By: Owen Shotkoski
With summer coming to a close here soon, it’s time to begin prepping for cooler weather. Fall is great for the peace and quiet after summers filled with constant crowds. This leaves fall as a great time to prepare your property for the changing of seasons.
Check Your Roof and Gutters
Fall storms can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and falling branches. Before winter arrives, take a few minutes to inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles as well as the cleanliness and attachment of your gutters. With leaves and debris piling up quickly, ensuring proper drainage could be crucial.
Prepare Your Dock for Cooler Weather
Your dock can be a major lakefront investment, so don’t forget to inspect your dock for these items to keep it safe:
- Loose or damaged boards
- Worn hardware
- Damaged flotation
- Issues with cables or supports
- Damage from boats or storms
Homeowners insurance doesn’t automatically cover your dock; be sure to confirm you have proper coverage for your dock.
Protect Your Home From Water Damage
Plumbing becomes a main object of concern, especially for secondary homes. When leaving your property for the winter, shutting off your water and proper winterization should be considered. A burst pipe could cause serious damage if left sitting while the home is unoccupied.
Trim Trees Around Your Property
Large or unhealthy trees can become a problem during high winds or severe weather. Trimming branches away from your roof, driveway, power lines, and other structures can help reduce potential property damage.
Review Your Insurance Before Winter
Fall is also a great time to review your:
- Home and personal property coverage
- Liability Limits
- Dock and boat lift coverage
- Boat and personal watercraft insurance
- Other Structures
- Vacation rental coverage
What We Can Do
At Rock Island Insurance, we can make sure you have all the proper coverage to keep you on your feet in the event of a loss. Call or text (573)-557-9888 or click here for a quote. Thank you for reading!