Spring Cleaning and Home Insurance

By Clea Spahn


Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer. It's also a chance to conduct some upkeep on your house. Even though these chores only need to be done once or twice a year, they could save big bucks in the long run by taking care of the little things before they become big problems.

Here are a few tips to make spring cleaning easier for you. And remember, these tips could prevent some big home insurance claims!

Cleaning gutters is an easy task to avoid and put off, but the longer you wait, the worse it will get. Thoroughly cleaning your gutters every spring will help keep them working like they're supposed to. Debris builds up over time and can cause damage to your downspouts, also causing water damage to your roof. Clear away any leaves and other debris that has made its way into them, and check for leaky or loose spots. Remember, if the gutters aren't draining correctly, you could wind up with water in your basement or crawlspace.

While you're up there checking your gutters, take some time to look at your roof, too. Pay attention to such things as damaged flashing, missing shingles, blistering, buckling, rotting and algae growth. Taking a look at your roof during spring cleaning activities will allow you to address any small issues and prevent them from becoming larger. If a new roof is what is needed, then you can schedule and plan for it before it becomes a liability.

Trim your shrubs and trees. This prevents mildew on your home, and extends the life of your siding. Check your shrubs for dead branches, and prune out any winter damage and broken branches using clean cuts. Dead branches are a risk, as they can cause damage to your roof and windows.

Power washing the exterior of your house is another great tool for preventative maintenance. Building siding, sidewalks, patios or wooden areas like your deck and fence can have their lives extended by regularly scheduled maintenance plans. Power washing regularly can help eliminate contaminates that contribute to the degradation of a structure, through rot, decay and premature aging.

Regularly check the batteries in your smoke alarm. You should replace your smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, if not more. Smoke alarms should also be tested once a month, and if an alarm chirps, replace the battery right away.

Keeping chimneys clean is the other key step in preventing chimney fires. Some people like to do this in the spring, and chimney sweeps may offer promotions at this time of year, so remember to keep a look out for specials in your area.

Is there more you should do? Of course. But this is a good start to ensuring that your home is ready for the new season and that a little preventative action can go a long way to reducing any issues that could impact you or require your home insurance to respond.




About the Author: