As any Canadian knows, ice, snow and wind can be hard on your
home or property. But there are steps homeowners can take to guard
against the potential damage winter can cause.
Home insurance and winter damageKeep in mind that your insurance policy is
not a maintenance policy. It won’t cover you if the
damage to your home could have been prevented by proper
maintenance. Be proactive and take steps to protect your home in
the winter. It can save you in the long run. If you do need to make an insurance claim, do it as soon as you
notice any damage caused by the winter elements. Don’t
wait until spring; make any possible repairs right away to prevent
further damage. If your home was properly maintained, the initial
damage will probably be covered. But additional losses occurring
because you didn’t take care of the problem right away
might not. Be aware of how winter weather can affect your home and take
steps to avert damage.
Ice damsAn ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at
the edge of the roof. When heat from inside melts the snow on the
roof, water runs down and refreezes at the roof’s edge.
Eventually, the ice builds up and blocks water from draining off
the roof. This, in turn, forces the water into your home and can
cause thousands of dollars of damage. Take these steps to avoid this type of trouble: - Clean out gutters. Remove leaves, sticks
and other debris, so melting snow and ice can flow freely.
- Install gutter guards. They prevent debris
from entering the gutter.
- Make sure your attic is well ventilated.
If the attic is cold, there will be less melting and refreezing on
the roof.
- Keep the attic floor well insulated to
minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within
the house.
- Install a water-repellent membrane under
your roof covering.
Freezing pipesFrozen water in pipes can cause pressure
buildup leading to pipes bursting. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces
and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Take the following precautions to keep water in pipes from
freezing: - Make sure all pipes near the exterior of
your home are well insulated. Fit exposed pipes with insulation
sleeves.
- During cold spells, open cabinet doors in
your kitchen and bathroom to allow warm air to circulate around
pipes.
- Seal holes in your home’s
outside wall. Holes for television, cable or telephone lines can
expose your pipes and electrical system to extremely cold
temperatures and their effects. Use outdoor caulking to seal these
small openings in your home’s foundation.
- Keep slow trickles of water flowing from
faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or
unprotected space.
- If you plan to be away for more than four
days, arrange for someone to come by regularly to make sure the
heat is on.
Vulnerable exterior spotsA well-maintained roof and walls will help
keep the effects of winter at bay. - Make sure roof shingles are securely
fastened. Shifting ice and water can wreak havoc with loose
shingles and lead to the need for costly repairs.
- Fix small cracks in masonry. This will
keep water from getting in between the bricks, expanding as it
freezes and causing larger cracks.
Interior hot spotsMalfunctioning heating systems within your
house during the winter months can create damage. Be sure to take the following measures. - When using fireplaces, stoves or space
heaters, ensure there is proper ventilation. Keep flammable
material away from space heaters and do not overload electric
circuits.
- Have your heating system serviced.
Furnaces, boilers and chimneys should be serviced at least once a
year to prevent fire and smoke damage.
- Check pipes for cracks and leaks and have
them repaired.
- Make sure that smoke detectors are working
properly.
FloodingWhen the weather warms up and snow starts
to melt, you want to make sure it doesn’t seep into your
home and cause water damage. Follow these tips to minimize the risk of flooding. - Shovel snow away from the house,
especially basement windows.
- Check your property for obstructions that
could prevent melting snow from draining away from the house. Clear
a path for the water.
- Check catch basins on the street to ensure
they are not obstructed.
- To be on the safe side, move valuable
items located in your basement to higher levels if there is a
thaw.
Risks to buildings and peopleIce, snow and wind can cause weak trees or
branches to break and fall, causing damage to your home or injury
to people. And ice underfoot can lead to falls. - Trim trees on your property and remove
dead branches before winter sets in.
- Shovel and put sand or salt on icy
walkways. If someone slips and falls on your icy steps, you may be
held liable for his/her injuries. Under certain circumstances, this
may be covered by your home insurance policy, but it is always best
to prevent accidents if you can.
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