4 Tips to Prevent Property Damage this Winter

AAA PUBLIC ADJUSTERS LLC JAN.16 BLOG PHOTOThere’s no doubt that the winter comes along with plenty of risks in regards to property damage. To help you prevent possible losses, we’ve listed four things to keep in mind this winter. If, for any reason, you experience one of the types of property damage mentioned below, make sure you contact a public adjuster in Medford, NJ, or any of its surrounding areas to ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve!

  1. If you’ve hired landscapers to plow your driveway, make sure you line both sides with reflector stakes to help eliminate the possibility of damaging your lawn. After it snows, it’s easy for the crease between your driveway and the lawn to blend in. Without seeing this seam because of the layer of snow above it, your landscaper might easily rip apart your grass and, in turn, create a huge mess that you’ll be left to clean come spring.
  1. If a large amount of snow passes through the region, make sure you protect the structural stability of your home by removing the large piles of snow sitting on your roof. Sure, it might seem odd to be shoveling snow off your roof; however, it’s important to remember that heavy snow can turn a minor issue into a complete disaster. Definitely make sure you’re careful while climbing up there, though, as well as while standing on it and shoveling.
  1. Set the temperature of your home no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though everyone tries to cut corners to save on utility bills, you must draw the line at this temperature; or else the piping in your home could freeze and eventually crack, causing water to spew everywhere. There’s nothing wrong with turning down the thermostat and wearing additional layers of clothing to cut costs, but it’s smart to never go below that threshold.
  1. Shovel snow away from the base of your home to avoid water damage once the sun begins to melt it all away. After a big storm, help prevent dangerous flooding in your crawlspace or basement—which are two areas in which heating units are normally installed—by going around your home and driving the piles of snow outward. Of course, you won’t have to do this for smaller storms; however, if you’ve received over a foot or so of snow, it’s in your best interest to do some extra shoveling around the base.

Not all property damage is avoidable; so, if you experience a loss this winter, make sure you contact public adjusters in Philadelphia or any of its surrounding areas, which will give you more peace of mind about filing your claim as accurately as possible.