Colorado’s climate is one of the things that draws people to live here, and the changing of seasons is something to behold. However, the switch from summer to fall doesn’t come with just the aspens bearing their golden beauty; It also means winter is right around the corner, and homeowners should be prepared for those inevitable temperature changes.
It’s no secret that your home is one of the most significant investments you’ll make, so as the leaves change, protecting your home is crucial as those winter months draw closer.
Clean Gutters & Inspect Your Roof
The changing of the leaves is so beautiful, but it’s also a reminder they will be falling soon. As the leaves fall, cleaning out your gutters and downspouts is essential. Removing these leaves and other debris will help prevent clogs from happening. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, and if left unchecked for too long, those clogs could turn into ice dams in the winter. Ice dams are formed when accumulated snow starts to melt and runs down into the eaves or gutters, where it freezes and blocks any additional runoff. Water can then pool behind an ice dam and back into the home under the shingles causing extensive damage. When cleaning out the gutters, it’s a good time also to take a quick peek at your roof to see if any damaged or missing shingles need to be repaired, as they could also cause water damage once the snow starts to fall.
Check Your Windows & Heating System
Fall means cooler temperatures have arrived, and freezing temperatures will soon follow. Be sure to check around your windows and doors for drafts, and seal them with weather stripping to prevent valuable heat from escaping your home. It’s also not a bad idea to bring in a professional to inspect your furnace or other heating system before those cold temps come knocking at your door. This will also help you know if you need to replace any filters or repair your system to prepare you for the winter months ahead.
Sprinkler Blowouts & Yard Maintenance
Preparing for colder temps also means sprinkler blowouts. Blowing out your sprinkler system removes all the resting water from the pipes so it doesn’t freeze and cause big problems. This is a vital part of getting ready for winter, as frozen pipes that rupture can cause a lot of damage. Repairing your sprinkler system is a massive (and expensive) undertaking, which is a crucial preventative maintenance step. This is also a great time to get those leaves raked up and disposed of properly and trim any dead branches off your trees.
Keep Your Family Protected
Preparing your home for fall and winter is also a great time to take inventory of your home and review your insurance policies to be sure you are adequately protected. Is your roof covered at the total replacement cost? Do you have water backup coverage? Do you have coverage if an ice-covered tree falls on your property? In Colorado, it’s essential to be adequately insured for these common winter weather hazards. For more information on ensuring you have the proper coverage, reach out to Hamilton Insurance Partners today for a full policy review.
