Winterizing Your Home: Protect Against Frozen Pipes and Storm Damage

As the temperatures drop, your home faces new risks — frozen pipes, ice dams, and storm damage can turn the holiday season into a costly hassle. A few simple maintenance steps can protect your home and help you avoid common winter insurance claims.

1. Insulate and Seal

Inspect doors, windows, and attics for drafts. A small gap can let in cold air that freezes pipes or drives up energy bills. Add insulation to exposed pipes, especially in basements or crawl spaces.

2. Keep Pipes from Freezing

When temperatures drop below freezing, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving. Keep your home heated to at least 65°F, even when you’re away. If you’re leaving for vacation, ask a friend or neighbor to check in periodically.

3. Clean Gutters and Roofs

Remove leaves and debris to allow melting snow to drain properly. Ice dams — caused by trapped water that refreezes — are a major cause of roof leaks and water damage.

4. Check Your Insurance Coverage

Homeowners policies typically cover damage from burst pipes and storms, but not every scenario is included. Review your policy to ensure your dwelling, contents, and any outbuildings have adequate protection.

5. Be Prepared for Storms

Have a backup light source, portable charger, and emergency kit ready. If severe weather damages your home, contact your insurance agent immediately for guidance on next steps.

At Generazio Associates, we care about helping you protect your biggest investment. Schedule a quick winter coverage checkup to make sure your home is ready for the season ahead.