Ten Ways to Help Your Home Recover From Winter

News provided by

Mar 12, 2019, 05:00 ET

ERIE, Pa., March 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Winter can be rough on your home. Once snow, ice, wind and freezing temperatures calm down, it's a good time to check how your home withstood the season. When spring arrives, here are ten steps to help your home recover from winter from Erie Insurance:

How did your home survive the rough winter? Spring is a good time to check out a few important areas of your home.

Have your roof inspected. This is especially important if you notice any leaks, loose shingles or metal. The freezing and thawing that was common this winter can create big splits out of small cracks. Learn more about how to protect your home from melting snow.
Fix any ceiling stains. Your ceiling may have a yellow or brown stain if your roof has a leak. If so, first fix the leak before sealing the stain with a sealer/primer then apply a coat or two of paint. Moisture problems can lead to mold or mildew build-up, so fix them quickly before you have a bigger problem on your hands.
Inspect windows and doors. Things to look for on doors include bent or broken hinges, frames or edges. Depending on the extent of the damage, you can either repair or replace the door. Also, check screens for holes before you swap out your storm panels.
Consider resealing your driveway. A lot of water seeps into driveways during the winter, which can create cracks when it freezes and then thaws. If you notice a lot of cracks, consider having it resealed to prevent further cracking.
Seal your deck every few years. If your deck is looking worn-down, have it pressure washed and resealed. Read more about deck maintenance in this post.
Check your fence(s). Repair or replace any loose slats or rot on your fences. Use epoxy to patch up any worn wood.
Clean gutters and downspouts. Leaves can weigh things down while ice dams can bend and break gutters. Grab a pair of gloves, a sturdy ladder and a trowel to clear any leaves and debris out. Call a professional if you're not comfortable doing this on your own. Want more tips? Check out this post on how to clean your gutters.
Check for ice dams. If you're dealing with an ice dam and want to try a DIY approach, first remove snow with a long-handled aluminum roof rake. Then fill a pair of pantyhose with calcium chloride ice-melter and hang it from your roof so it crosses the ice dam and hangs off the gutter. If that doesn't melt the ice dam, call a pro—you don't want to be up on your roof during icy conditions.
Apply caulk to leak-prone areas. Expansion and contraction can cause openings that will let April rains seep in. Seal it up by applying exterior caulk to leak-prone areas like windows and areas of the siding where walls join.
Inspect outside faucets and hoses. Turn them on to ensure water is still running as it should; if you can stop the flow with your thumb, the water pressure may be too low and a pipe inside your home may need to be fixed.

At ERIE, we get the emotional and financial importance of your biggest investment – which is why our homeowners insurance goes the distance. Learn more about what makes Erie Insurance homeowners coverage different, or find a local ERIE agent to request a quote.

Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 9^th largest homeowners insurer and 11^thlargest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 16^th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.

News releases and more information about Erie Insurance Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.

SOURCE Erie Insurance