Newport International Boat Show
If you'll be attending the Newport International Boat Show, we'd welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation about protecting coastal properties and seasonal homes.
Because some of the most costly losses don't arrive with a storm. They start with a single drop.
For many homeowners, a second home represents something earned. Weekends by the water. Summer gatherings with family and friends. A place to step away from the pace of everyday life.
But while the home may sit vacant for months at a time, the risks do not.
In coastal New England, one of the most common and costly causes of property damage isn't a major storm. It's water.
A small leak, a failed appliance connection, or a burst pipe during the winter months can go unnoticed for days, weeks, or even months before anyone discovers the problem. By the time the damage is visible, what began as a minor issue may have evolved into extensive repairs, reconstruction, and disruption.
Why Seasonal Homes Face Greater Risk
Unlike a primary residence, a seasonal home may sit unoccupied for extended periods. When no one is present to notice a problem, even a small amount of water can cause significant damage.
A pipe that freezes during a cold snap. A leak that develops while a property is unoccupied. Water intrusion that goes unnoticed for an extended period of time. A slow leak behind a wall.
None of these events are dramatic when they begin. The challenge is that without regular occupancy, they often continue unchecked.
The result can include damage to flooring, drywall, millwork, furnishings, electrical systems, and valuable personal property. In historic or highly customized homes, repairs can become especially complex, requiring specialized materials and skilled craftsmanship.
The Most Expensive Water Damage Often Starts Small
Homeowners frequently focus on catastrophic events such as hurricanes or major storms. While those risks are important, many property losses begin with something far less noticeable.
Water has a unique ability to spread beyond the original source of a problem. By the time moisture becomes visible, it may have already affected multiple areas of the home.
The longer water remains undetected, the greater the potential impact.
For seasonal properties, the challenge isn't simply preventing water damage. It's identifying a problem before it has time to escalate.
Technology Can Help
Advances in monitoring technology have made it easier than ever to reduce exposure to water losses.
Automatic water shut-off systems can detect unusual water flow, identify potential leaks, and in some cases automatically stop the water supply before significant damage occurs. Water sensors can also provide alerts when moisture is detected in vulnerable areas of the home.
While no system eliminates risk entirely, proactive monitoring can dramatically reduce the severity of a loss and provide additional peace of mind when a property is unoccupied.
A Seasonal Home Requires a Seasonal Risk Strategy
The reality is that a home occupied only part of the year often requires more planning, not less.
Regular inspections, winterization procedures, monitoring technology, and an understanding of a property's unique exposures all play an important role in protecting what matters most.
The goal isn't simply to react when something goes wrong. It's to reduce the likelihood that a small issue becomes a major disruption.
Before You Close the Door This Season
If you own a seasonal or secondary home, consider taking a fresh look at your property's water-loss prevention plan.
Ask yourself:
• When was the last time the home's plumbing systems were inspected?
• Do you have a leak detection or automatic shut-off system installed?
• Who would know if something happened while you're away?
• Has your risk mitigation strategy evolved alongside the home itself?
Sometimes the most valuable protection comes from identifying vulnerabilities before they become claims.
