home insurance

How to Protect Your Roof From Ice Dams

Posted on by AgentInsure

In Maryland, winter weather can significantly damage your home, particularly by forming ice dams on your roof. These ice dams can harm roofing materials like asphalt shingles and ceramic tiles, and the weight of the ice can even cause a roof to collapse. At Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, serving Laurel, MD, we want to help you avoid such incidents. Here are some tips on protecting your roof from ice dams.

Ensure Proper Insulation

Begin by ensuring your attic is well-insulated. Effective insulation keeps heat inside your home, preventing the snow on your roof from melting. This is vital because melted snow that refreezes can form ice dams, which can damage your roof.

Maintain Effective Ventilation

Ensure your attic has proper ventilation. Cold air needs to circulate through the attic to keep the roof cool, which helps prevent ice dams from forming. Check that your attic has sufficient vents and that they are not obstructed.

Regular Gutter Maintenance

Keep your gutters clean and free of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze, contributing to ice dam formation. Regularly cleaning your gutters ensures that water can flow off your roof without any blockages.

Use a Roof Rake

After heavy snowfall, use a roof rake to remove excess snow from your roof. This tool allows you to pull snow off the roof while standing safely on the ground. Removing snow reduces the amount of meltwater that can refreeze into ice dams.

Having the right home insurance in place is crucial in case a problem does occur. Here at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, serving Laurel, MD, we can help. Call now to learn more.

Hurricanes and Home Insurance: Know Your Policy

Posted on by AgentInsure

Hurricanes significantly threaten homeowners in coastal regions, especially around Laurel, MD. Understanding how your home insurance covers hurricane-related damage is crucial. Many homeowners assume their standard policy will automatically cover everything, but hurricane insurance has specific provisions that you should be aware of to avoid costly surprises.

Understanding Wind and Water Damage Coverage

A typical home insurance policy usually covers wind damage caused by hurricanes. This includes damage caused by high winds, such as broken windows, roof damage, or fallen trees. However, water damage from flooding is often excluded. If your home sustains water damage due to storm surges or flooding, you need separate flood insurance, often required in high-risk flood zones.

Deciphering Hurricane Deductibles

Many insurance policies in hurricane-prone areas come with a special hurricane deductible, separate from the standard deductible. This deductible is typically a percentage of your home’s insured value rather than a fixed dollar amount. It can range from one percent to five percent or higher, depending on the policy and the region. Knowing your policy’s hurricane deductible in advance can help you be financially prepared if a storm hits.

Additional Living Expenses Coverage

If a hurricane renders your home uninhabitable, your policy may cover additional living expenses (ALE). This helps pay for temporary housing, meals, and other essential costs while your home is being repaired. Review your policy to understand the limits and exclusions on ALE coverage, as some policies may only cover these expenses for a limited time.

Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial – Your Guide to Insurance

Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial provides comprehensive answers to your insurance questions. We serve Laurel, MD, and surrounding cities. Contact us today.