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Dear Worrywart:
Ah yes, winter -- skiing, snowboarding, skating, snow shovelling, frozen pipes, leaky roofs . . .You're right to be concerned -- most insurance policies offer only limited coverage for water damage, so the more protection you can provide against this peril, the better you'll be able to weather winter's wrath -- and save money to boot.
First of all, make sure your downspouts and eavestroughs are clean and free of debris, so water won't back up. To prevent ice damage, consider buying electric cables that clip onto the edge of your shingles to protect the roof area over the soffit. These devices can also be installed inside eavestroughs, and even in the downspout. When the temperature dips below freezing, sensors turn on the heat so the ice will melt and drain away harmlessly.
And speaking of melting ice, make sure your shingles are in good condition. If not, water could seep in and cause damage inside your house that likely wouldn't be covered under your policy. Remember, your insurance won't cover any loss caused by poor maintenance or wear and tear. It's your responsibility to keep your house in shipshape condition so you can avoid these problems in the first place. After all, it's bad enough to have to repair the damage from a leaky roof, let alone find out your insurance doesn't cover it.
Don't slip up -- get your house ready for winter now, BEFORE the snow flies!
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