During winter, a large number of homeowners insurance claims are filed in Nebraska, in part due to the freezing temperatures and heavy snowfalls common to the state. Fortunately, many of those claims—and the damages that caused them—can be avoided by completing some simple fall home maintenance. Fritch Insurance, the leading seller of crop insurance, home insurance, and auto insurance in Beatrice, NE, offers some home maintenance tips below to help you avoid the bother and the expense of a homeowners insurance claim.

3 Important Home Maintenance Tips for Fall

1. Clean Your Gutters

When your gutters are clogged with leaves and debris, they do a poor job of removing the gallons of water caused by snow melting on your roof. This results in ice dams that can damage your roofing materials and lead to expensive water damage. Ice dams also create a hazard to anyone walking beneath them. To avoid a water damage or liability claim on your homeowners insurance policy this winter, keep your gutters clean.

2. Trim Dead Branches

Dead branches pose a real threat of injury should they collapse under the weight of heavy ice and snow. Not only that, but high winds can topple a diseased or weakened tree, and Murphy's Law dictates that it will almost certainly land on your garage, a fence, or even your neighbor's house. To avoid this type of disaster, trim all dead branches and have any dying trees removed before the weather worsens.

3. Insulate Pipes

When plumbing freezes, pipes can burst and send gallons of water spilling into your home. To avoid the damage and subsequent mold and mildew problems, insulate all exposed pipes that run through unheated parts of your house or garage. Consider wrapping pipes below your kitchen and bathroom sinks, as well, if they face an exterior wall. Closed cupboard doors could prevent warm air from reaching them, and a drop in outdoor temps could cause them to freeze up.

Fritch Insurance is one of the most trusted and experienced sellers of home insurance, auto insurance, and crop insurance in Beatrice, NE. Contact them for help designing a policy that meets your family's needs at a rate you can afford. Visit their website to see directions and office hours, or call (402) 223-3312 to request a quote.