Winter weather conditions can wreak havoc on your home, ruining roofing materials, destroying windows, and causing extensive water damage throughout the structure. In these unfortunate situations, your homeowners insurance policy may pay for any necessary repairs, but most winter-related damage is preventable with some careful preparation. The follow steps can help protect your home from ice, snow, and the other perils winter’s harsh weather brings.

3 Ways to Protect Your Home in the Winter

1. Prevent Ice Dams

When melting snow and ice refreezes on your roof, the pressure can force water underneath your roofing shingles. Cleaning your gutters in the spring will allow water to run off easily, and adequate attic insulation will keep the snow from melting off your roof too quickly. Ideally, temperatures in your attic should only be five to 10 degrees higher than the exterior conditions.

2. Maintain Your Heating System

You rely on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable throughout the winter, so take steps to ensure it’s operating safely. Have a professional inspect your furnace annually, look for scorch marks around the radiators, and have any issues corrected as soon as possible. Space heaters contribute to 79% of home heating fires, so make sure they’re at least three feet from the fabric, furniture, and other flammable items.

3. Protect Your Pipes

A burst pipe can be extremely destructive, damaging your foundation, insulation, and drywall throughout your home. Ensure every pipe in an unheated area of your home is well-insulated, and keep the cabinet doors under your kitchen sink open when the temperatures drop. During a deep freeze, letting taps drip will keep the water moving through the pipe, decreasing the likelihood of a disaster.

For more than 60 years, Willimantic, CT, residents have relied on K.L. Smith Agency LLC for high-quality homeowners insurance policies tailored to their needs. These independent agents offer products from many of the industry’s top carriers, ensuring you’ll get the high-quality coverage you need at some of the most competitive rates available. Follow the agency on Facebook for more safety tips and advice, and visit the website, or call (860) 423-9294 to request your free homeowners insurance quote today.