Vulnerable Areas That A Spring Residential Inspection Should Highlight

As the winter season winds down, most people are looking forward to the warmer spring weather. As homeowners begin the spring cleaning process, adding a residential inspection to their “to do” list is a smart idea.

Harsh winter weather can do a lot of damage to properties, and in some cases, homeowners may not even be aware of the damage. As an insurance carrier, you can add a lot of value to your relationship with insureds by conducting a residential inspection. Completing a spring property inspection will help insureds to correct any issues before they become problems. From the insurance carrier’s perspective, a property inspection will help to mitigate risk and provide an opportunity to offer additional coverage if needed.

Here are several areas that a spring residential inspection should take into consideration:

1. Roof
A property’s roof serves as the first line of defense against wind, rain, snow, ice, and other weather ailments. Therefore, it makes sense that the roof is the most vulnerable part of a property. Considering the harsh conditions that the winter can bring, inspecting the roof for missing or loose shingles is important. If there are any signs of roof damage, the homeowner should contact a reliable roofing contractor to make the repairs as soon as possible.

2. Gutters and Downspouts
A lot of debris can accumulate in gutters and downspouts during the winter months. If it’s been a while since the gutters and downspouts have been cleaned out, the homeowner runs the risk of gutter channels pulling away from the roof’s edge. With a thorough residential inspection, the homeowner can be made aware of any areas that require attention so that gutters and downspouts can be re-secured to prevent future damage to the property.

3. Trim
An inspection should note any damage to the property’s trim and make homeowners aware of any areas where materials have become loose or damaged. While exterior trim provides aesthetic appeal, it also helps to waterproof your home’s exterior. Neglecting trim repairs can lead to mold growth and water damage.

4. Loose Mortar Joints
A property inspector should walk the house to see if there are any loose mortar joints. Areas of the home that contain brick or stone should be carefully inspected, especially the chimney. If there are any loose or missing mortars, a contractor needs to be called to make the repair. Loose or missing mortars around the chimney pose a serious fire risk for the homeowner.

As you can see, there are many ways that a spring property inspection can add value to insureds as well as minimize risk for insurance carriers.

Our team of seasoned professionals at Insurance Risk Services has been partnering with insurance carriers for more than 35 years to provide them with thorough residential and commercial property inspections. Contact us to learn how we can help you use a residential inspection to strengthen your relationship with insureds and protect your bottom line.