ERIE, Pa., March 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Winter can be
rough on your home. Once snow, ice, wind and freezing temperatures
calm down, it's a good time to check how your home withstood the
season. When spring arrives, here are ten steps to help your home
recover from winter from Erie Insurance:
- Have your roof inspected. This is especially
important if you notice any leaks, loose shingles or metal. The
freezing and thawing that was common this winter can create big
splits out of small cracks. Learn more about how to protect
your home from melting snow.
- Fix any ceiling stains. Your ceiling may
have a yellow or brown stain if your roof has a leak. If so, first
fix the leak before sealing the stain with a sealer/primer then
apply a coat or two of paint. Moisture problems can lead to mold or
mildew build-up, so fix them quickly before you have a bigger
problem on your hands.
- Inspect windows and doors. Things to look
for on doors include bent or broken hinges, frames or edges.
Depending on the extent of the damage, you can either repair or
replace the door. Also, check screens for holes before you swap out
your storm panels.
- Consider resealing your driveway. A lot of
water seeps into driveways during the winter, which can create
cracks when it freezes and then thaws. If you notice a lot of
cracks, consider having it resealed to prevent further
cracking.
- Seal your deck every few years. If your deck is
looking worn-down, have it pressure washed and resealed. Read
more about deck maintenance in this post.
- Check your fence(s). Repair or replace any loose
slats or rot on your fences. Use epoxy to patch up any worn
wood.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. Leaves can weigh
things down while ice dams can bend and break gutters. Grab a pair
of gloves, a sturdy ladder and a trowel to clear any leaves and
debris out. Call a professional if you're not comfortable doing
this on your own. Want more tips? Check out this post on how
to clean your gutters.
- Check for ice dams. If you're dealing with an ice
dam and want to try a DIY approach, first remove snow with a
long-handled aluminum roof rake. Then fill a pair of pantyhose with
calcium chloride ice-melter and hang it from your roof so it
crosses the ice dam and hangs off the gutter. If that doesn't melt
the ice dam, call a pro—you don't want to be up on your roof during
icy conditions.
- Apply caulk to leak-prone areas. Expansion and
contraction can cause openings that will let April rains seep in.
Seal it up by applying exterior caulk to leak-prone areas like
windows and areas of the siding where walls join.
- Inspect outside faucets and hoses. Turn them on to
ensure water is still running as it should; if you can stop the
flow with your thumb, the water pressure may be too low and a pipe
inside your home may need to be fixed.
![How did your home survive the rough winter? Spring is a good time to check out a few important areas of your home. How did your home survive the rough winter? Spring is a good time to check out a few important areas of your home.](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/833859/Erie_Insurance_RecoverHomeLG.jpg)
At ERIE, we get the emotional
and financial importance of your biggest investment – which is why
our homeowners insurance goes the distance. Learn more
about what makes Erie Insurance homeowners coverage different,
or find a local ERIE
agent to request a quote.
Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best
Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie,
Pennsylvania, is the
9th largest homeowners insurer and 11th
largest automobile insurer in the United States based on
direct premiums written and the 16th largest
property/casualty insurer in the United States based on
total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+
(Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million
policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District
of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500
company.
News releases and more information about Erie Insurance
Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance