- Winter can lead to various home issues, including frozen pipes, roof damage from heavy snow, and ice dams, which may result in costly repairs if left unaddressed.
- Homeowners should review their insurance coverage and know how their policy responds to winter-specific risks such as water damage, roof damage clauses and liability coverage.
- Kootenay Insurance offers customized plans to help homeowners prepare for winter’s unique challenges.
As winter draws near, homeowners across British Columbia brace themselves for frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and the potential for sudden storms. While the winter landscapes can be breathtaking, the season brings its own set of risks for our homes, from frozen pipes to roof damage. Preparing your home for the cold helps protect your property from potential damage while minimizing potential insurance claims and out-of-pocket expenses.
Understanding Home Damage from Cold Weather
Winter weather can lead to some common home insurance claims. Knowing the potential risks to your home during these months is the first step to preventing them.
Water Damage from Frozen Pipes
As temperatures drop, water inside pipes can freeze and expand, causing pressure that may eventually lead to a cracked or burst pipe. When these pipes thaw, water damage can occur as the water flows unchecked, potentially flooding your home’s interior spaces. Even a small crack can lead to hundreds of gallons of water leaking over a short period.
Pipes in uninsulated or unheated areas, such as basements, attics, and exterior walls, are especially vulnerable.
Roof Damage Due to Heavy Snow
A buildup of snow on your roof can lead to significant structural stress, especially in areas where snow loads are high. Flat and low-pitched roofs are particularly susceptible to the weight of accumulated snow and ice since they aren’t designed to bear heavy snow. This can cause the roof to sag, crack, or even collapse in severe cases. The additional weight can also lead to leaks if weak spots or unsealed joints allow moisture to seep inside.
Removing snow using rakes and shovels can be a quick fix. Keeping gutters clear of debris can allow melting snow to drain properly, reducing the risk of added stress on your roof. Regular inspections can help detect weak points, so you can address them before winter arrives.
Ice Dams and Leaks
Ice dams are a common cause of winter roof leaks, occurring when snow on the roof melts, runs down, and refreezes at the edge. This process forms a “dam” that traps water behind it, preventing it from draining off the roof. As the water backs up, it can seep under shingles and into the roof structure, leading to water damage inside the home.
Ice dams are most common in homes where the roof is unevenly heated, causing snow to melt in some areas while remaining frozen in others. Preventing them often requires a combination of attic insulation, proper ventilation, and possibly installing roof heat cables to melt snow evenly.
Fire Hazards from Heating Systems
With the increased reliance on heating systems during winter, the risk of fires from space heaters, fireplaces, and furnaces rises as well. Space heaters can be dangerous if they are placed too close to flammable materials or left unattended. Likewise, fireplaces and wood stoves require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent soot buildup, which can become a fire hazard.
Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually, and homeowners should consider adding a chimney cap to prevent debris from entering the flue. Even central heating systems, if neglected, can develop issues that may increase the risk of overheating or short-circuiting.
Exterior Damage from Falling Tree Branches
Winter storms and heavy snowfalls can weigh down tree branches, leading to broken branches or even full tree collapses that can damage your home’s roof, windows, or siding. Falling branches can puncture the roof, break windows, or even damage vehicles parked nearby. To minimize this threat, keep tree branches trimmed back from your house before winter weather sets in.
Consider removing dead or weakened trees, as they are particularly susceptible to winter storms. Maintaining the landscaping near your home can also help prevent branches from impacting utility lines, which are also at risk of damage from fallen branches in winter.
Other Tips to Reduce Winter Risks
Here are some other practical ways and preventive steps to make your home winter-ready.
Prevent Basement Flooding from Melting Snow
Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling near the walls. This step is particularly helpful in early spring when snow starts melting faster than the ground can absorb it. Additionally, if your basement has drains, check that they’re clear of debris and working properly. This simple maintenance task can go a long way in keeping water out during a quick thaw or heavy rain.
A sump pump can be a valuable tool to prevent basement flooding for homes in flood-prone areas. A battery backup or generator can keep it running during power outages, which often accompany winter storms.
Seal Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors can make your room feel colder during the winter while increasing heating costs. More importantly, they can also allow moisture to seep in, leading to mould growth or even wood rot over time. Sealing these gaps with weatherstripping or caulking helps keep the cold out and the warmth in.
Consider upgrading to insulated windows if drafts are a persistent issue. Adding thermal curtains can further reduce heat loss and make your home more energy-efficient.
Store Outdoor Furniture and Protect Exterior Features
Winter weather can be tough on outdoor furniture, decks, and walkways. Store or cover outdoor furniture, grills, and any items sensitive to cold and moisture. Also, treat decks and walkways with a weather-resistant sealant to prevent cracking and warping. Applying salt or sand to walkways can also help reduce slip-and-fall accidents.
