Winterizing your home

It’s beginning to look a lot like Winter

We haven’t seen much in the way of snow or ice around my house this winter. Most people believe ice and snow are the ultimate hazards of winter. They can be very dangerous, but there are many other dangers to you and your home during cold weather.  Frozen pipes can happen over-night.  An unused/unclean fire place can quickly turn into a damaging fire.  And don’t forget about your car. Liquids freeze, even in your car.

There are precautions you can take that can save you money and pain (physical and mental!)

·         Winterize your home

o   Install weather stripping.

o   Cover outside faucets and pipes.

o   Inspect and clean your fireplace- before you use it.

o   Test smoke detector batteries. (This should be done monthly regardless of the weather)

o   Keep kitty litter for icy porches and sidewalks. Let’s avoid slips and falls on ice!

·         Winterize your car

o   Keep the gas tank full. This will help avoid ice building up in the take and fuel lines

o   Make sure your car is in good working condition. You don’t want to get stranded in the cold.

·         Other precautions

o   Keep an emergency kit for your home. Include a weather radio, flashlight, batteries, snacks…

o   Keep your phone fully charged when you leave the house. You want to be able to make an emergency call if necessary.

o   Take a friend when participating in any outdoor activities in the snow. If you get stranded or hurt, someone is there to help. 

If you have any questions about your home, auto or business insurance, email Brockman Premier Insurance or call 877-987-8683

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Springtime maintenance -Gutters and Roofs

The Damage Drainage Leaves Behind

   It's the first day of spring. (Although the 40 degree weather this morning didn't feel very springy.)
I don't know about you, but around my part of Texas, we have had more ice, snow and freezing temperatures than I ever remember having before. Now that we are beginning to thaw (and hopefully will NOT have any more freezes until next winter), there is some home maintenance to consider. Freezing rain, snow and ice can cause quite a bit of damage to your home. This is the first in a 4 part series on Spring time home maintenance.

Clogged Gutters
   Who would think this could be such a problem? But once a clog starts in a gutter, there isn't much chance of it dissolving all on it's own. And who wants to climb up a ladder and check gutters in the ice and snow? I don't even like do it in the sunshine and 70 degrees!
But the longer you wait after the thaw, the more it will cost you to repair the damage. The best way to clean out gutters and check for damage is to climb up that ladder and get to work. You will need to go foot by foot and make sure you pull out any clogs. Tip: use barbeque tongs to get into downspouts and hard to reach areas. (You may want to buy new ones before you barbeque this summer!) You should also use a hose and flush out any left over debris. Check for loose nails/screws, especially at the joints. If you need to replace any nails/screws, take a look at long "lag" screws. There are several types so you can choose the heads that fit your tools. And they tend to be strong and hold up against weather. 

Roofing Repairs

   Ice and snow can rip up a roof. This can cause leaks which can lead to even further damage to interior ceilings, walls and even floors. Possible leaks are most easily spotted in the attic. Look for water stains. Hopefully you can find leaks before you see them in your ceiling or walls. By then, it can be costly to fix the damage. You should also look at the siding under your roof eaves and in the ceilings of rooms next to or below them. Look for discoloration, indicating leaks caused by ice dams. (This is when a block of ice traps water that is trying to drain off. The water can back up into your home and cause damage, leading to leaks.  While you are up there inspecting those eaves, take a look at your shingles. Asphalt shingles (the most commonly used roofing material) can last up to 20 years. But weather can shorten that life span. Roof repair is not always a do it yourself type of situation. Prevention is the best course, but if the damage is already done, it is a good idea to call a licensed roofing contractor.   

   Weather damage is usually covered by your homeowner' insurance policy. But remember- you have a deductible and claims can raise your rates. So if you are thinking about filing a claim, I would advise you to get an estimate first. It makes no sense at all to file a claim if it is below your deductible. You will not get any payment from your carrier and you will have a claim on your history that will follow you for 5 years, even if you change carriers. Even if you move. 
Early detection and prevention is the best way to avoid costly damage to your home. So put on those maintenance gloves, grab your barbeque tongs, your ladder and get to detecting and preventing!

If you have any questions or need a quote, please call 214-592-0859 or 1-877-987-8683
or  email us: Brockman Premier Insurance.
We would love to keep you insured!