The Ultimate Winter Home Prep Guide for a Michigan Home:
​Protecting Your Investment from Insurance Claims and Winter Damage

Michigan winters can be harsh, with heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and icy conditions posing risks to your home. Preparing your home for winter is not only essential for comfort but also critical to avoid costly damages and insurance claims. Here’s the ultimate guide to winterizing your Michigan home with an eye on insurance-related considerations:

1. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Why It Matters: Frozen pipes can burst, leading to water damage—one of the most common homeowners’ insurance claims.
​
Prevention Tips:

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
• Seal cracks or openings around pipes where cold air can enter.
• Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature (above 55°F) even when away.
•  Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to prevent freezing.

2. Prevent Ice Dams on Your Roof

Why It Matters: Ice dams can cause water to back up under shingles, leading to roof leaks and structural damage. Many insurance policies cover this, but prevention is key.
Prevention Tips:

• Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
• Add insulation to your attic to maintain a consistent roof temperature.
•  Use roof heating cables in problem areas to prevent ice buildup.
•  Inspect your roof for damage and repair loose shingles before snow arrives.

3. Service Your Furnace and Chimney

Why It Matters: Furnace breakdowns can lead to frozen pipes, while chimney fires are often preventable but costly claims.
Prevention Tips:
    •    Schedule a professional furnace inspection and replace filters.
    •    Clean your chimney and inspect it for cracks or buildup.
    •    Ensure vents are clear to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

4. Check Your Home’s Exterior

Why It Matters: Strong winds, heavy snow, and ice can damage siding, roofs, and windows. Insurance may cover some damages, but routine maintenance is your first defense.
Prevention Tips:

• Inspect your siding for cracks and seal them to prevent water intrusion.
• Reinforce loose shingles and replace damaged roof tiles.
• Trim tree branches away from your home to reduce the risk of storm damage.

5. Test Your Sump Pump

Why It Matters: Michigan winters bring rapid snowmelt and rain that can flood basements, causing water damage that may not always be covered by insurance.
Prevention Tips:
    •    Test your sump pump to ensure it’s working properly.
    •    Consider adding a battery backup in case of power outages.
    •    Install a water alarm for early detection of basement flooding.

6. Winterize Your Landscaping

Why It Matters: Fallen limbs and debris can damage your home and cause accidents that could result in liability claims.
Prevention Tips:

• Prune trees and shrubs to prevent limbs from breaking under snow or ice weight.
• Store outdoor furniture and secure items that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Clear leaves and debris from around your foundation to prevent water pooling and freezing.

7. Seal Windows and Doors

Why It Matters: Poor insulation leads to higher heating bills and potential frozen pipes, which may increase the likelihood of insurance claims.
Prevention Tips:
    •    Install weather stripping around doors and windows.
    •    Use caulk to seal gaps and cracks.
    •    Consider storm windows or heavy curtains for added insulation.

8. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Why It Matters: Ensuring you have the right coverage before winter can save you financial stress in the event of a loss.
Key Actions:

• Verify your policy covers winter-specific risks like ice dam damage, burst pipes, and roof collapses from snow weight.
• Check if your coverage includes additional living expenses (ALE) in case your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable.
• Add water backup coverage if it’s not already included in your policy.

9. Create an Emergency Kit

Why It Matters: A well-prepared emergency kit can prevent minor issues from escalating into major claims or damages.
What to Include:

• Flashlights, batteries, and backup power sources.
• Tools for clearing snow and ice, like shovels and ice melt.
• Fire extinguishers and smoke detector batteries.
• Basic plumbing tools for quick fixes, such as pipe wraps or wrenches.

10. Monitor and Maintain Your Home During Winter

Why It Matters: Early detection of issues like roof leaks or heating problems can minimize damage.
Key Tips:

• Inspect your attic regularly for signs of water leaks or frost.
• Clear snow from roofs and driveways to reduce structural and liability risks.
• Stay informed about winter storms and act proactively.

