, please contact us 561-276-6055 or 800-272-6055 and ask for personal lines. Or you can email us at insurance@gbifl.com.