The sun’s shining and robins are hopping from tree to tree. Have you got the itch to do spring cleaning? It’s more than an opportunity to get your windows sparkling again; it’s a chance to give your home a check-up, making sure every part is well-kept and running smoothly. Look for a small issue that could lead to future damage.

Over the winter, many home safety features can become compromised, ice and snow can damage eavestroughs and roofs, and foundation cracking can begin. Taking some time to go over every foot of your property and fix any maintenance issues can mean a safer, more efficient home. This should help cut down on home insurance claims.  A quick search of the Internet will come up with lots of tips if you are not sure what all to look for, but below are our favourites that should help reduce home insurance claims.

Roof and eavestroughs

Over time, your roof and eavestroughs can become damaged by the weather, rodents or aging. Use a ladder to scan for any obvious maintenance needs. Be sure to look at the eavestroughs while you’re up there, removing any plants or debris that may have gotten trapped.

Then, inspect the roof from the attic, which allows you to see holes in the roof more easily and can display signs of unwanted guests that have moved in or caused damage. If there’s no obvious maintenance needs on the roof, bring a hose up and spray everything down, watching for leaks in both the roof and the eavestroughs. Contact a contractor to fix any holes you find.

Doors and Windows

Take a look at the doors and windows both inside and outside, paying attention to the caulking. Over time, and especially in dry areas, it can become dry or start to crumble. Fill any holes or leaks with new caulking for energy efficiency and weather safety.

While you’re investigating caulking, check the screens on doors and windows as well. Any holes can let in bugs, and large holes can provide access to rodents or birds. Be sure to patch them. Also tighten any loose screws, handles, or fixtures.

As far as doors are concerned, don’t forget to inspect your garage door. Check the motor to ensure all screws are tightened, and clean around the sensors so that they are able to communicate properly. Now’s a good time to look around and make sure there aren’t any critters hiding in the garage, either.

Appliances

Cleaning isn’t just so you can have a sparkling home again; proper cleaning of your large home appliances can keep them running well and help avoid bigger issues, like fire or flood. Examine your air conditioner unit, boiler or hot water heater, heat pump, and furnace for loose parts and dust that can pile up and present a fire risk. Clean out anything that doesn’t belong and tighten screws and loose parts to help maintain the appliance’s life.

If you do have any loss prevention questions, never hesitate to contact your South Easthope Mutual agent, broker or loss prevention team. Taking precautions early to keep up on your home maintenance will save you time, money, and stress all year long