You know what that means. Birds will sing, flowers will bloom, and ice will melt away. The spring thaw is cause for celebration, but melting snow can cause damage to your home or car if you aren’t careful.
What can you do to protect your assets this spring? We’ve compiled a list of steps you can take to make sure everything goes smoothly during the seasonal transition.
By following these directions, you’ll finally be able to throw on a pair of shorts and have some outdoor fun without worrying about any damages sustained from the weather change.
1. Protecting Your Foundation
The much-anticipated spring thaw can wreak havoc on an unprepared home. As rooftop snow melts down to join the last of the flurries on the ground, excess moisture can seep into your home’s foundation and cause water damage. If you want to avoid this problem, make sure to shovel excess snow away from your home.
Unfortunately, flooding is a real possibility, especially around low-lying parts of the area — but that doesn’t mean you have to live in fear of it. Check that your sump pump is working properly to keep water out of the basement, and inspect your home for fissures or cracks to ensure your foundation is still in good condition.
2. Cleaning Your Gutters
Melting snow coupled with fresh spring rains can cause major problems if you have clogged gutters or downspouts. These can contribute to water damage and in-home flooding, so it’s imperative you perform an inspection.
Check and see that there aren’t any wayward twigs getting in the way of drainage, and scrape leaves and other debris out so that water has a chance to flow freely away from your home. Cleaning your gutters can be done solo, but always exercise caution. If your roof is particularly high, it may be good to hire a professional.
3. Checking Your Pipes
Frozen water pipes can give you a homeowner’s headache like none other, so it’s imperative you keep an eye on your plumbing as the spring comes on. If you see frost around your pipes or notice that your water isn’t running properly when you flush the toilet, you may have frozen pipes.
It isn’t the end of the world, but you definitely want to be ready in case you have a pipe burst or begin to leak as the thaw sets in. Try to unthawing your pipes with a heat lamp, or wrap them in thermal tape to get their temperature up and allow water to drain out slowly. Remember to shut off the water supply first to avoid flooding in your home, and be ready with an all-purpose vacuum and a mop just in case.
4. Readying Your Car
Your home isn’t the only thing you need to be paying attention to this spring. Readying your car is equally important. It’s important to check your tire pressure, as it can increase along with the temperature. You don’t want an overinflated ride, so let some air out if necessary.
Likewise, you should inspect the belts, hoses, and windshield wipers for any cracks or corruption which may have been sustained during the winter. By replacing worn-out parts before they break, you’ll avoid costly damages.
5. Tuning Your Summer Appliances
With springtime coming along and summer right around the corner, you’ll need to give your lawn-care tools and your HVAC unit a healthy inspection and a nice tune-up. Replace dirty filters, spark plugs, oil, and other worn-out parts, giving everything a bit much much-needed lubrication while you’re at it.
If you don’t know how to service your summer appliances, it’s worth the money to hire a professional to do it for you. This will prevent tools from breaking when you need them the most.
6. Inspecting Your Roof & Attic
Don’t neglect a roof and attic inspection as spring approaches. You can check with binoculars or climb up and have a look around in person. Keep an eye out for cracked or missing shingles, and get them fixed promptly to avoid water seeping in.
It’s also vital to check the attic. Look for wet or compacted insulation, and check your vents for any debris or clogging. It’s also possible that you’ve had some furry companions joining you for the winter —if that’s the case, you may need to call pest control and plug any holes to prevent further infestation.
Let us Help You Stay Protected Against Springtime Mishaps
If you need to update your insurance or get a new policy, the representatives at Higgins Insurance Agency are here to help you out. Our rates will keep you coming back for more, while our excellent customer service will make you feel right at home.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for more information.