Home insurance is designed to protect you from sudden, unexpected losses — not ongoing issues caused by wear and tear, deterioration, or the lack of maintenance.

While policies cover many types of accidental damage, they generally don’t cover problems that may slowly develop over time. That’s why regular upkeep is essential: Not only for the longevity of your property but also to make sure your insurance policy will respond the way you expect it to if you need to make a claim.

Staebler Insurance, with inspiration from Canadian Underwriter, has compiled five key maintenance areas that every homeowner should stay on top of to help ensure their property is in good condition if the unexpected happens.

1. Address Roof Wear Before It Leads to Bigger Problems

Your roof is your home’s most important protective layer. Over time, shingles, caulking, and other materials deteriorate due to weather and age. If a roof becomes worn out, damage resulting from that deterioration is typically considered a maintenance issue. It’s generally not something a home policy will cover.

Make a new habit to inspect your roof regularly and consider replacing materials once they reach 15 years old or show signs of disrepair.

2. Stay Ahead of Leaky or Aging Pipes

Indoor plumbing issues are another maintenance area that can turn costly if ignored. Corroded, deteriorating, or visibly worn pipes can develop slow leaks long before they burst. Insurance generally doesn’t cover damage that results from long term seepage or neglected plumbing.

Monitor your fixtures and pipes, and repairing problems early, helps prevent headaches and ensures that sudden, unexpected water damage is eligible for coverage.

3. Monitor Cracks and Foundation Changes

Small cracks in your foundation can develop over time due to grading issues, structural settling, or concrete wear. If these cracks lead to water seepage or basement flooding, the cause may be deemed a maintenance or structural issue rather than an insurable event.

Regularly inspect your foundation and address cracks or drainage concerns early to avoid a preventable problem.

4. Don’t Ignore Minor Exterior Issues

Siding gaps, loose gutters, or unsealed entry points may seem like small annoyances, but they can allow moisture to enter your home and lead to slowly developing damage. Since insurance doesn’t cover deterioration or slow water infiltration, catching these issues early can make all the difference.

A seasonal walkthrough of your exterior can help prevent bigger, uninsurable problems.

5. Keep Up with Routine System Maintenance

Your heating, cooling, and water systems all require periodic servicing. Neglected equipment is more likely to fail, and the resulting damage may not be covered.

Follow systems’ recommended maintenance schedules for your HVAC, water heater, and sump pump to be sure they’re ready when you need them most.

Stay Proactive and Stay Protected

Home maintenance may feel like a never ending task but staying ahead of wear and tear not only protects your investment, but it also helps your insurance policy respond as intended after an unexpected event.

For more guidance on keeping your home in great shape, visit the Staebler Home Insurance Blog Category or speak with a Staebler Insurance Broker for personalized advice.

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Staebler Insurance is a general insurance broker specializing in car insurance, home insurance, small business insurance, and commercial insurance. Staebler Insurance Brokers proudly serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Listowel, Fergus, Elora, Wellington County, Perth County, Waterloo Region, the Greater Toronto Area, Golden Horseshoe, Niagara Region, and all over beautiful Ontario, Canada. Get a Quote to get started today.