Ontario winters can be brutal, and your home often bears the brunt of the damage. Freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and ice buildup can result in costly repairs if you’re not prepared. From burst pipes to roof damage, winter weather can create serious challenges for homeowners. The good news? With a little preparation and the right home insurance coverage, you can prevent many of these problems before they start. In this guide, we’ll share essential cold weather home protection tips to help you safeguard your property, reduce risk, and stay comfortable all season long. From pipe insulation and thermostat settings to snow removal and sealing drafts, these steps can make all the difference. Whether you’re at home or away this winter, taking action now can help you avoid costly surprises later.
Wrap pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces with insulation or heat tape to prevent freezing. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to costly water damage, such as flooded basements or damaged flooring and walls. The repair costs for a burst pipe can be significant. Insulating exposed pipes is an affordable way to reduce this risk and protect your home from the financial burden of winter-related damage.
Set your thermostat to at least 15°C, even when you’re not home, to keep pipes from freezing. If you let the temperature drop too low, you risk frozen pipes, which could burst and cause severe flooding. This is particularly important if you’re traveling or away for long periods. Not maintaining a consistent temperature could result in costly water damage and the disruption of your home’s plumbing system. Keeping the heat on, even at a lower setting, prevents these issues and can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair costs.
On particularly cold nights, allow a slow drip of water to run from faucets connected to exposed pipes. This simple trick keeps the water flowing and helps prevent pipes from freezing. When pipes freeze, they can crack and cause water to leak into your walls, floors, or ceiling, leading to expensive repairs and potential mold growth. Allowing faucets to drip is an easy and low-cost solution to avoid this risk, saving you from the much higher cost of repairing burst pipes.
Regularly remove snow from your roof and clear icicles from gutters to prevent ice dams and structural damage. Ice dams form when snow on the roof melts, then refreezes in the gutters, blocking proper water flow. This can cause water to back up under shingles, leading to leaks, mold, and extensive water damage inside your home. Removing snow and ice as it accumulates helps prevent ice dams and keeps your home safe from costly roof and interior repairs.
Use weather stripping and caulking to seal gaps around windows, doors, and vents to keep warm air in and cold air out. Gaps in insulation can lead to higher energy bills as your heating system works overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature. In addition, drafts can lead to colder temperatures in certain parts of your home, putting extra stress on your pipes and increasing the risk of freezing. Properly sealing drafts is an easy and effective way to protect your home from winter damage while also saving on energy costs.
Even with the best prevention methods, winter damage can still happen. Comprehensive home insurance coverage can help cover repair costs for burst pipes, roof damage, and more — giving you peace of mind and financial protection.
Last winter, the Jones family woke up to find their living room ceiling sagging and water dripping from above. A buildup of ice on their roof had caused water to seep inside, damaging their attic and living space.
What Happened Next: Thankfully, they had comprehensive home insurance coverage. After filing a claim, their policy covered the cost of roof repairs and interior water damage. They even received temporary accommodation coverage while repairs were being completed, ensuring they stayed warm and comfortable.
Outcome: Within weeks, the Jones family was back in their fully repaired, cozy home, without the financial burden of unexpected repair costs.
Winter weather can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation and home insurance in Ontario, you can protect your home from extreme cold. By following these tips and reviewing your home insurance policy, you can stay one step ahead of winter damage. Contact Regal Insurance today to learn more about protecting your home during the cold months. Get a quote or speak with one of our expert brokers to find the right home insurance coverage for your needs.
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