The leading causes of late-winter property damage—and why your insurer might not pay

Meteorologists may call March 1 the first day of spring, but in the Northeast we can expect to see a lot more wintry weather before we see green leaves and budding flowers.

In fact, some of the biggest winter storms in New England have happened in March and even April. These so-called spring snows often present bigger dangers than the fluffy stuff that falls in December. The snow is often heavier and wetter, which can lead to broken tree limbs and downed power lines. As temperatures rise, thawing and refreezing can wreak havoc with driveways, pipes, gutters, and more.

As we wait for real spring to begin, pay attention to these potential problems, which are the most common causes for property claims in the winter.

Roof damage

In a cold winter, snow is likely to accumulate over several months. That weight puts your roof under stress. Don’t judge by appearance only! An inch of ice weighs as much as a foot of fresh snow. Using a roof rake or hiring a professional can prevent roof damage caused by a winter’s worth of precipitation. Be sure to examine trees for dead limbs that can easily break under the weight of a heavy storm and damage the structure of your home as well.

Power outage

Falling trees can also cause power loss, which can lead to burst pipes (see below) as well as other forms of loss, including food spoilage and damage to costly electrical equipment. In rare cases, property owners may also lose valuable computer files. Invest in simple, inexpensive measures like surge protectors and foam coolers to prevent these losses, which may not be covered by homeowners’ insurance.

Burst pipes

Burst pipes are one of the biggest causes of home damage in the winter. Even a crack can flood a room with water, destroying not only your possessions but even your carpeting and drywall. If a polar vortex brings a final blast of frigid temperatures, you can prevent frozen pipes by adding insulation, letting faucets drip slightly, and keeping cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks open. 

Ice dams and icicles

Using a roof rake will also help prevent ice dams, but the real key to prevention is in your attic. Ice dams are caused by nonuniform roof temperatures, which are typically caused by poor insulation or ventilation. Ask a roofer: there may be easy repairs you can make to improve airflow. Ignoring ice dams leads to water leakage, which sets the stage for mold and mildew to grow, even before you can see it. Both icicles and ice dams can also damage your gutters.

House fires 

The winter holiday season is over, but house fires are still a danger in homes where the furnace or fireplace is in need of maintenance. Electric blankets, space heaters, and extension cords can also increase the chance of a house fire if they are not inspected for worn-out wiring and careful placement away from flammables. 

Slip-and-fall accidents

Different states have different laws about liability for falls that happen on your property, but common sense is enough to know that ice is a safety hazard. Depending on your environment, have salt, sand, or grit on hand to make pathways safer for yourself and others. If you are unable to shovel or de-ice, be sure to find a friend, family member, or professional who can do it for you. Consider installing handrails if outdoor stairs pose a danger.

What will your insurance cover?

While you’re taking one last look at possible winter problems, don’t forget to review your insurance coverage for unexpected gaps. Unseasonably warm temperatures could result in water seepage from rapid snowmelt. A late-season freeze could lead to frozen pipes if you leave the heat off during a spring break getaway. Chances are good these forms of damage are not covered by your standard property insurance.

Even if you winterproof your home each year, accidents can happen that lead to insurance claims. If you experience home damage, call Grenier Public Adjusters right away, day or night, at 774-239-6822 or fill out our contact form.