Avoid a Claim on Your Home Insurance With These Spring Cleaning Tips
As the chill of winter begins to vanish and the days gradually lengthen, many homeowners eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring. This season traditionally marks the time for a thorough and diligent practice of spring cleaning. Beyond the aesthetic benefits of a tidy home, spring cleaning plays a crucial role in safeguarding your property and, consequently, your investment.
Why is spring cleaning important for a home?
Winter can take a toll on various aspects of your home, from the roof suffering from rain, winter, and even snow damage to the gutters clogged with debris. Undertaking comprehensive spring cleaning allows homeowners to address the potential damages incurred during the winter and mitigate risks that might compromise the structural integrity of the property. The attention given during spring cleaning can uncover issues that, if left unattended, could escalate into more significant problems over time. Home insurance providers recognise the proactive measures taken by homeowners to maintain their properties.
Tips to look out for when you clean:
Maintaining cleanliness not only enhances the appearance of your living space but also helps prevent damage, and a secure home reduces the likelihood of needing to make a home insurance claim. Follow our tips below.
Examine the sealant on tiles in kitchens and bathrooms.
To reduce the risk of water damage, monitor the sealant around your home. Over time, the sealant in your bathroom and kitchen may degrade, resulting in the formation of cracks. These cracks can lead to leaks, and water damage can spread rapidly.
Water damage can significantly increase your insurance claim expenses. However, by staying vigilant about your sealant, you can prevent or lessen the impact of destructive effects. Ensure to routinely reapply sealant to your bath, showers, and sinks to maintain the plumbing system of your house.
Make sure to check any alarm batteries.
Detectors are essential alert systems that safeguard the well-being of you and your family, so make sure to check them regularly throughout the year. Regularly replace the old batteries with new ones. It only takes a few minutes to refresh both smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries during your spring cleaning routine.
Check drains and gutters for buildup.
In the event of a sewer backup, your drains might overflow, causing interior or exterior damage. However, a few internal problems could indicate a straightforward drain blockage. The buildup of toothpaste, hair, and debris can obstruct your drains. Reopen them by dislodging the accumulated grime. Use methods such as plunging, snaking, and hot water to help restore the functionality of your drains.
Repair the driveways and the pavement outside the property.
An uneven walking surface can pose a tripping hazard on your property. Check for emerging cracks and holes in your pavement, and repair these areas to prevent accidents.
Examine wiring.
Pests can invade your home and nibble at electrical wiring. Damaged and exposed wires can potentially lead to a fire or injury, so identify these risks by arranging for an electrician to inspect the wiring periodically.
Clean appliances.
Tumble dryers, in particular, can be a cause of house fires and should be regularly cleaned of lint and debris. As a reminder, tumble dryers, dishwashers, and washing machines should not be used overnight or left unattended.
Make sure you are fully covered.
Ultimately, things can go wrong, so it is important to be properly insured. Contact us today to speak to a broker.