Home Safety Tips for When You are Away

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5 ways to protect your home while you’re gone

If you are heading out on the road for a long weekend, use these home safety tips to help protect your home.

1. Spread the word, but not on social media: Tell your friends and neighbors you will be away. Tell them who should or should not be at your home during that time. Ask them to check in occasionally. However, it’s best not to advertise your whereabouts on social media, as you never know who will see your status update. Wait to share good times and photos after you return.

2. Lock up: Be sure to lock what can be locked while you’re away, including both doors and windows. If there’s a door to your house inside an attached garage, don’t for get to lock that one, too! Reinforce sliding doors with metal rods, and remove spare keys that may be hidden outside. Instead, provide one spare key to a trusted neighbor. As an additional measure of safety, consider investing in an alarm system if you don’t already have one.

3. Put it on hold: Have your mail and newspapers held while you are gone, or ask a reliable neighbor or friend to collect those items daily.

4. Turn them on: An outdoor lighting system is a good way to keep the periphery of your house lit – a feature that may keep would-be burglars away. Or, save money on installation and electricity by installing motion-sensor lights near entrances. Televisions, lights or radios triggered by a timer may also give the illusion there’s someone at home.

5. Safeguard your valuables: Don’t leave money, important documents or family valuables out in the open. Put them away. Or, better yet, lock them in a safe while you’re gone. And, take photos of your possessions before you leave so you have an accurate inventory.

Taking a few steps before you travel may help safeguard your home from the unexpected.

Security systems: Take the proper steps to protect your home

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Claims experience shows that theft losses can be prevented when a central station burglar alarm is installed and activated in your home. Improve your family’s security and reduce the potential of home intrusion by knowing the basics for safety and alarm component options:

ALWAYS:
  • Activate your alarm system when you are away and at night.
  • Alert your neighbors when you will be away for even short periods of time.
  • Confirm all accessible openings in your home are protected, including second floor doors and windows. Your alarm consultant can design a system that is best for you and your family.
BE:
  • vigilant – keep valuable papers such as insurance policies, appraisals and other important information in a locked and bolted safe in your house or in an off-premise safety deposit box.
  • inquisitive – ask your alarm consultant about installing cellular back-up or a radio device for signal continuity. Should your phone lines be compromised, a signal will still reach the central station or police department alerting them of trouble.
  • informed – ask your installer about panic buttons or codes you can enter in your system that will send a silent alarm should you be home when an intruder enters your residence.
  • aware – consider other central station burglar alarm components that are available to protect your family and valuables such as:
    • door contacts
    • window contacts
    • motion sensors
    • glass break sensors – detects the high frequency given off by the breaking of glass
    • cameras
TAKE CARE TO:
  • clear ladders and any items that can give access to high windows or the second floor.
  • turn on lights both on the inside and outside of your home.
  • empty your mailboxes while away by having someone pick up your mail or arranging for it to be kept at the post office.
  • monitor information you and family members post. Social media can tip off burglars that you are on vacation.

Contact your Ayres Group Agent for coverage advice and policy information.

Prepare for high winds and tornadoes

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High winds are a danger to people and property. Learning what to look for and how to properly prepare can save lives and minimize damage.

WIND CHARACTERISTICS

Wind damage can come from wind alone or from severe weather events, such as thunderstorms and tornadoes. Damaging winds that are not associated with tornadoes are often called “straight line” winds; they are often caused by strong thunderstorms. Damaging winds are defined as exceeding 50-60 mph; they can reach up to 100 mph, can produce a damage path extending for hundreds of miles and are more common than tornado damage. Anyone residing in thunderstorm-prone areas is at risk of this hazard. Structures of lesser construction, such as unbraced frame buildings and mobile homes, are at greater risk.

TORNADO CHARACTERISTICS

A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. Characterized by a long, funnel-shaped cloud that is made visible by condensation and debris, roughly 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. every year. Peak tornado season for the southern plains runs May into early June; on the Gulf Coast, it is earlier in the spring; and in the northern plains and upper midwest, tornado season is June and July. Tornado strength is rated on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with ratings from EF1 to EF5.

TORNADO ALERTS

Two different alerts warn of impending tornadic activity:

  • Tornado Watch: A watch is issued by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. A watch means that weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes. A watch can cover parts of a state or several states; it indicates that one should watch or prepare for severe weather and stay tuned to the radio for a warning.
  • Tornado Warning: A warning is issued by the local NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office. A warning means a tornado has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar and there is a serious threat to life and property to those in the path of the tornado. A warning should heed immediate action to find safe shelter.
WIND SAFETY

Being prepared prior to a high wind event as well as knowing what actions to take during and after a thunderstorm can be the difference between life and death. Consider the National Weather Service’s following safety tips for both places of business and your home.

