Preparing Your Home for Winter

Winter can be very tough on a home, especially if you have not taken the necessary steps to prepare for the harsh weather that is right around the corner. Take the necessary steps to protect your home against the elements before temperatures drop any lower!

Below, we’ve outlined some proactive steps you can take to prep your home for winter:
​Energy Efficient Improvements
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests boosting  your home's efficiency and protecting it from common damages associated with winter weather with maintenance like:
  • Bringing in a professional service provider to prepare your air conditioner, water, fuel, vent, and all other systems and pipes. 
  • Consider replacing normal doors and windows with stormproof products. 
  • Getting your furnace serviced, and change out filters that were used last winter. 
  • Using weather-stripping and caulk to seal up any air drafts or leaks, which are most common in attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
As a Selective homeowners policyholder, you may also benefit from Smart SecureSM. This comprehensive smart home and security solution is a great way to promote energy efficiency in and around your home. Choose from a variety of lighting and thermostat equipment that reacts to your home’s activity for optimal comfort and more options to save. When you sign up for Smart Secure you will even enjoy automatically applied discounts on your Selective homeowners insurance! ​
Flooding
To help prevent flooding both in the home and on your property, you will need to properly prep your roof and irrigation system. Here are a few key tips you can follow:
  • Cleaning and removal: Clear all gutters of leaves and other debris before the first snowfall, and if possible be sure to remove all snow from the roof during times of very heavy precipitation.
  • Ice dams: If you have a sloped roof, ice dams can form and cause serious damage to home structures such as the roof and gutters, as well as the attic and interior walls. The good news is there are some measures you can take to avoid ice dams.
  • Increased Precipitation: Always make sure the roof’s drain pipes are pointed away from the house, and that your irrigation system and lawn have been winterized to avoid excess damage.

Unfortunately, being proactive sometimes simply isn’t enough. Selective and your agent can help you secure a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance policy, today. Flood insurance provides valuable protection for your home and contents. You will also enjoy access to unique resources and tools, including a self-service website, superior claims expertise, and Centriq, a free home inventory app. 
Frozen Pipes and Plumbing 
With colder weather comes an increased risk of frozen pipes. If you find yourself impacted by frozen pipes, it’s imperative that you thaw the pipes as soon as possible to avoid any serious property damage. Below, we’ve outline some helpful guidelines on how to safely thaw frozen pipes:
  • To relieve water pressure from your water supply lines, immediately turn off the water supply to that section of the property.
  • Open a faucet to reduce the risk of further ice build-up in the frozen pipes
  • Use space heaters to thaw the pipe, while following best practices for space heater safety.
  • Don’t hesitate to call a plumbing professional if you can’t find the source of the frozen pipe(s).

​Garage Maintenance
Once you’re comfortable with your house prep for winter, it’s time to turn to the equally as important – but often forgot about – garage. A poorly maintained attached garage in the winter can lead to energy loss in your home and an increased risk of frozen pipes, while cold temperatures in a detached garage make for an uncomfortable place to work and a hazard to any stored items.

To help combat potentially hazardous fluctuations in temperature, consider insulating your garage, including the doors.

Find an Agent

To learn more about the how Selective can help you home prep for winter with SmartSecure and an essential flood insurance policy, click the button below to find an agent.

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Get your business and vehicles winter ready, too!
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