The first hint of a chill in the air sends a clear signal: winter is on its way. For homeowners, this means more than just pulling out warmer clothes. Canadian winters can be unforgiving, and a small oversight in home preparation can lead to significant and expensive damage. Taking the time for preventative maintenance is your best strategy to protect your property and your wallet. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to ready your home for the cold and help prevent insurance claims.
1. Inspect and Protect Your Roof
Your roof is the first line of defense against snow and ice. I always make it a point to do a visual inspection from the ground in early fall.
- Check for Damage: Look for any shingles that are loose, cracked, or missing. Also, check the flashing around chimneys and vents for any signs of damage that could let water in. If there is damage, make sure it’s fixed before the snow comes.
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts: This is a task no one loves, but it’s essential. Gutters filled with leaves and debris can cause ice dams, where water backs up, freezes, and forces its way under your shingles.
- Check Attic Ventilation and Insulation: Good attic airflow prevents condensation, and proper insulation keeps heat in your home, both crucial for preventing ice dams. Inadequate insulation leads to higher energy bills, and moisture causes rot and structural damage. Ensure insulation is up to code to prevent these issues. Proper roof care is vital, as damage from neglect might not be covered by a standard home insurance policy.
2. Prevent Frozen Pipes
A burst pipe is one of the most destructive and common winter headaches. The water damage can be catastrophic. The best way to stop pipes from freezing and bursting is to take action before the first deep freeze.
- Drain Outdoor Taps: Shut off the water supply valve to your outdoor faucets. Then, open the outside tap to drain any remaining water.
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Use foam pipe sleeves or heating tape on pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages, especially along exterior walls.
- Maintain Indoor Heat: If you’re going away, resist the urge to turn your thermostat down too low. Keeping a consistent, moderate temperature can stop pipes from freezing.
3. Maintain Your Heating System
Your furnace is about to work overtime, so it needs to be in top shape.
- Get it Serviced: Schedule a professional service for your furnace or boiler before the cold weather sets in. This ensures it runs efficiently and safely.
- Change Filters: A clogged filter makes your system work harder and can even be a fire hazard. Set a reminder to clean or replace your filters on a regular basis.
- Clear Vents: Ensure all heating system vents are clear of obstructions, especially snow drifts.
4. Seal Drafts and Windows
Finding air leaks around windows and doors is easier than you might think. On a windy day, you can often feel where the drafts are coming from. Sealing these gaps with weatherstripping or caulk is a quick and effective solution. It helps keep your home warmer and prevents condensation that can harm window sills and walls.
If they can’t be fixed, then it might be time to consider replacing the windows entirely. Modern energy-efficient windows eliminate drafts and also improve insulation, reducing your heating bills over time.
5. Prepare for Snow and Ice
When the first big snowfall hits, you don’t want to be caught unprepared.
- Stock Up: Ensure you have a sufficient supply of salt or ice melt and that your shovels are in good working condition. If you have a snowblower, test it to ensure it’s ready to go.
- Clear Walkways: Keeping your driveway and walkways clear is important to prevent slips and falls, which could lead to liability claims.
- Monitor Roof Snow: Heavy, wet snow can put immense strain on your roof. Be prepared to safely remove excessive accumulation if needed.
6. Check Your Safety Equipment
Safety should always be a priority. Take a few minutes to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries as needed. Know the location of your fire extinguishers and verify that they are in good working order. Having these safety measures in place is a key part of a plan to prevent insurance claims related to fire.
7. Review Your Home Insurance Policy
The best time to understand your coverage is before you need it. A quick review of your home insurance policy ensures you are properly protected for the winter season. It’s also a good idea to make sure your home insurance policy is up-to-date and reflects any renovations you’ve made. It’s also a good opportunity to ask about optional coverages.
Stay Ahead of Winter Risks
Winter preparation is about more than just comfort; it’s about proactively protecting your home and finances. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage and reduce the chance of needing to make a claim.
Unsure if your current home insurance covers winter risks? Our team can provide a quick review of your policy today. Not a client yet? We’d love to show you the difference a dedicated broker makes – contact us for a personalized consultation!