Before a high wind event or tornado:

  • Trim tree branches away from your building and power lines.
  • Secure loose gutters and shutters.
  • Identify an interior room or area of refuge – such as bathrooms or basements – that can be used as a safe room of shelter during high wind warnings.
  • Consider having emergency supplies available, including medical supplies, water, and food in the event your building cannot be evacuated.
  • Establish an emergency action plan to address all potential catastrophic weather events including high wind storms and tornadoes. This should include an emergency meeting place or room, a method of taking attendance, notification methods and drills.

During a high wind event or tornado:

  • Go to your predesignated area of refuge – an interior area, such as a bathroom or basement – for shelter.
  • Stay away from glass and windows that could be hazardous if broken during the storm.
  • Tune to a trusted weather source for updates on storm conditions and location, so you know when you can safely leave your safe area.

After a high wind event or tornado:

  • Do not go near downed power lines. Report them to police and avoid them until a professional has evaluated them and deemed the area safe.
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown on your property.
  • Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sturdy shoes when assessing the damage. If possible, stay out of damaged buildings until authorities have deemed it safe.

Personal property may need additional protection

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Homeowner insurance isn’t just for the structure of your house. It also provides protection for most of your personal possessions. Some possessions of special value may require additional protection through a personal articles floater that can provide coverage beyond your standard policy.

WHAT’S IN YOUR POLICY

Before discussing what a personal articles floater is and the benefits it can provide, it is important to understand some details of your current homeowner policy.

Offered within a standard homeowner policy is Coverage C, better known as personal property coverage. It protects the contents of your home and other property owned by you ranging from the television to the clothes in your closet. Personal property coverage amounts are a percentage of the home’s insured value, typically around 75 percent. See your policy language for your specific situation.

Most homeowners have sufficient personal property coverage to protect their basic furnishings, but what if you own fine art, jewelry, silverware or other high-value collectibles? Some collectors may assume they have the necessary coverage under the contents coverage automatically provided, but in doing so, they risk their collection being severely underinsured. Consider, the standard homeowner policy typically:

  • insures these types of items only up to a maximum dollar amount, or not at all.
  • requires a deductible – the amount a policyholder must pay for an insured loss before insurance pays the remainder.
  • applies exclusions or limitations for such things as breakage, earthquakes, flood or while in transit.
  • settles losses on an actual cash value basis, which is the depreciated value of the item.
THE PERSONAL ARTICLES FLOATER

For these reasons, many collectors prefer to purchase a personal articles floater, an entirely separate policy not connected with your existing homeowner policy. Most personal articles policies can provide broad, all-risk coverage. This means that there is coverage for a loss unless specifically excluded. Some additional benefits typically include:

  • No deductible is required, although you may be able to reduce your premium if you choose a deductible.
  • Most major dangers to your collection are covered, including such things as: accidental damage, theft, fire, mysterious disappearance, breakage, earthquake, flood and even terrorism.
  • Loss settlements are based on an agreed value at the time the policy was issued. Some insurance companies offer up to an additional 150 percent of the agreed value if, prior to loss, the market value is higher than the scheduled amount.
  • Coverage extends to newly acquired property.
  • The floater provides worldwide coverage.
  • Full coverage applies to items in transit or while at any other location away from your home.
  • Scheduled and unscheduled (blanket) options are available.
  • Most insurance companies offer a package or multi-policy discount.
COVERED PROPERTY

A personal articles floater can offer proper protection for collections such as these – and many other rare or unique items:

-Antiques                                           -Musical instruments

-Cameras                                           -Rare books

-Coins                                                 -Silverware

-Fine art                                             -Sports memorabilia

-Furs                                                   -Stamps

-Guns                                                  -Wine

-Jewelry

Don’t leave insurance coverage for your collection to chance. If you are uncertain about your current insurance policy and the coverage in place for your valuables, contact your Ayres Group Agent for guidance. Your agent has the expertise to assist you in obtaining the appropriate amount of insurance protection for your collection.

What Those Big Words Mean: Tips for Buying Your First Home

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Buying your first home can be a great experience, but mine has been…complicated, to say the least. The market in West Michigan is bursting at the seams with young dreamers hoping to make their first home purchase, but West Michigan is not alone! Renters all over the country are looking to buy, but are instead experiencing the stony truth of the housing shortage across the nation.

