How to Prevent Property Damage in Colder Temperatures

According to national statistics published by the Insurance Information Institute, property losses procured by snow, ice, and freezing temperatures appear third on the list of serious losses caused by weather, behind hurricanes and tornadoes. As temperatures drop lower in New England, it is important to stay educated on how to properly protect and maintain properties amid harsh winters. Read these tips to avoid catastrophic property losses and damages this winter.

1. Protect Your Pipes

As temperatures drop in New England, it is important to be mindful of protecting your pipes from bursting. The average burst pipe insurance claim stands around $18,000. The damage to your pipes is not the only headache you will be facing. You will also have to deal with floor replacement, sheet-rock replacement, re-painting the room the accident took place in, and possible mold removal and prevention expenses in order to maintain an orderly rental property. Losses can be even worse if the property is occupied and tenant property loss results from the incident.

Luckily, preventing pipes from bursting is a fairly simple project. First, ensure your pipes are properly insulated. Also, remember to occasionally turn on the heat in occupied homes to prevent pipes from freezing up and eventually bursting. Before the first big snowstorm of the year, consider sending a reminder to tenants on preventative measures for bursting pipes. Encourage tenants to open cabinet doors, which allows heat to reach pipes. Additionally, remind them to leave their faucets slightly dripping overnight as a preventative step.

2. Roof Maintenance 

Heavy snow can severely damage a roof that was weak to begin with. In preparation for harsh New England Winters, you should have your roof inspected yearly, preferably before the weather turns icy.  The seal around vents, skylights, and other protrusions should be checked and replaced if necessary. Any loose tiles or shingles should also be replaced before the winter begins. Maintaining your roof yearly can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. 

Gutter maintenance is also highly important for snow drainage. Walk the roof's edge to ensure all downspouts and gutters are secured tightly and free of any debris which may block the drainage of melting snow. 

Contemplate shoveling your roof after a heavy snow, not just your sidewalk and driveway. Heavy snow can create structural damage to your property. Furthermore, when snow melts and refreezes on your roof multiple times, snow can turn into ice dams along your roof which can bring about water damage along your walls.

3. Landscape Concerns 

Trimming trees before New England's harsh winter approaches is necessary. Large tree limbs can crash under heavy snowfalls, and demolish cars and roofs. Now is also the time to bring in outdoor patio furniture and outdoor decorative items which will become damaged as temperatures drop and snowfalls approach. 

4. Formulate an Emergency Plan

The most important step in protecting and maintaining property through New England's harsh winters, is formulating an emergency plan. Property managers should outline an emergency plan for their residents, so they are properly prepared if an emergency occurs. If the power goes out, encourage tenants to use flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles and open flames. Candles and open flames introduce an unnecessary fire hazard that can easily be avoided. An efficient property manager should create a small and affordable emergency safety bag for tenants, with instructions on how to proceed when an emergency strikes. The safety bag should contain battery operated flashlights, a lantern, and detailed instructions with emergency phone numbers to utilize during emergencies. This small amount of effort and money will ensure tenants feel safe, protected, and at peace living in your rental properties.

Although not all property damage is avoidable, by taking these necessary steps and precautions, you can lower your probability of facing catastrophic damage this winter.