As a homeowner, you take pride in maintaining your investment and protecting it from outside risks. Among these risks, winter weather presents some of the most significant challenges—challenges that may even lead to substantial property damage. Canada experiences some of the most extreme winter weather in the world, and homeowners constantly have to protect their residence from blizzards and extreme cold.
The following are some of the most common sources of property damage homeowners must account for during the winter months:
- Cold temperatures
- Heavy snowfall
- Ice buildups
- Frozen pipes
- Water leaks
- Roof damage
How can I help protect my home?
Winter weather is unpredictable, and preparation is key. While specific, preventive action is the primary way to protect your home from the elements, there are some additional, up-front steps to consider:
Evaluate your home and vulnerabilities
Every home is different and has its own set of unique risks. As such, it’s critical for homeowners to have a thorough inspection done to better understand the risks specific to their property. Inspections, when completed by a certified professional, can provide valuable insight into your home’s age, roof capacity and ability to withstand winter weather.
What should I do if ice and snow accumulates on my roof and around the foundation of my home?
After a snow and ice storm, it is important to safely remove the snow around the foundation of your home or structures. This will reduce the risk of seepage during the spring thaw. Also, should snow start to accumulate on your roof, using a roof rake to clear the dense areas reduces the risk of ice damming claims. If you notice ice damage is occurring or has occurred to your home, it is important to resolve this issue as soon as possible to ensure that you are not putting yourself at risk for a larger loss.
Work with a qualified insurance broker
While winter weather poses a real threat to your property, many of the risks can be addressed through the proper insurance. To get a better understanding of your options, it’s important to meet with a qualified insurance broker. They can provide a wholesale review of your unique exposures and the policies available to you.
Reach out to your local government
In many cases, your local government can prove invaluable when it comes to protecting your home from the elements. Government websites, public works organizations, utilities companies and building departments can all provide expertise and tips on fortifying your home.
Make sure your insurance is up to date
Before going on vacations during the winter, it’s important to make sure you insurance is up to date and to plan for someone to look after your home while you are away. Knowing that your home is taken care of while your away will give you the peace of mind you need in order to enjoy your vacation the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.
Follow the steps, avoid claims
When completing the above steps, it’s critical to take any home protection advice you receive seriously, whether it be securing additional insurance or completing an inspection to help you improve your home’s defenses. Only then can you begin taking steps toward protecting your home from specific winter weather risks.
Speak to one of our Personal Lines Insurance Brokers
To ensure you are getting the most out of your policy, contact an expert at Jones Insurance today at 807-343-9444.