According to the Wall Street Journal, 22 of the 50 states in the continental U.S. have built too few houses to keep up with economic growth since 2000. Home construction per household remains near the lowest level within the last 60 years! This creates an unavoidable problem for a new generation that just wants a place to call their own.

If you’re looking to purchase your first home, it’s important to know the lingo! No matter what stage you’re at in the home-buying process, the terms I’ve defined below will help as you learn how to make an offer you’re comfortable with and that the sellers will love. A real estate agent will reference these definitions, but for newbies like myself, it’s nice to understand the ‘simple’ answer.

THE MONEY

Mortgage

A mortgage is a loan agreement between you, the home buyer, and a bank or other creditor. They lend you the money and you get a home. To repay the bank or creditor for providing this money, the home buyer agrees to pay back the amount they borrow to purchase the home (the principal) plus an additional amount of money as interest

A helpful Loan Calculator is located at http://www.calculator.net/loan-calculator.html

You can change the repayment terms on a loan by choosing a 15-year fixed rate mortgage instead of a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, which means you’ll pay off the loan principal and accrued interest in 15 years instead of 30. This will increase your monthly payment, but will decrease the total amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan. Note: there are many different types of mortgages! While I only mentioned a 15-Year and 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage, there are also variable rate and alternative loan programs like FHA (Federal Housing Administration) and VA (Veteran Affairs).

Down Payment

A down payment is a percentage of your home’s purchase price that you pay up front when you close your home loan in addition to the money you borrow. Lenders often look at the down payment amount as your investment in the home. Not only will it affect how much you’ll need to borrow, it can also influence:

  • Whether your lender will require you to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI). Typically, you’ll need PMI if you put down less than 20% of the home’s purchase price.
  • What type of loan is best suited to you, such as a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage.
  • Your interest rate. Because your down payment represents your investment in the home, your lender will often offer you a lower rate if you can make a higher down payment.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

If you are unable to pay 20% down on your home purchase, private mortgage insurance may be required by your lender. PMI is a special type of insurance to protect a lender (the bank or creditor) against loss if a borrower (you) defaults on your obligation to repay the loan. This type of insurance is costly and is not required if you can afford a 20% down payment.

Even if your lender requires you to obtain PMI, you may not need to carry the PMI over the life of the loan. Check w/ your lender about your options to terminate the PMI once you have achieved a specified level of equity in your home.

Appraised Value

Many lenders require a formal appraisal by a licensed appraiser to ensure the value of your home is at least as great as the purchase price. This appraisal occurs between when your offer is accepted and when you close on the house. While you may have offered $180,000 on a house if the appraiser returns and says the house is worth $170,000, you either have to pay that $10,000 difference in cash or ask the seller to reduce the purchase price to $170,000.

Learn more about what to do if your home appraised lower than the purchase price here.

Earnest Money

Earnest money is submitted with your offer to demonstrate your intent to follow through with the sale if your offer is accepted. The appropriate amount of earnest money varies from market to market; your realtor can advise on what is customary for your situation. Earnest money can be handled in many ways; the following are common scenarios:

  1. Allocated to Down Payment or Closing Costs: If all contingencies on your offer are met and you proceed with the purchase of the home, you can allocate this earnest money to your down payment or closing costs.
  2. Reclaimed: If one or more contingencies on your offer are not met, for instance, the home appraises under offer price, or it fails inspection, you typically allowed to reclaim your earnest money.
  3. Say ‘Goodbye’ (Surrendered): If all contingencies are met but you back out of the contract, you may not be entitled to get your earnest money back.

Closing Costs

These are the costs incurred for the various expenses involved in the home buying transaction like title insurance, loan origination fees, and appraisal fees. These costs vary widely from transaction to transaction. Your realtor and lender can assist you with learning more about the closing costs for which you will be responsible, but you can safely assume an average between 2%-5% of the purchase price.

Remember, you as a buyer are responsible for paying your closing costs in addition to your down payment. So while you might have $30,000 saved up for a 20% down payment, you will also need additional funds to afford closing costs.

THE TACTICS

Closing Date

The closing date is the date sign all the documents necessary to officially purchase a house. This is typically about a month after your offer is accepted. However, do not confuse this date with possession date, which is defined below.

Possession Date

At closing, you officially own the property. However, you may have agreed in your purchase agreement to allow the former owners to keep possession of the property until a later date. This means that although you have paid the down payment, paid closing costs, and are now responsible for the mortgage, you still do not have the right to move into your new home.

