Ice Damming Prevention Tips

Did you know that winter storms have caused property damage in Canada of up to $5.4 billion? This damage can be attributed to things like frozen pipes, roof damage, and water leaks. Once the seasons start to change, it’s time to take the opportunity to winterize your home (or cottage – depending on the property in question.)

Will Insurance Cover Damage from Ice Damming?

Your cottage insurance or home insurance in Ontario generally will offer protection against damages due to ice damming, but it can also depend on how the ice damming occurred and if the matter could have been prevented. You may already be aware that your roof affects your home insurance, i.e., the condition of your roof can influence your rates. If the ice damming that damaged your home can be attributed to lack of maintenance of your roof, it may not be covered.

Your home/cottage insurance is likelier to cover the damage that the ice damming caused than the removal of the ice dam. If your property is undamaged but you notice ice damming, you’re better off dealing with the ice damming and the root cause than simply filing a claim. But, if the ice damming caused your home’s infrastructure to sag or it caused water to leak into your home, then that would be cause to file a claim and get in touch with your insurer.

Winterizing Your Home & Ice Damming Prevention Tips

Being a homeowner is a responsibility in and of itself. You can’t just purchase a home and let it sit to rot. When the winter comes around, especially in Ontario, it can be devastating on an unprepared property. Pretty though they may be, ice dam projects cost between $750 and $2,000 to remove in a city. Here’s some tips to follow, as a homeowner, to winterize your home and prevent ice damming.

Assess and Seal Drafts

When the weather starts to get a little colder, it’s time to look at all your windows and doors to inspect them for any indication of possible drafts. Use weatherstripping and caulking to seal any obvious cracks and gaps and install draft stoppers at the base of all your doors.

Seal Ducts

Your energy bills will skyrocket if you aren’t taking the necessary steps to ensure your home is accurately insulated and heating properly. Seal any gaps in your heating’s ductwork to ensure well-distributed air in your home.

Prioritize Attic Insulation

Proper attic insulation is a crucial step in preventing ice damming and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. During the winter, heat from your home can rise and escape into the attic, causing the snow on the roof to melt. When this melted snow reaches the colder edges of the roof, it can refreeze and form ice dams. To prevent this, ensure that your attic is adequately insulated.

Service Heating Systems

Before winter arrives in full force, it’s wise to have your heating system professionally serviced. Regular maintenance ensures that your furnace or heating system is functioning efficiently and safely. A professional HVAC technician can clean, inspect, and make any necessary adjustments to the system, such as replacing air filters, checking the ignition system, and ensuring proper airflow.

Protect Pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to significant problems, including burst pipes and water damage. To prevent this, insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Use pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape to wrap the pipes, which helps retain heat and prevent freezing.

Trim Trees

Overhanging branches and trees close to your home can pose a risk during winter storms. The weight of snow and ice can cause these branches to break and potentially damage your roof, siding, or windows. To prevent this, trim any branches that are directly above or near your home.

Proper Attic Ventilation

Attic ventilation plays a crucial role in preventing ice damming by regulating the temperature and humidity in the attic space. Proper ventilation ensures that cold air circulates through the attic, preventing it from becoming too warm and causing snow to melt on the roof. Inadequate ventilation can lead to trapped warm air, contributing to ice dam formation. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and gable vents are common ventilation components that allow fresh air to enter the attic and hot air to escape. By maintaining a balanced airflow, you can keep the attic’s temperature closer to the outdoor temperature, minimizing the risk of melting snow and ice dams.

Key Takeaways – Protecting Your Home & Insurance Implications

If you ever suspect your home might be at risk of ice damming, or if your attic ventilation is insufficient, please contact an expert! While we are definitely your “Defenders of Honour,” we know when to take a step back and recommend you go see an expert roofer to assess the state of your home. Ice damming can go from bad to worse very quickly, especially with the Ontario winter weather, so we recommend tackling the matter as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

Excalibur Insurance is happy to discuss your home policy with you today, to see whether your policy is sufficient enough for your needs, to discuss winterizing tips (and winter driving safety tips – since auto insurance claims are high in the winter time, too!) and more. Schedule a review with us or get a free home, cottage, condo, or renters insurance quote today.