11. Invest in Smart Home Monitoring Devices

Why It Matters: Early detection of issues like water leaks, heating failures, or intrusions can prevent major damage, reduce liability, and avoid unnecessary insurance claims.
Essential Devices to Consider:

• Water Leak Monitoring Devices: Install smart leak detectors near water heaters, washing machines, sump pumps, and under sinks. These devices can send real-time alerts to your phone if a leak is detected.
• Security Cameras: Outdoor cameras can monitor snow accumulation on your roof or ice buildup in critical areas, while indoor cameras can detect issues like flooding or heating malfunctions.
• Smart Thermostats and Heat Monitors: These devices allow you to monitor and control your home’s temperature remotely, ensuring that heat stays consistent and preventing frozen pipes. Many can alert you if the temperature drops below a safe level.
• Generators: A backup generator can keep your furnace, sump pump, and essential systems running during power outages. Standby generators are especially helpful in Michigan winters when outages are common.
• Power and Heat Sync Notification Devices: Devices like temperature monitors or smart sensors can notify you of heat system malfunctions or power outages, giving you time to act before pipes freeze or damage occurs.

Additional Steps for Shutting Down a Seasonal Home for Winter

To protect your seasonal home from damage during the harsh winter months, it’s important to go beyond the basics. Here are additional steps to thoroughly winterize your property:

1. Drain and Winterize the Plumbing System

Shut off the water supply to the home at the main valve.

• Open all faucets to drain water from the pipes, including outdoor spigots.
• Flush toilets to empty the tanks and bowls.
• Pour antifreeze (non-toxic RV antifreeze) into toilet bowls, tanks, sink traps, and floor drains to prevent freezing.

2. Adjust the Thermostat

If you leave the heat on, here are some quick tips:

• Set the thermostat to a consistent temperature between 50°F and 55°F to prevent freezing pipes.
• If you use a smart thermostat, enable monitoring features to notify you if the temperature drops unexpectedly.

3. Unplug Non-Essential Appliances

• Unplug all non-essential appliances, such as TVs, microwaves, and small kitchen gadgets, to prevent potential electrical issues.
• Turn off and unplug the refrigerator and freezer. Leave doors slightly ajar to prevent mold and odors.
• Make sure to allow any ice buildup to drain, protecting your floors from the drainage

4. Protect Against Rodents and Pests

• Seal any gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation to prevent pests from entering.
• Store all food in airtight containers or remove it entirely from the home.
• Set traps or place deterrents in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.

5. Shut Off Gas or Propane

• Turn off the gas supply if it is not needed during the winter. For propane tanks, close the valve securely.

6. Winterize the Heating System

• Have your heating system serviced to ensure it is working efficiently and safely.
• If you use a furnace or boiler, ensure it has enough fuel (if applicable) for the season.
• Clean or replace filters in HVAC systems.

7. Inspect the Roof and Gutters

• Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris to prevent ice dams.
• Check the roof for damaged shingles and make necessary repairs to avoid leaks.
• Install gutter guards if possible.

8. Prepare for Power Outages

• Disconnect the main power supply if no systems need to run (e.g., water pumps, heating systems).
• If you’re leaving power on, install surge protectors to safeguard appliances.
• Consider leaving a backup generator in case of long outages (ensure it’s fueled and serviced).

9. Secure Outdoor Areas

• Store outdoor furniture, grills, and garden tools in a shed or garage.
• Drain and winterize sprinkler systems and garden hoses.
• Cover or secure fragile landscaping features like fountains or statues.

10. Inspect and Secure Windows and Doors

• Ensure all windows and doors are locked.
• Add weather stripping or caulking around frames to seal out drafts.
• Close curtains or blinds to reduce heat loss and discourage prying eyes.

11. Protect Important Valuables

• Remove valuables such as jewelry, electronics, and important documents.
• Consider a safe deposit box or another secure location for items you don’t need in the home.

12. Notify a Neighbor or Property Manager

• Provide a trusted neighbor, family member, or property manager with your contact information.
• Ask them to check on the home periodically for signs of issues like leaks or break-ins.

13. Install Monitoring Systems

• Set up smart home monitoring systems to alert you of water leaks, freezing temperatures, or intrusions.
• Install security cameras for remote surveillance.

14. Inspect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and are operational.
• Install detectors near any remaining active heating systems or fireplaces.

15. Document the Shutdown Process

• Take photos of the home to document its condition before leaving. This can help with insurance claims if damage occurs during the winter.

By taking these steps, you can reduce the likelihood of winter damage and ensure your home is well-protected throughout Michigan’s harshest season. Not only will you enjoy a warm and worry-free winter, but you’ll also maintain peace of mind knowing your home and insurance are ready to weather the storm.