(NC) Warmer weather makes it the perfect season to keep your home in tip-top shape. Whether it's hail, heat waves, sleet or rain, summer can be full of weather surprises. Below are four home maintenance tips that will help keep insurance claims at bay while increasing the value of your home.

Get those gutters clean. Higher temperatures mean there's a greater likelihood of flash rain storms, so now is the time to make sure your eavestroughs are clean. Removing any debris like leaves and dirt will prevent gutter backup and reduce leaks when it rains.

Secure your windows. Keep the summer heat outside and cooler conditions inside by maintaining your windows. Windows can be an expensive replacement so check the sealants and frames to make sure they're functioning properly. Poorly cared for windows can lead to an array of issues like leaks, breaks and security breaches.

Keep the bugs away. Open windows and doors mean more creepy-crawlies. To keep them away from your home, consider using a steel or aluminum threshold under your front and back doors. For more protection, a door sweep does the trick. Installing screen doors and windows will let in some fresh summer air while keeping bugs out. Small insects can also find a way in through the smallest cracks. Make sure your home is crack-free by using a sealant or caulk to fill gaps in sidings and the foundation.

Make sure you're covered. Now is a good time to look at your home insurance plan and make sure your coverage is adequate. Weather events, social gatherings and time away can make your home more susceptible to damage or break-ins. You can easily manage your policy online with companies such as Esurance, freeing more time to enjoy all that summer has to offer. Get your free insurance quote today online at esurance.ca.

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