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Spring maintenance: 11 tips for reducing risks

Published on April 26, 2022

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Springtime means the return of birds and greenery. For homeowners, it’s also time for spring cleaning, inside as well as outside. Here are 11 things that L'Unique General Insurance recommends you check to reduce the risk of preventable damage to your property.

  1. Check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order and change the batteries if they were last replaced six months ago or more. Remember these devices only have a service life of 10 years and should be replaced at that time.
  2. Check that the non-return valve is operating correctly to avoid sewer backups.
  3. Check the air vents of the dryer, range hood, ventilators and air exchanger. Remove any residue that may be obstructing them.
  4. Do the maintenance on your household appliances. Empty the central vacuum cannister and inspect the hoses. Check that the dishwasher pipes are in good condition. In both cases, replace or repair any damaged parts. Clean the range hood and air exchanger filters. This will ensure these appliances function more efficiently, and in the case of the range hood, can reduce the risk of fire due to accumulated grease residue.
  5. Wash the windows, oil their mechanisms and check the joint sealings. Any that are in bad condition should be redone.
  6. Turn on the water supply to exterior faucets once there is no more danger of freezing. Check the faucet sealings. Ensure that they are not leaking water into the basement.
  7. Inspect your foundations and exterior walls. Promptly have any cracks in the foundation repaired by a specialist, and repair any damage to exterior walls to prevent water and vermin from entering.
  8. Check the gutters for blockages and make sure they are solidly attached and directing water at least six feet from the foundations. Remove any debris, repair the gutters and install baffles to direct water further away.
  9. Check the condition of your roof and have it repaired if any shingles, vents or joint sealings are damaged.
  10. Check the condition of your chimney and have it swept, and clean your heating unit.
  11. Have any tree branches that are too close to your home or to electric wires trimmed by an arborist.

Your insurance broker is there to help you prevent losses. Feel free to contact him or her!