Massachusetts Homeowners Insurance: Ready for Spring Weather?
While there might still be snow on the ground, it isn’t too early to start dreaming about and planning for spring weather. Long before you start planting your outdoor garden or uncover the patio furniture, there are lots of things that you can do to get ready. The more you can do to regularly check on your home throughout the winter, the less likely it will be to need major repairs when the snow thaws. Part of having Massachusetts homeowners insurance is staying on top of maintenance and repairs to protect your real estate investment year-round.
Your New Bedford home insurance policy will typically cover damage that is caused by a storm, but it won’t cover damage caused by negligence. Homeowners have responsibilities, such as shoveling walks and driveways, keeping heavy snow off the roof, and making sure that repairs are taken care of right away. It’s also a good idea to call or visit your insurance agency in New Bedford to discuss your current policy. You can get a new home insurance quote if you have made changes to your home or if you want to add extra coverage. It is important to stay on top of your homeowners insurance to ensure that you are properly covered in the event of a claim.
Check the Gutters & Spouts
One of the first things you will want to inspect are your gutters and downspouts. As the snow and ice melt away and the early spring showers hit Southeastern Massachusetts, your gutters will be working overtime. The goal of gutters and spouts is to move water away from your home, keeping it far away from the foundation. In the fall, your Massachusetts homeowners insurance agents recommend that you take time to clean out the gutters, removing leaves and debris. Consider upgrading to seamless aluminum gutters or install a gutter guard system to keep leaves out in the first place.
Throughout the winter, do a perimeter check to ensure that your gutters and spouts are still hung correctly and that nothing has become damaged or has torn loose. If you notice anything awry, contact a service provider to come out and make repairs immediately. You don’t want to get caught off-guard when the snow starts melting or the first rainstorm hits the Greater New Bedford area. When it is safe to do so, you can double-check gutters to make sure that the local wildlife didn’t hide acorns or twigs in your gutters during the winter. If you have any misgivings about getting up on a ladder, consider hiring a licensed and insured professional to take care of it for you.
Check for Cracks & Damage
During the winter, things like walkways, sidewalks, driveways, patios, and even the foundation can become cracked. If water seeps in and freezes, it can cause the concrete to expand and contract. When it thaws, you are left with unsightly cracks that can lead to more damage if they go unrepaired. If you have severe cracks, consider contacting your insurance agency in New Bedford to ask about coverage. While a simple sidewalk crack can be repaired with some concrete, either on your own or by a professional, foundation cracks are something different.
If you don’t want to contact your New Bedford home insurance provider to make a claim, at least contact a contractor to find out how severe the damage has become. If it will be very costly to repair or if unseen damages have occurred as well, consider contacting your Massachusetts homeowners insurance agent. Check all walkways, sidewalks, patios, and the driveway. De-icing chemicals and salt, along with shovels and snowblowers, can also cause damage to hard surfaces during the winter months. It’s best to repair them as soon as possible.
Consider Increasing Insulation
Did you notice that one room in your home was colder than the rest during the winter months? It might be time to get an insulation inspection or a home energy audit. Sometimes HVAC systems are unable to perform efficiently enough to heat the entire home, but in other cases, poor insulation is to blame. Check seals on windows and doors, as well as utility access points, including outlets and switches. If you do decide to upgrade your residential insulation or get your home air sealed by a professional, contact your insurance agency in New Bedford. Any major work or repairs should be reported and included in your Massachusetts homeowners insurance policy.
Get a FREE Home Insurance Quote
If you are in need of New Bedford home insurance, contact Borden Insurance. We have insured the SouthCoast communities since 1909. We are proud to have earned a solid reputation with individuals, families, and businesses in and around New Bedford, Massachusetts. Give us a call at 508-999-3636 to get a FREE home insurance quote or to learn more about our insurance agency in New Bedford, MA.