Possession dates that don’t line up with the closing date generally occur because the sellers need time to find a new place to live. However, the buyer must agree to a later possession date as part of the purchase agreement in order for the seller to retain possession of the property after the closing.

Inspection

Man and red hard hat looking at the gutters of a homeA home inspection is a non-invasive, examination of the condition of the house that is designed to identify any problem areas with the property. The home inspector typically looks for evidence of insect, water or fire damage that may affect the value of the property. They will likely check heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing systems. They also may check structural items like the floors, walls, and ceiling as well as the roof and attic. If your house has a basement, it should be examined for leaks and to make sure it has the proper supports in place. Remember, a home inspection is an examination of the property’s condition, and is not the same thing as a home appraisal (see definition above).

If your inspector finds damage in the home, you may be able to negotiate that the seller fixes the issues or agree to a lower purchase price.

Buying a house is complicated! But once you find the one that makes you feel at home, the headaches seem to be worth it.

Is a Mortgage Transfer Possible? Sometimes—Here’s When

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Is a mortgage transfer possible—where you hand off a home loan from one person to another? The answer is usually no. When you sell your home, the buyers have to get their own mortgage and you pay yours off in full with proceeds from the sale.

But there are a few exceptions to the rule. Here are the ways you can transfer a mortgage, and why you might want to consider it.

What kinds of mortgage transfer are possible?

Most loans aren’t transferable, and the reason for this is that they have a “due on sale” clause, explains Chris Combs, founder of Combs Law Group. That means that when the property is sold, the entirety of the loan comes due.

But some loans are created without due on sale clauses, and so they can be transferred from seller to buyer. These are known as “assumable loans,” says Chris Lewis from Angel Oak Home Loans. There are three main types of assumable loans:

  • VA loans are designed to be assumable because service members move frequently for their careers. Loans closed before March 1988 can be transferred freely, with no additional approval from the lender (however, given that those loans are now nearly 30 years old, there aren’t too many left around). Loans closed after that date must have the transfer approved by the lender, which means that the person on the receiving end of the transfer has to meet certain income and credit standards to qualify.
  • FHA loans can also be designed to be transferable without lender approval. The loan must have closed before December 1989 (which also means not many are still around). Otherwise, the lender must approve the new borrower.
  • USDA loans can also be transferred, but lender approval is required, and the recipient must not exceed certain income requirements.

Reasons to make a mortgage transfer

With today’s low-interest rates, there is less incentive to want to take over someone else’s mortgage. However, when rates rise, this option looks more attractive.

Taking over a loan also saves on closing costs: Instead of paying to originate a new loan and all the taxes and other closing costs associated with that, a buyer pays a nominal fee to assume the existing loan. You also don’t need a down payment to assume a loan.

However, even if a loan transfer is possible and preferable, there are some complications to the process.

Assumable loan disadvantages and dangers

Although you don’t need a down payment to assume a loan, you still might need to come up with a big chunk of change to make the transfer. Since you’re assuming only the existing loan amount, you are responsible for paying the seller for their equity in the home. The more equity a seller has, the more money the buyer has to pay up front.

For example, if the purchase price of the property is $300,000, but the seller has paid down the loan to $200,000, the buyer has to come up with the $100,000 difference that the seller has racked up in home equity.

If the buyers don’t have that much cash on hand, they can take out a secondary loan, but that loan will be at the current higher interest rate and include standard closing costs, making the transfer much less attractive.

Another thing to watch out for is that the original borrowers still retain responsibility for the loan unless they have a release in writing from the lender. If they fail to get this release, they are still liable if the new homeowner fails to repay the loan, and the loan debt will still count against them if they attempt to take out a new mortgage. If you do go through a loan assumption, be sure to hold onto your release paperwork in case there is ever an issue down the line.

When due on sale clauses don’t apply

Almost every loan other than a VA, FHA, or USDA loan will have a due on sale clause. However, because of a law called the Garn–St. Germain Act of 1982, there are some transfers that all lenders are required to allow despite the due on sale clause. Most of these are transfers between family members related to unanticipated changes in the homeownership, explains Combs. Here is a list of the most common exemptions:

  • Loan transfer to a relative on the death of a borrower
  • Loan transfer from a borrower to a spouse or children
  • Loan transfer from one ex-spouse to another during a divorce or separation (if they continue to live there)
  • Loan transfer to a living trust, if you continue to occupy the property

These transfers work by either adding a person to the home’s deed, removing a deceased owner from the home’s deed, or having the spouse giving up ownership sign a quitclaim deed.

