What Are Some Common Wintertime Home Insurance Claims?

Whether it's freezing temps or a blizzard, winter weather can wreck a house. But you can avoid a catastrophe by taking precautions.

Here are four frequent types of winter-related house damages, how to prevent them, and how homeowner's insurance works in the case that they occur.

Burst Water Pipes

If your kitchen faucet is not functioning on a frigid winter morning, it may be due to a frozen water line. The inadvertent water damage caused by burst frozen pipes can be costly to fix.

Letting your faucets drip on the coldest days will prevent the water in your pipes from freezing and bursting. Use sleeves or newspaper to cover pipes in the coldest environments, such as basements and attics. If a pipe freezes, immediately turn off the water and use a hot pad or hair drier to melt the frozen water.

However, do not worry if a pipe explodes. Your home insurance policies will cover damage caused by a broken pipe. After you pay your deductible, your homeowner's insurance will pay up to the limits of your policy. Your dwelling coverage will cover the cost of home repairs, while your personal property coverage will cover the damaged goods.

Remember that for a claim for unintentional water damage to be authorized, homeowners must take preventative measures, such as maintaining a minimum inside temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit during cold weather. If water damage occurs, homeowners must take steps to prevent further destruction, such as turning off the water valve.

There Are Ice Dams On the Roof

When snow near the gutters or roof edges melts and refreezes, an "ice dam" forms on the roof. When the ice begins to thaw again, water can seep between the shingles, causing mold and leaks. And the resulting icicles dangling from your roof may be beautiful, but a large icicle can break off a gutter.

Your homeowner's insurance usually covers damage caused by ice dams, but you may eliminate it with a little extra care. Ensure your attic is adequately insulated by caulking openings where warm air could escape from your living spaces. This will keep your roof cold, preventing an ice dam formation. Have a specialist examine your roof to determine whether heat cables and rubberized shingles can prevent the formation of ice dams. Additionally, you should maintain all gutters clean of debris so that melted snow can drain effectively.

Do not ascend your roof in order to remove snow. This can harm the shingles and eventually undermine your roof.