One of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime is buying a home, so of course, you want to protect it as best you can. Home insurance can cover you against the unexpected, but how can you prevent or prepare for the different types of property damage?
Wind
One of the more common insurance claims is for damage caused by wind or hail in storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. High winds can blow off a garage door, remove shingles from the roof or shatter windows.
In order to protect your home for wind storms and the ensuing damage, make sure everything is safe and secure. Your shingles should be firmly attached to your roof with six or more nails with a waterproof underlayment beneath them. You can also invest in storm shutters . These steel or aluminum shutters can cover your windows or glass doors during high winds and protect them from breaking.
You may also want to remove trees that are too close to your home: during a strong storm, they may crash into your home, or lose a branch onto your car.
Water Damage
Broken or leaky pipes in your home can cause severe water damage if you don’t catch it soon enough. Make sure your pipes are checked routinely for any leaks, and also keep them properly insulated to prevent them from freezing and bursting during low temperatures. You can also get water damage during rainstorms or flooding, which should be covered by your insurance policy. With severe flooding, you may want to use a Spring Water damage company to help restore and repair your home afterward.
Theft
Many homeowners fear break-ins or burglaries. Oftentimes, these are random occurrences, but it is possible to protect your home and try to deter theft. You can keep your garage door closed and locked and your windows covered to prevent any outsiders from seeing your valuables or possessions, and leave your car locked and in the garage overnight if you can. You can also install home security options like motion-sensor lights and security cameras, including a doorbell camera to monitor who is at your front door at any time.
Fire and Wildfire
Depending on the part of the country you live in, fires may be a common fear. Wildfires can cause immense damage and destroy many residential areas. If you live in an area where wildfires are common, you can try to prevent further damage to your home by removing fire hazards like dried branches, leave or debits, and by having a sprinkler system.
Not all fires are caused by unseen forces, however. You may experience a fire in your home due to faulty wiring, an oven left on too long or a candle being knocked over. Try to be careful when using candles or a fireplace, and never leave them unattended. Clean your stove regularly to prevent any food or grease catching fire, and ensure your dish towels, oven mitts, and other flammable objects are stored away from the hot surface. Also, be sure to clean your dryer’s lint trap regularly! Lint can build up inside of behind the machine, and catch fire from the heat of the dryer.
Conclusion
While there are many ways your home could become damaged, by being smart and proactive, you can minimize the effects and keep your home and your family safe. Homeowners insurance can also offset any costs from damage that can’t be avoided. A natural disaster, grease fire or break-in may feel like the end of the world, but it’s just another obstacle that homeowners might face and learn from.