Once ownership of the home has changed hands, the new owner can continue to pay the previous owner’s mortgage.

How living trusts work

For living trusts, the process is a bit more complicated. Living trusts are created to keep a property from going into probate when the owner dies, but is created before the former owner’s death.

“First the trust is created, typically by a lawyer, and then the property is deeded over to the trust,” explains Corey Chappell, closing options analyst with 181-Close-Now. “The trust now officially owns the property.”

As long as the former owner continues to occupy the home, the trust pays the mortgage. When the former owner dies, the trust’s beneficiaries can do as they wish with the home without having to go through probate. Here’s more on whether a living trust is right for you.

Courtesy Realtor.com

How to Prep Your House for Rain

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The rainy season is great for lawns and gardens, but it can also be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Whether it’s a leaky roof or flooded basement, heavy rain can cause serious damage in and around your home. Fortunately, you can fight back against the rainy season by properly prepping your home for those spring thunderstorms.

Roof

The roof is the first line of defense against heavy rains and you should inspect it before peak season. Walk around the exterior of your property and look for loose shingles, aging spots, and places that are sagging. Note any problems you discover and go up on the roof for a closer inspection. You can usually match and replace broken or missing shingles, but if large portions are damaged, then the roof is probably due for a replacement.

Gutters

Gutters play an important part in guiding water away from your home. Without proper drainage, water can build up around the foundation and cause numerous problems, including erosion and mold. You want to make sure all the gutters are clear of debris and free of any blockages. For future maintenance, consider installing wire mesh to the gutters to prevent leaves and branches from blocking the waterway.

Indoor Leaks

Don’t forget to check the inside of your home for signs of leaks. Inspect the walls and ceilings and look for discoloration, mold, or water rings. These are good indications that you have a leaky roof that needs further attention. If you discover any interior leaks, you will need to enter the attic and trace the problem to its source.

Doors and Windows

While you are inside, it’s also a good idea to check all exterior doors and windows for proper seals. Make sure all doors and windows are shut properly and don’t show signs of major wear. Inspect caulking around windows and re-apply wherever necessary. For doors, replace any damaged weather stripping and look for gaps in the door jam. Not only can this allow water inside, but it’s also an escape route for cold air.

Clear Perimeter

Walk the perimeter of the home and remove broken tree limbs and other debris that can be potentially damaging. Keep trees trimmed above the roof and gutter and avoid planting any within 10 to 20 feet of the home. Also, check the driveway for proper drainage and remove anything that might become an obstacle for water.

Outdoor Storage

Rain can easily ruin lawn equipment and power tools. To keep everything in top condition, store sensitive tools in dry places and off the ground. If you have a shed, inspect the roof and make sure it’s still in good working order. For wooden garden or deck furniture, apply a waterproofing treatment to help protect against heavy downfalls.

Deck

The deck is an area of the home that is constantly fighting the weather. Over time, heavy rain and wind can erode wood and damage the integrity of the structure, especially on the underside of the deck. To protect the deck and keep it looking good, clean the surface and apply a few layers of waterproof sealer. The sealer will wick water away and help protect the stain.

Basement

The basement is often a problem area in rainy weather. To keep the water out and prevent mold buildup, inspect basement windows for tight seals and look for any signs of water leaks. You can also build up landscaping around the perimeter of the basement to direct water away. If you have a crawl space that frequently floods, consider installing a sump-pump to remove any excess.

Tips

Hurricane socks, which are basically sand-less sandbags, are a great temporary fix for leaky garages and basements. These socks absorb up to a gallon of water and can be dried out in a clothes dryer. It’s also a good idea to keep furniture in portions of the home that aren’t susceptible to flooding. Attempting to move heavy furniture in the event of a flood is never easy.

Remodeling, renovation can affect home’s value

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Remodeling and renovation projects can add significantly to the value of your home. Whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, remember to update your homeowner insurance as you increase your home’s value.

The Coverage A limit on your homeowner policy is the amount of insurance you have to reconstruct your home in the event of a total loss. All costs associated with replacing or rebuilding your home are considered when developing this Coverage A limit. When you make changes that increase the value of your home, you may also need to increase the coverage limit.

Reconstruction cost is the cost to hire a contractor to replace the home as it is, in today’s marketplace, using materials and design of similar quality. Determining the reconstruction cost of your home can be a challenging and complex process. In most situations, reconstruction cost does not reflect the market value, tax assessor value or the initial construction cost of the home – even on a new home.

