 | Jerviss-Fethke Insurance Agency | | "Because Things Happen" |
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We all need to be proactive in preventing home insurance claims. Most companies will surcharge you if you have more than two claims in three consecutive years. Some companies can even cancel your policy and it will be difficult to find other coverage. Our goal should be to prevent claims, but also have the coverage you need..."Because Things Happen".
In the winter here in Michigan, two of the most common concerns are Ice Dams and Freezing Pipes.
Ice Dams
An ice dam is an accumulation of ice at the lower edge of a sloped roof, usually at the gutter. When interior heat melts the snow on the roof, the water will run down and refreeze at the roofs edge, where temperatures are much cooler. Eventually, the ice builds up and blocks water from draining off the roof. This forces water under the roof covering and into your attic or down the inside walls of your home.
Take these steps to avoid ice dams:
* Keep the attic well ventilated. The colder the attic, the less melting and refreezing on the roof.
* Keep the attic floor well insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the home.
* As an extra precaution against roof leaks, have a contractor install a water repellent membrane under your roof covering.
* Note: The removal of ice dams is typically NOT covered on your home insurance, however the resulting damage normally is covered on your HO3 policy.
Your deductible will apply.
Freezing Pipes
Frozen water in pipes can cause water pressure buildup between the ice blockage and the closed faucet at the end of the pipe, which leads to pipes bursting at their weakest point. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing in the extremely cold weather.
To help keep pipes from freezing:
* Cover exposed pipes with insulation sleeves to slow the heat transfer. The more insulation the better.
* Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulk.
* Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
* Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space.
* Drain the water system, especially if your home will be unattended during cold periods.
* As an extra precaution install a temperature alarm to notify you in case of sudden changes in temperature.
* If you are going away during cold spells, always leave the heat on a lower temperature, (but above freezing..say 55).
* Note: The damage caused by the bursting of freezing pipes is normally covered on your HO3 policy as long as you have taken the precaution to prevent them from
freezing, such as keeping the heat on when going away for awhile. Your deductible will apply.
(Consult your policy for actual coverages)
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