Prevent Water Damage with Tips from Foremost Insurance

April showers bring May flowers and they can also cause water damage your home. To avoid costly leaks, follow these preventative steps from Foremost Insurance. 

“Water damage can do more than cause stains in your home,” says Dennis Squibb, Assistant Vice President of HelpPoint^® Claim Services. “It can cause permanent structural damage. When the damage is from poor maintenance, neglect or general deterioration, it may not be covered by your insurance policy. But proper home maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs.”

Start with the roof

• Check your roof once a year for corrosion or deterioration; wind or hail damage; improper installation of vents, flues, chimneys, air conditioners, etc.

• Inspect roofing material and secure any loose shingles on your roof with a black plastic roof mastic commonly found in home improvement stores or lumber yards.

• Clean and inspect rain gutters and downspouts for leaks or holes.

             Remove dirt, leaves, branches and any other debris in your gutters or on your roof.

• Seal manufactured home metal roofs with a good roof coating at least every other year – or more often in damp or warmer climates.

            Apply around all vents and seams, coating along the drip edge of the roof.

            Cover all exposed screw heads, fasteners and other areas susceptible to leaking.

Check your home’s exterior

• Inspect outside walls, doors and windows each spring and fall for unusual wear or tear. Water and moisture can seep in these common areas if they’re not maintained regularly.

• Repair or replace caulk, weather stripping, glazing, window seals, door seals or any other exterior area that is damaged.

• Examine your exterior siding and replace any missing or damaged fasteners or screws. Repair or replace punctured siding.

• Check your home’s pneumatic storm door closer and safety chain. If these are loose or not working properly, the storm door may blow open and let water in.

Foremost Insurance Group is a single source for personal property and casualty and commercial insurance. A part of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies^®, Foremost^® has been a leader in the insurance industry since 1952. Foremost is headquartered in Caledonia, Michigan. To learn more about our products or share your feedback, visit www.Foremost.com, our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/foremostinsurance or our Twitter page at www.Twitter.com/foremost.

Christy Heilman

 (616) 956-4289

christy.heilman@foremost.com