text: Your home is likely one of your most valuable assets and keeping it in good condition matters. Before the rainy, colder fall weather rolls in, taking certain steps to prepare your home can protect your home from sustaining damage during the fall and winter months.
  Clear out Gutters
  Spend a few hours clearing any debris out of home gutters and downspouts. Check the brackets holding the gutters in place and replace those that may allow water to flow onto the structure. This will help you avoid the risk of water incursions, wood rot, ice buildups, and pooling water that could affect the foundation.
  Inspect Windows and Doors
  To keep your family warm during the winter months, remove summer window screens and store them, and check all window frames and doors for damage. Install weather stripping on doors and replace any damage to the caulking around your windows.
  Heating System Check
  Have your heating system checked by a professional, who will replace filters, look for any problems and repair them when necessary, and clean the ducts in your home. Your indoor air will be healthier, cleaner, and your system will function better with yearly maintenance – and help you avoid more costly repairs and a heating system that stops functioning when you need it most.
  Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets and shut the valves for your outdoor water system if possible. Examine any visible pipes for drips or leaks and have them repaired. Insulate pipes in areas of your home that are unheated.
  Check any trees close to your home to ensure that your home is protected in a windstorm. Call a tree specialist to remove any aging or rotting branches.
  Chimney and Fireplace Check
  Have your chimney cleaned by a professional so your fireplace is safe for use during the cooler fall and winter months.
  When Something Goes Wrong – Your Insurance Matters.
  No one can predict every future event. Even with the best planning, things can go very wrong. Frozen pipes, falling trees, serious wind events, flooding, vandalism, theft, or other incidents can lead to very costly repairs, or can leave your home uninhabitable. The typical home insurance policies protect the home itself, not your belongings.
  The Right Insurance Policies – For You.
  Having the right insurances in place can protect your financial health and pay for unexpected damage to your home. Special types of affordable add-on insurances are available that provide protection that goes beyond what your home insurance policy covers.
  To find out more about the personal insurance available to homeowners, speak with one of our local agents. We can evaluate your current policies and advise you of your options for add-ons that are extremely affordable but can be a lifesaver when the unexpected occurs.