5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Home from Winter Damage

Winter can feel magical, especially in Wallowa County, but for homeowners, freezing temperatures and winter storms can bring some unexpected and expensive risks. A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to protecting your home and avoiding winter-related insurance claims.

Here are some practical ways to reduce costly repairs before and during winter.

How winter can damage your home

Winter storms are one of the costliest weather events for homeowners. In 2022, the Insurance Information Institute found that winter storms caused roughly six billion dollars worth of damages to US homes in a single year. More than half of homeowners have experienced winter-related damages ranging from $500-3,000 to repair on average.

Examples of winter damage on homes

Cold temperatures and snow can lead to:

• Frozen or burst pipes

• Roof and gutter damage from heavy snow and ice

• Cracked siding, driveways, and sidewalks

• Fallen trees or limbs during windstorms

• HVAC strain or failure from extreme cold

• House fires caused by heating equipment or unsafe practices

Understanding these risks is the first step in preventing them.

Reduce Winter Damage Risk Before the Cold Weather Hits

Fall is the best time to prepare your home for winter. Setting aside a few hours in October or early November can help prevent costly repairs, and save you a lot of stress, once freezing temperatures and storms arrive.

What to Do Before Winter Begins

Here are eight ways you can prepare your home and family for winter.

1. Seal cracks in foundations, siding, and driveways/sidewalks to prevent water from freezing and expanding in them.

2. Have chimneys inspected and cleaned by a professional.

3. Change HVAC air filters for better airflow and efficiency.

4. Drain and disconnect exterior hoses and shut off outdoor water lines.

5. Trim tree limbs, especially those hanging over your home.

6. Clean out gutters to prevent ice dams.

7. Discuss fire safety tips with your household.

8. Review your insurance policy.

Insurance Coverages That Help Protect Against Winter Damage

Proper homeowners insurance can reduce out-of-pocket costs. It’s important to understand your policy before winter arrives.

Key Coverages to Review

Knowing what’s covered (and what isn’t) prevents surprises during a claim.

• Weight of ice and snow: Confirm your policy covers damage caused by the weight of ice and snow. We occasionally see limitations or exclusions here, especially on older roofs.

• Water damage vs. flood: Review how your policy handles water-related losses. Many policies exclude certain types of water damage, and flood damage is typically not covered unless you have a separate flood policy.

• Roof and siding matching (optional): Consider a roof/siding matching endorsement. If only part of your roof or siding is damaged, this coverage can help address mismatched materials. Without it, the carrier may repair the damaged portion with the most affordable “like kind and quality” material available—even if it doesn’t perfectly match the undamaged sections.

Explore other useful home insurance endorsements.

5 Ways to Protect Your Home During Winter

Once winter hits, the simple habits can help prevent damage and liability issues:

1. Monitor weather forecasts and follow any winter storm warnings.

2. Open under-sink cabinet doors when temperatures are at or below freezing to help warm air circulate around pipes. 

3. Keep indoor temperatures above 55°F, even if you’re away. Low interior temperatures can contribute to pipes freezing or extra strain on your HVAC system when you bump the heat back up.

4. Clear sidewalks of snow and ice. If someone gets hurt due to your negligence of not clearing your walkway, they could sue for the damages. Protect yourself from this liability risk by shoveling walkways, especially if you are expecting guests or deliveries.

5. Maintain safe distances around fireplaces and wood stoves. It’s recommended to keep at least 36 inches between heat sources and anything combustible. Additionally, keep an eye on active fires and never use an oven to heat your home.

How Insurance Can Help with Winter Damage

Even with the best preparation, winter damage can still happen. If it does:

1. Document the damage with photos and notes.

2. Record what you did to prevent or limit the loss, such as shutting off water, turning up heat, or placing fans/dehumidifiers.

3. Report the claim promptly to your insurance company.

Taking reasonable steps to prevent further damage can help reduce the severity of the loss and keep the claims process moving smoothly.

If you experience winter-related damage, we’re here to help guide you through the insurance claims process and answer questions along the way.