INDUSTRY INSIGHT
HOMEOWNER ’ S INSURANCE
SPONSORED CONTENT
PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR A SNOWY WINTER
The chill in the air tells you it ’ s time to pull out the heavy clothes and brave the falling temperatures . That chill should also tell you it ’ s time to perform a check of your home to ensure it can withstand the rigors of the upcoming winter . Roof Start with a top-down approach by taking a good look at your roof . Inspect it for cracked or missing shingles , worn patches on shingles , missing or damaged flashing , and any other conditions that might permit water to leak through . If your shingles look haggard , try bending the corner of one — if it breaks , it is time for a new roof . Gutters Your gutters are another part of your leak-prevention system , so they should also be carefully inspected . Remove all leaves and other debris to allow water to flow freely . If the gutters remain clogged , they will fill with rainwater or melting snow and can easily overflow , which can cause basement flooding and water damage to siding , windows , and doors . The added weight may also pull the gutters down from the eaves . Siding Next , check the siding for cracks , damage , and separations between the individual siding boards . Seal any empty spots with a clear caulking compound , or buy caulking that can be painted if you want to make sure repairs match the original siding . Weatherstripping With escalating home heating costs looming , the condition of your weatherstripping is another consideration . Good weatherstripping prevents cold air from coming inside . It needs to be replaced if it ’ s damaged . The Furnace Your furnace can be your best friend or your biggest enemy , depending on whether you have it serviced before the winter season . Servicing may involve having your heating contractor clean or replace the filter , brush and vacuum the blower blades , repair any leaks around the air ducts and vacuum the chimney . Storm Doors To keep storm doors working properly , oil the hinges and latches . Be sure the door closer is working properly , and the closing speed of a pneumatic closer is correct . If you have a storm door with interchangeable glass and screen panels , don ’ t forget to remove the screens and put in the glass panels .
RUNNING A BUSINESS IS HARD WORK — WE ' LL FOCUS ON PROTECTING IT .
PREPARING FOR SNOW As important as your pre-season check is , it is not enough to keep your house protected during the winter months . Heavy rain and snow can wreak havoc on your home if you don ’ t exercise caution to maintain proper drainage .
The Institute for Business & Home Safety suggests the following guidelines :
• Watch for snow accumulation on the downwind side of a higherlevel roof where blowing snow can collect . This could cause the roof to collapse . Remove snow from window wells and all walls .
• Clear debris from the basement drains .
• Make sure gutters are clean and stable . In addition to ensuring proper drainage , it lessens the chance of becoming flying debris in high wind .
• Ensure that downspouts are sloping away from the house and carrying water at least 5 feet away from foundation walls .
• Examine window and door flashing , seals , or weatherstripping . If sealants around those openings are no longer pliable and continuous , reseal and caulk them .
• Keep your attic well-ventilated this winter to maintain a temperature close to the outdoors , which will help minimize the risk of ice dams . A warm attic melts snow on the roof , causing water to run down and refreeze at the roof ’ s edge where it ’ s cooler . The build-up of ice keeps the water from draining . The water is then forced under the roof and into your attic or down the inside walls of your house .
THE FINAL WORD Remember that taking good care of your home and performing maintenance checks and repairs not only covers you from the dangers brought about by the winter season , but also protects you from additional and possibly more significant expenses .
Call us to know more about how homeowners insurance can help protect you , your family , and your home .
PROTECTING WHAT YOU LOVE IS OUR TOP PRIORITY .
Cusumano Insurance , a local family-owned business , has been serving the Pittsburgh area since 1958 . The agency represents several insurance companies offering various options for your personal and business insurance needs . Its experienced staff are creative problem solvers who help find the suitable insurance companies , products and discounts to meet your specific needs . Give them a call today for a free insurance review .
This Industry Insight was provided by :
Joann Cusumano Sciulli , AAI Agency Principal
Rosann Cusumano Elinsky , AAI , LUTCF Agency Principal
Cusumano Insurance Agency , Inc . • 178 Clairton Blvd • Pleasant Hills , PA 15236
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178 Clairton Blvd Pittsburgh PA 15236 ( 412 ) 655-4432 contactus @ cusumanoinsurance . com www . cusumanoinsurance . com Like us on Facebook
178 Clairton Blvd Pittsburgh PA 15236 412-655-4432
contactus @ cusumanoinsurance . com www . cusumanoinsurance . com Like us on Facebook