As you plan your next project, take an inventory of your home’s new features. Consider interior changes as well as exterior.

  • Does the addition on your home have a different roof material than the rest of your home?
  • Does the new deck you built include a kitchen, built-in grill or electric fireplace?
  • Is your contractor installing built-in bookshelves and TV cabinets?
  • Are you finishing your attic area to create an extra bedroom?
  • Did you upgrade your windows?

You may put lots of time into picking out countertops and appliances for your new basement kitchen, type of wood for cabinetry, the color of brick to match the original portion of your home, quality of decking materials and other factors. Remember to share these important changes with AYres Group agent.

Most insurance companies offer a replacement cost endorsement to ensure you will get the full reconstruction cost to rebuild your home in the event of a covered total loss, or a percentage more than the limit of insurance on your declarations page. You may also wish to explore this option with your agent.

Discuss your homeowner coverage with your Ayres Group agent to be sure your home and the investment it represents are adequately insured in the event of a loss.

Protecting Your Collection and Preventing Loss

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Collecting can be an enjoyable hobby, an educational pursuit or even a financial investment. So how do you look after a collection now that you’ve assembled one? While every collection is unique and has its own specific needs, you can take some simple loss prevention steps to help protect yours from loss or damage.

A good place to begin is creating and maintaining a current inventory of your collection. For each item in your collection, your inventory list should include: artist/maker, title, date, type of object, materials used, any inscriptions or markings on the object and its value. Be sure to include photographs to document the condition of each item and store a copy in a secure, secondary location such as a safe deposit box.

Theft and fire are two of the most common causes of loss involving collections. Consider installing centrally monitored burglar and fire alarm systems. Not only will this help keep you and your family safe while deterring loss or damage to your collection, it can sometimes result in savings on your insurance policy.

When choosing how to display or store your collection, consider the following suggestions:

  • Hire a professional art handler to ensure objects are properly installed.
  • Avoid hanging objects behind doors, in narrow hallways or in close proximity to furniture or shelving.
  • Do not hang objects above a working fireplace or in close proximity to other heat sources such as radiators.
  • Keep objects out of direct sunlight, as UV light can cause severe damage, specifically works on paper, photographs or textiles.
  • Do not store objects in basements or attics, as these areas are vulnerable to flooding, leaks and dramatic temperature changes).
  • Fragile objects should be displayed behind glass or secured with specialty wax, putty or gel.
  • Have a mulch bed or other type of barrier around outdoor sculptures to prevent damage from lawn equipment.

Realize, too, that all art objects are sensitive to the influences of temperature and humidity, which could lead to damage such as warping, cracking and mold growth. Maintaining a controlled home temperature and humidity level will help prevent damage to your collection.

Sometimes accidents simply can’t be anticipated or stopped, but by implementing some of these preventive loss measures, you have a better chance of increasing the longevity of your collection.

Contact your local Ayres Group Agent for advice on coverages to protect your collection.

8 items for your autumn home project list

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Steps you take this fall to maintain your home can keep you warm this winter and protect your property from loss.

As you take advantage of fall weather to work on projects around your home, pay special attention to these potential trouble spots:

  • Clean out your gutters. Remove leaves and other debris from your gutters first by hand to get rid of the large particles, and then with a scraping tool and water hose before cold weather arrives. This helps to prevent overflows and ice damming. Ice dams are caused when snow melts on a heated part of the roof, then refreezes on a colder portion of the roof.  This creates a dam and allows water to back up under the shingles, causing damage to insulation and interior ceilings or walls. The University of Minnesota Extension Service has more information about preventing ice dams.
  • Make sure downspouts properly guide the water away from the home. Direct downspouts at least 6 feet from the foundation.
  • Use door sweeps and caulk to block drafty areas of the home from the winter cold. Common areas for these are recess lighting areas, electrical outlets, door frames and windows.
  • Have your furnace and chimney checked and cleaned annually. Change your furnace filter regularly; every three months is typical.
  • Vacuum out your air ducts. Every few years, the air ducts should be vacuumed to help make sure that heated air passes through with no obstacles.
  • Remove screens and put up storm windows. Add weatherstripping to seal out cold air, increasing your furnace’s efficiency.
  • Reverse the circulation of your ceiling fans. As you fire up the furnace for the heating season, reverse your ceiling fan blades to rotate clockwise, creating an updraft that forces warm air down into the room. This can provide additional energy savings.
  • Winterize your pipes. Adding insulation now can help prevent pipes from freezing later and causing breaks and water damage.