{"id":67,"date":"2015-10-14T11:35:20","date_gmt":"2015-10-14T15:35:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elliottinsuranceservices.com\/blog\/?p=67"},"modified":"2016-11-30T10:39:09","modified_gmt":"2016-11-30T15:39:09","slug":"winter-is-coming-make-sure-your-home-is-ready","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elliottinsuranceservices.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/14\/winter-is-coming-make-sure-your-home-is-ready\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter is Coming – Make sure your home is ready"},"content":{"rendered":"

The air is getting colder and the leaves are changing colour. \u00a0Before we know it they will be falling from the trees,\u00a0clogging eaves troughs and causing damage to your home.\u00a0 Have no fear, you can still enjoy the fall weather and save your home from winter damage by completing some of these simple home maintenance tasks every year before winter.<\/p>\n

Shut off all outside water lines and drain them:<\/strong> \u00a0Water left in outside lines can easily freeze and rupture the plumbing causing substantial damage when the water flows back into the home.<\/p>\n

Check and clean heating system and change filter:<\/strong> \u00a0A properly operating heating system not only keeps you warm, but also keeps water pipes from freezing and rupturing.<\/p>\n

Clean out chimneys, fireplaces, and woodstoves:<\/strong> \u00a0Buildup of ash and soot can cause chimney fires, be sure to clean out your chimney, fireplace and woodstove often.<\/p>\n

Ensure you have salt and shovels ready:<\/strong> \u00a0Old man winter rarely warns us before the first snowfall, be prepared.<\/p>\n

Check sump pumps and install battery back up if possible:<\/strong> \u00a0Large snowfalls can often be followed by a quick melt, ensure your sump pump is in working order and install a battery back-up in case of power outage.<\/p>\n

Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries (best to replace batteries twice per year):<\/strong>\u00a0 A properly working smoke and carbon monoxide alarm on each floor can save lives.<\/p>\n

Trim trees back from the home, ensure dead branches are removed and any sick trees are addressed:<\/strong> \u00a0Branches too close to the home can clog eaves or damage roofs in windstorm.\u00a0 In addition, the additional weight of ice and snow can cause deteriorating trees and tree branches to fall causing significant damage.<\/p>\n

Inspect roof for missing shingles or signs of deterioration:<\/strong> \u00a0Your roof may soon be covered in snow, ensure it is water tight now to avoid snow and ice melt into your home.<\/p>\n

Inspect gutters eaves to ensure clear water flow off the roof and away from the home:<\/strong> \u00a0Water can easily back up under singles, or sneak in through foundation cracks.\u00a0 You can protect your home by ensuring a clear path for the water to run off the roof and away from the home.<\/p>\n

By completing these simple tasks you can save your home, and your pocket book from expensive damage this winter.<\/p>\n

for more general maintenance ideas, check out Bob Vila\u2019s blog post: http:\/\/www.bobvila.com\/articles\/502-winter-preparation-checklist\/#.Vfv7Ad9VhBc<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Protect<\/a>

Protect your home from costly insurance claims by completing simple maintenance tasks<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The air is getting colder and the leaves are changing colour. \u00a0Before we know it they will be falling from the trees,\u00a0clogging eaves troughs and causing damage to your home.\u00a0 Have no fear, you can still enjoy the fall weather and save your home from winter damage by completing some of these simple home maintenance tasks every year before winter…. Read more »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":68,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,3],"tags":[23,82,84,25,12,83,24,85,143],"class_list":["post-67","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","placeholder-for-hentry","category-home-insurance","category-liability-insurance","tag-accident-prevention","tag-frozen-pipes","tag-heating-season","tag-home-maintenance","tag-house-insurance","tag-ice","tag-loss-prevention-tips","tag-tips","tag-winter"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t