Each season throughout the year brings with it the possibility of maintenance. Bet you didn’t see that one coming, did you? It’s true, however. There are actually maintenance tasks and tips that you can implement year-round to protect yourself and your home against unnecessary insurance claims!
Seasonal Home Maintenance Tasks
If you’re curious to learn more, take a look at all of the possibilities waiting for you in each season.
Fall
As the seasons cool down, when Texas decides to, you’ll want to prepare for cooler days (we could hope) and the need for comfort in your home.
Have your water heater checked and maintained. If you need to replace it, now is a good time to do so! You’ll also want to check on your home’s insulation and weather stripping. Are they up to the quality you want and deserve for those cool mornings?
Clear your downspouts and gutters of mud, stray branches, and other leaf litter that can get stuck in them during the last of the summer and early fall storms.
Winter
Winter in Houston may not be as severe as further north, but it still can lead to issues for your home. You’ll want to check your pipes (especially at the joints) to see if they are in good shape. Occasional freezing can lead to water leaks or pipes bursting, as we HAVE seen in this area before.
Take some time to update and maintain your lighting outside. Since the evenings will be longer, make sure no one slips and falls in the dark outside. Plus, this also gives your home a cozy curb appeal as a side benefit.
Before the end of the year, test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Change your batteries at the same time, so you know they are fresh.
Spring
Since Texas is no stranger to strong storms and a lot of rain, the spring season is going to be the ideal time to prepare your property against them. Let’s go from top to bottom.
Clear any debris off your roof so they don’t damage your roof’s integrity, leaving it open to leaks. Check your windows and doors (top, sides, and bottom) and repair or replace any seals that allow wind and rain to get in.
Schedule your HVAC cleaning and make sure to replace your air filters as needed, too. While you’re at it, have your AC unit checked now, to make sure it’s ready for the summer. You know you don't want to go through the hot humid Texas summer without it!
Summer
This is the time of year with the highest humidity. It also has its share of storms, so you’ll want to continue your home protection during the summer.
During this summer season, keep an eye on your trees, shrubs, and other greenery. If parts become weak or die, you’ll want to prune or cut off weaker parts. Since these things can quickly become projectiles, which can damage your home and property, you’ll want to keep this in mind.
If you have a deck, check it closely for signs of rot or loose boards. These can become safety issues quickly!
One of the benefits of focusing on seasonal maintenance is that you shouldn’t have a problem if you are submitting a claim. Since negligence can sometimes lead to a claim being rejected, staying up to date on issues like these can help you call in help if you need it. If you ever have any questions, contact your friends at Harbour Insurance Services at (281) 520-4090 and let us know how we can help.
