Autumn in Florida is a subtle transition, softly nudging the boundaries of a seemingly endless summer with mild whispers of cooler breezes. While the quintessential fall transformations are minimal, homeowners still need to adjust their maintenance practices to ensure their homes are well-kept and prepared for seasonal changes. Here’s a guide to fall home maintenance tailored to meet the specific needs of Florida residents. Read more
When temperatures start to warm, spring cleaning is on everyone’s mind. But as temperatures start to drop, have you thought about fall clean up? Here are three key steps you need to take to prepare your home for whatever winter has in store.
Not only will caulking and sealing help your home feel cozier, but it will also improve your home’s energy efficiency and alleviate utility fees. If you’re like the average American, a third of your heated air is lost to poorly sealed windows and doors (that goes for A/C too!)
Fertilize your lawn in early October to help it through the colder winter season without experiencing damage or disease. Depending on where you live in Florida, this is a good time to aerate your lawn and overseed the turf. If you’re in the panhandle, you might consider winterizing your irrigation system as well.
As leaves and debris build up in gutters, you risk potential water damage to your home. Roofing problems and even foundation damage can occur if you don’t keep gutters clean. This task isn’t easy but it’s probably one of the most critical fall chores and should be at the top of everyone’s to-do list.
Synergy Insurance Group wants your home to be as safe as possible regardless of the time of year. Contact us today for a free quote if you’re looking for a home insurance policy that goes the extra mile to keep your home and family secure.
Now that your home is cleaned up for fall, make sure it’s prepared for hurricane season! Download our Disaster Preparedness Plan, filled with tips, hotlines and evacuation information for you and your family. Click the image to get yours today!
Now’s the time to catch up on all your small home maintenance tasks before they turn into big, expensive problems. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, there are also extra safety precautions to take that you might not have considered. Take advantage of the fall weather to protect your home and business from professional liability issues that arise from small oversights and neglect.
1. Clean Out Gutters
Once the leaves stop falling, it’s time to clean those gutters! Be thorough. A debris clogged gutter with backed up water leads to roof damage, water leakage, and mold issues.
2. Evaluate Tree Damage
Are your trees basically healthy even after storm damage from Hurricane Irma? For major issues, consult a professional to see if your trees can be saved. For minor damage, unleash your inner arborist and remove broken branches, jagged limbs, and prune smaller branches down to where they meet large limbs.
3. Prepare for a Polar Vortex
If a cold snap comes knocking, you’ll want to make sure your home remains energy efficient and protected from the wind and chill. Seal up cracks and reduce drafts by adding weather stripping or calking between gaps in windows and doors. If you have a furnace, have it inspected for leaks and change the filter.
4. Test Detector Batteries
Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and do a test by pressing the test button or holding a smoking candle near the unit. Now’s also a good time to make sure your fire evacuation plan is up-to-date and all fire extinguishers charged (as indicated by the pressure gauge).
At Synergy Insurance Group, we strive to meet the unique coverage needs of all our clients. We understand that friendly, professional know-how and dependability is the first step toward a great relationship. If you’re looking for the peace of mind that homeowners insurance, business insurance, or auto insurance can afford, please contact us at Synergy Insurance Group today to see how we can help.
Are you prepared if another hurricane were to hit Florida? Make sure your home, family and belongings are safe by downloading our Disaster Preparedness Plan! Just click the image below to get your copy.
