In the first half of 2021, winter storms caused significant damage to homes across the country, with a record $15.1 billion in insured losses reported. While we can’t control the weather, we can prepare our homes to stand up to the elements.

Before the first frost, you’ll want to winterize and repair areas of your home most susceptible to snow, ice, freezing, and flooding. This includes windows, doors, roofs, and pipes. To get started, Accuserve recommends these home winterization efforts:

‍Windows and Doors

• Inspect window frames for decay or damage. Repair or replace window trim, if needed.
• Assess windows for broken or cracked glass. Repair or replace, if needed. 

Gutters, Roofs, and Drains

• Hire a roofing professional to inspect your roof, including the chimney and wall flashings, pipe flashings, vents, roof valleys, and shingles. Your roofer can identify and repair issues before they lead to a leak.
• Clean gutters and downspouts. Also, ensure gutters are secured to your home. Loose gutters can lead to an overflow, which can damage your roof and the exterior walls of your home.
• Check your attic for evenly distributed insulation. This ensures the heat stays inside your home. When heat escapes, it can cause uneven ventilation, which can create an ice dam on your roof.  

Pipes and Water Lines

• Check sprinkler and irrigation systems. Make sure they’re turned off and that the system is fully drained. We also recommend you blow out your system, so any remaining water does not freeze.
• Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines. Close off your crawl space and fix drafty windows and doors.  
• Protect pipes that are exposed to cold. Wrap them in insulation or heat tape—even fabric or newspaper can help.

As always, your safety comes first as you prepare your home for winter. If you suspect any issues, contact a professional contractor to assess and manage maintenance and repair work.

About Accuserve

Accuserve is a full-service, concierge-style provider of interior and exterior property restoration services. With expertise in water mitigation, interior general contracting, roofing, and exterior property, as well as window restoration, Accuserve unifies its contractor and carrier partners in delivering an empathetic home restoration experience for property owners. It blends quality and capability with care and compassion. Accuserve’s national network of contractors, partnered with its expert staff and supported by its innovative, unique training and customer support capabilities, deliver a level of accuracy and service that can’t be matched. Learn more at Accuserve.com.