Install a Water Shut-Off Valve

Install and use a water shut-off valve to reduce the damage that results from pipes that freeze and then thaw while you are away from your property.  It is very easy to use and allows you to enjoy your property on weekends without having to drain your entire system.  In recent years, several homes’ gas heat shut off due to a lack of gas pressure, causing extensive water damage to their properties from frozen pipes with continually flowing water.  In addition, cold winds along the coast can cause pipes to freeze even when the heat is maintained.  We recommend you maintain heat at 60 if you do not completely drain your home’s pipes.

Inspect Your Decks

If you have an outside deck, inspect its connection to your home. Recent deck collapses in our area have shown that failure to keep up with property maintenance can lead to severe injury.  Having your builder install additional fastenings and lag bolts could prevent a separation, especially if nails are used or if the present connection has weathered and deteriorated.

Maintain Your Property

Keep your home maintained.  Insurance company’s inspectors look for loose or missing roof and siding shingles, non-compliant handrails, cracked or peeling paint, cracked sidewalks and general upkeep.  Maintaining the exterior of your home will help minimize damage.  Failure to maintain your property can also lead to mold problems, which may cause illness or damage to your property.  Coverage for mold damage is often limited or excluded on most insurance policies.  We recommend protecting your property where water can infiltrate, such as caulking around windows, doors, foundations and bathroom tiles and keep crawl spaces and attics well ventilated.