Winter weather presents serious challenges for all Canadians. Especially for homeowners, cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and ice buildup can lead to significant property damage. Frozen pipes, water leaks, and roof damage can quickly happen without enough readiness for the weather. Here, we'll walk you through some steps to protect your home from winter weather and help you recognize potential vulnerabilities.

Understand the threats to your home
Frozen pipes, roof collapse, and roof and ice dams are the biggest threats to homeowners during extreme winter weather¹. Knowing how your home might be vulnerable to these threats is essential.

Your local government can advise you on protecting your home from winter weather. Websites belonging to your municipal government, public works, utility services, and building department are all valuable resources. Towns and cities in snowbelt regions, known for heavy snowfall, can offer extensive expertise on home protection.

Consult with your insurance broker to understand the types of damage covered under your home insurance policy. Sometimes, specific types of damage can be excluded depending on your policy or location. They can also help identify common threats you should be aware of in your area.

Since each home is unique, building inspectors can provide personalized advice on its ability to withstand winter weather. Inspectors can tell you crucial information, such as your home's age (e.g., the plumbing system) and your roof's snow load capacity. Your municipality can help you find a reputable building inspector in your area.

Avoid frozen pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the most significant sources of damage for homeowners linked to winter weather1. When a pipe freezes, water backs up behind the blockage, causing the pipe to burst and leading to significant property damage. As a homeowner, you can take steps before winter to prepare your plumbing system for cold temperatures, such as insulating exposed pipes, sealing cold air leaks, and disconnecting water flow outside your home. Despite these precautions, extreme cold temperatures can still cause pipes to freeze and burst¹. You can protect your home during cold snaps by allowing your faucets to drip to keep water moving, maintaining a warm temperature (no lower than 12 °C) throughout the day and night, and opening cabinets to circulate warmer air¹. If you plan on leaving your home for an extended period, drain your water system and have someone you trust to check on your home at least every other day.

Beware of roof collapse
Roof collapse can occur following heavy snowfall, freezing rains, or a series of snow or ice events throughout the winter. The first step in preventing roof collapse is to assess whether your roof is susceptible to snow or ice buildup. The slope of your roof is the key factor in shedding snow or water. A flatter roof poses a higher risk of snow and ice accumulation. After a significant snow or ice event, be vigilant for signs such as leaks from the roof or attic, doors becoming harder to open, new cracks in the drywall or plaster, or a sagging roof ridgeline¹. You should take immediate action if you observe any of these warning signs. The safest approach is to contact a professional snow removal contractor.


Prevent ice dams
Ice dams are one of the most common sources of roof damage for Canadians¹. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof or around the gutters, preventing snow from melting off. When snow hits the roof, it melts in areas where heat escapes. The water then flows down the roof towards the edges, where it freezes upon contact with the cold gutter. As ice accumulates, water trying to drain down the roof gets blocked, potentially leaking into the attic, ceiling, or walls, causing rot that can lead to a collapse¹. An ice dam can also keep snow from sliding off the roof, adding to the existing snow load and putting more pressure on the home's structure. However, you can avoid ice dams by ensuring heat doesn't escape your home through your roof. This can be achieved by re-roofing, increasing your insulation, and, most importantly, regular gutter and roof maintenance during the warmer months¹.

The best way to defend your property from winter weather is to ensure you have safeguards in place before anything happens. Now is the time to prepare your property to weather any storm. If you're a current OTIP policyholder, contact us at 1-833-615-9329 to review your existing home insurance policy and discuss additional coverage. If you’re not insured with OTIP and are shopping for home insurance, call us at 1-833-494-0085 to get a quote and receive a $20 gift card of your choice!
 

1. Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction – Homeowner – Protect your home from snow & ice storms Booklet