Harsh winters can leave your home or cottage in need of some spring maintenance. Follow our tips and suggestions to help protect your property value and to help prevent any unnecessary home insurance claims!
We’ve all heard of spring cleaning, but did you know sweeping and dusting isn’t the only type of work you should be doing to your house or cottage come to the springtime? Conducting basic maintenance on your home or cottage in the spring is one of the best ways to avoid home insurance claims and help maintain the value of your property. Follow our spring maintenance checklist below to help protect your home or cottage.
Benefits of Spring Maintenance
Yearly maintenance in the springtime can help you save money in the long run as any issues that arise will likely be caught before they become too challenging to easily fix yourself. Any repairs you do have to make may be less expensive since you already maintained your home the previous spring.
Your home can also become safer when it is maintained yearly and monitored for any possible damages or hazards. Spring maintenance should be conducted inside and outside of your home for maximum safety and cost-saving benefits.
Spring Maintenance Checklist
Inside
Wash Windows and Check Seals
Spring is the perfect time to check the condition of your windows. Harsh winter weather can have damaging effects on window seals. Ensuring these are in good condition can help extend their life, prevent leaks, and reduce energy consumption, saving you money daily.
Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
It's best to check these alarms at least once a year, so add this to your spring maintenance checklist! Ensure the batteries are working and the alarms are in working condition.
Have Furnace and Air Conditioning Units Cleaned
This is another indoor maintenance task that should be completed yearly. Be sure to have a professional complete this task! By cleaning these units, you can save on heating and cooling costs as well as reduce dust and other allergens in your home.
Outside
Inspect your roof
Winter weather can cause roof damages you may not even be aware of. Ensure your roof shingles aren’t cracked, loose, or missing! If there are any cracks bigger than the size of a dime, be sure to call in professionals. It’s best to catch leaks as early as possible.
Check The Gutters
It’s important to clear out your gutters of any debris or leaves from the fall season. This will help the flow of water and decrease your risk of water damage. For extra water damage protection, be sure to check the positioning of your downspouts. They should be facing away from the foundation of your home.
Repair Driveways and Walkways
Temperature changes throughout the past year are likely to cause cracks in your driveway or walkways. Inspect these areas and make any necessary repairs to reduce hazards for your family and visitors.
Lawn Maintenance
Be sure to inspect your lawn, especially the trees surrounding your property. If you notice any rotting or weak trees, have a professional remove them as they may become a liability with strong winds. Keep the rest of the trees and plants trimmed to maintain their health and strength throughout the spring and summer months.
Reseal Your Deck and Additional Woodwork
The winter months can be hard on wooden decks, stairs, railings, or fences so the spring is the perfect opportunity to clean, reseal and re-stain the wood. This can help extend the life of the wood. It is also important to inspect the wood for any signs of rot, as any rot will weaken the structural integrity and make staircases and railings potentially dangerous.
Additional Spring Maintenance Tips & Tricks
One of the most important tasks on your spring maintenance checklist should be ensuring your home insurance policy is renewed and up to date. Spring often brings about a big thaw and a lot of rain, so it is important to check with your insurance broker about important insurance add-ons including flood water, sewer backup, and service line damage. Your home insurance policy can help to protect your home and your family.
The spring is also the perfect time to make sure your cottage, boat, or motorcycle insurance is up to date so you can enjoy the spring and summer months safely and with peace of mind.
If you are interested in putting insurance on your motorcycle for the summer season and would like a no-obligation quote, please contact Youngs Insurance today, or get an online quote.
Click here for a quick home insurance quote »
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as professional insurance advice. The coverage, terms, and conditions of each insurance policy are unique and subject to individual circumstances. The information provided does not guarantee the availability or suitability of any insurance policy for your specific needs. You should not rely on the information in the blog as an alternative to professional advice from your insurance broker or insurance company. If you have any specific questions about any insurance matter, please consult a licensed insurance broker for personalized advice and guidance.