Tune up lawnmowers, tractors and other equipment before using it for the first time in the spring. (Credit: ozmoat98/iStockphoto)
Winter weather can be rough on homes, but sometimes the issues that develop over months of frigid temperatures, snow and ice aren’t evident until things thaw. However, with the springtime warm-up comes an increased risk of severe weather, which can compound any existing, unaddressed damage to a home.
According to the Triple-I, the most common causes of home insurance claims in 2022 (the latest year for which data is available) were wind and hail (40.7%); water damage and freezing (27.6%) ; and fire and lightning (21.9%).
Luckily, the risk these perils pose to a home can be mitigated if the owner is willing to do some upkeep. Some key areas to inspect on the exterior of a home in the spring, Travelers advises, are:
- Roof: Inspect the roof for any damage and make necessary repairs as quickly as possible to prevent leaks — which can lead to even worse damage. Homeowners should also check the ceilings indoors for evidence of any existing leaks. For the sake of safety, it is sometimes best to leave roof inspections to professionals.
- Gutters: Make sure all gutters are free of debris that could cause them to clog. Water that backs up in gutters or overflows can cause water damage.
- Trees: Take a walk around the property and inspect all trees for damage or rot. Remove any dead trees that could easily be blown over during a storm. Keep all trees and foliage trimmed away from utility wires.
- Lawn equipment: Tune up lawnmowers, tractors and other equipment before using it for the first time in the spring. Always store oil and gas in a vented, locked area.
- Walkways and driveways: Repair any cracks, breaks or uneven areas in paved spaces to maintain a safe walking surface.
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