Winterize Your Property Now to Prevent Costly Damages

A week into the winter season and many parts of the country have already experienced frigid temperatures.  Other areas have had an exceptionally mild winter so far, but these conditions can quickly change.

Strong winds, rain, snow and ice can all takes a toll on a home or business and freezing temperatures can easily burst pipes.  During the winter season, damage from any one of these may allow moisture to enter a property and cause extensive property damage and even mold growth.

Because winter weather can be so tough on a building, it’s important to take preventive steps now to prepare it for the months ahead.  The following tips have been provided by the property damage experts at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters. They include the following:

·        Insulate exposed pipes and evaluate if the building’s attic, walls, basement or crawl space needs more insulation. This is also a good time to check for any signs of water damage from existing leaks.

·         Be sure the attic is well ventilated.

·       In places with freezing weather, shut off the water to exterior hose bibs and drain those water lines if possible.  Also shut off and drain the yard’s irrigation system.

·         Clean gutters and down spouts to make sure water is able to drain properly and to minimize the risk of ice dams.

·         Make sure water drains away from the building.

·         Check to make sure any fireplaces are operating properly and are not obstructed.

·         Caulk around windows, doors and other opening, also fix any cracks or holes in the foundation.

·         Check for drafts and add weather stripping anywhere it’s worn or missing.

·      Consider having the heating system inspected now to make sure it is operating properly and that there are no carbon monoxide hazards.  This is also a good time to change the air filters and inspect for debris in the ducts.

·         Check the roof, flashing, chimney, siding and skylights for any signs of damage.

·         Trim back any branches that could cause damage to the house during a winter storm.

“If moisture does enter a building, it can allow mold to begin to grow in as short as 24 to 48 hours under certain conditions,” said Tom Allen from Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC. “If mold is found, it can sometimes be removed from nonporous materials, but porous materials will often have to be replaced. Removing these materials improperly could aerosolize and spread mold throughout the structure so it’s important to handle these types of situations carefully.”

People faced with property damage in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey can turn to the insurance claims experts at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters. Their professionals represent policyholders to ensure that all damages are recognized, documented and properly handled.  Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters’ employ not only the best insurance claims experts, but also seasoned building science and indoor environmental quality professionals. This helps to ensure that all damages are addressed so that the home or business gets repaired correctly.