Plan for Power Outages
Power outages are more common in winter due to heavy snowfall and ice storms that can damage power lines. Outages can increase the risk of accidents and damage to your home, particularly if your heating system is disrupted.
While most home insurance policies cover damage caused by power outages, taking steps to prepare can make these disruptions easier to manage.
Keep a Winter Emergency Kit
Winter storms can sometimes leave you stuck indoors without power or access to stores. Preparing an emergency kit with winter-specific items—like blankets, extra clothing, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit—can make all the difference. If you rely on electric heating, consider an alternative heat source such as a generator or propane heater (making sure to follow all safety guidelines).
How to Strengthen Your Insurance Policy During the Winter Season
While winter-proofing your home is important, having the right insurance coverage keeps you prepared if something does go wrong.
Add Enhanced Water Damage Coverage to Your Policy
Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage; however, not all policies include coverage for sewer backup or overland water. Your current policy may also have some restrictions for coverage of water damage. Check with your broker to see if additional coverage is available for your location for more comprehensive coverage.
Check for Coverage Limits on Roof Damage
Roof damage can be a significant winter concern, especially in areas with heavy snowfall. It’s wise to review your policy to see if there are any specific limitations or deductibles for roof damage. Some policies may also have conditions related to maintenance, so keeping your roof in good condition can help guarantee claims are processed smoothly if you need to make one.
Consider Liability Coverage for Slip-and-Fall Accidents
If someone slips on your icy walkway or driveway and gets injured, you could be liable for their medical expenses. Liability coverage helps protect you in these cases, covering legal and medical costs that could arise from such incidents. Make sure your policy includes sufficient liability coverage to address these winter-specific risks.
Contents Coverage
Winter weather can also damage items stored in unheated garages, sheds, or basements. For instance, electronics and certain materials can be affected by extreme cold, leading to costly replacements. Personal property coverage or contents coverage protects your belongings from damage caused by cold weather or other winter-related issues. However, it’s essential to review the limits and exclusions of this coverage.
Some policies may exclude damage to items stored outdoors or in poorly insulated areas. Consider adding a rider for high-value items if you have expensive equipment or electronics stored in these spaces.
Keep a Record of Winter Preparation Efforts
Documenting your winter-proofing efforts can support your claim process if damage occurs. Keep records of maintenance work, repairs, and inspections, as they demonstrate that you’ve taken steps to minimize risks. Photos and receipts can provide valuable evidence, helping you answer any questions about the cause of damage during a claim.
Upgrade Your Insurance Coverage as Needed
If you’ve made any recent improvements to your property, such as a new roof or insulation, you should make sure you have adequate coverage for possible winter risks. Upgrades can sometimes qualify for discounts on premiums, and it’s worth reviewing if you’ve changed anything that might impact your coverage needs.
How to Protect Your Home During Extended Absences in Winter
Each insurance company has different requirements for what is required if you are going to be away for an extended absence, and property owners can always check with their broker as to what is required. Some will ask that you have a competent person enter the dwelling every 24–48 hours to ensure the heating is maintained, or the water supply is shut off and all pipes and domestic water containers are drained, or have the plumbing and heating systems connected to a monitored alarm station with 24-hour service.
If you’re planning to be away from your home for an extended period during the winter, you can take these extra precautions to protect your property:
- Inform a Trusted Neighbour or Friend: Ask a neighbor or friend to visit your property regularly to check both the exterior and interior of the home. You can also get them to remove snow from walkways and driveways as needed.
- Add a 24-Hour Monitoring System: Consider having the plumbing and heating systems connected to a monitored alarm station with 24-hour service.
- Consider Getting a House Sitter: Instead of getting a friend or neighbour to check in on your home while you’re gone, consider getting a housesitter (this can still be a friend or neighbor) to deter potential burglars and ensure your home is properly maintained.
- Set Timers for Lights: Use timers to turn lights on and off at various times, giving the impression that someone is home. This can deter potential intruders.
- Adjust Your Thermostat: If you don’t go the housesitter route, we recommend lowering your thermostat but not turning it off completely. This can help prevent pipes from freezing, but be mindful of energy costs and local regulations.
- Winterize Your Plumbing System: If you’re leaving for an extended period, consider draining your pipes to prevent freezing—similar to how people winterize their lakeside cabins when they’re done after the summertime.
Why Kootenay Insurance Is Your Partner in Winter Preparedness
At Kootenay Insurance, we know how much of a difference the right preparation can make during a tough winter. Having worked with homeowners and businesses across Kootenay, BC, and surrounding areas, we understand the unique weather-related challenges homes in the neighbourhoods face. This helps us create tailored insurance plans that meet your needs. Our focus is on providing a full range of solutions to help protect you, your home, and your family from the challenges winter weather can bring.
Whether you need to review your existing policy or add coverage for specific risks, our experienced team is ready to help. Reach out to us today to review your policy and get the peace of mind you deserve.