Winters in Wisconsin can be brutal. Since winter cold weather can start quite early, getting your home ready for winter should begin a little sooner in this part of the country. Start with a walk around to see if anything jumps out at you, crumbling masonry, loose or missing shingles, and obvious gaps around windows or doors. In Milwaukee, WI, Dern & Company our 25 years of experience means we have the knowledge to help our clients find the policy they need at a price they can afford. 

Begin at the top of your home. Snuggling in front of a fire on a chilly night is part of winter but before you have your first fire of the season, you should get your chimney cleaned and checked to make sure there are not places where fire can escape and cause damage. Home fires cause great damage and chimney fires can smolder for hours and even days. 

When the leaves are falling from the trees, they also fall into your gutters. They clog the gutters and downspouts and cause water damage. They send water under the roof and rot wood and facia. It can also cause damage to your foundation. They need to be cleaned and if possible hire someone to climb the ladder. 

Caulk and weather striping are a homeowner’s best friend. Check your doors and windows for any leaks and plug them with one or the other. It makes your home airtight and saves on heating costs. 

Twice a year you should change the batteries on the carbon monoxide detector and your smoke detectors. These devices are lifesavers and especially in the winter when the house is closed up tight, carbon monoxide is a scent-free killer. 

Contact Dern & Company in Milwaukee, WI to get a free no-obligation home insurance quote.