Springtime weather is beginning to spread across the U.S., but for homeowners, there is still much to be done to shake off winter. Structural and other issues can form over months of frigid temperatures and heavy snow, putting homeowners at risk of claims when things thaw if left unaddressed.

According to the Triple-I, the most common causes of home insurance claims in 2023 (the latest year for which data is available) were wind and hail, comprising 42.5% of claims, followed by water damage and freezing (22.6%), fire and lightning (21.6%) and theft (0.6%). Liability claims made up around 2.1% of homeowners' claims in 2023.

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 their ceiling indoors for evidence of any existing leaks. For the sake of safety, it is often 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 has the potential to lead to 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 lawn mowers, 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.

While the inside of a home is less affected by the weather, spring is also prime time for homeowners to check for and repair any damage to their home's electrical outlets and cords, air conditioner, water heater, furnace, plumbing and appliances. Homeowners should also check that protective measures like fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are in working order.

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