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How to better prevent water damage in the winter

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Winter can transform our landscapes into postcards, but it also brings its fair share of challenges for homeowners. Water damage is among the most common incidents during winter.

Discover the main causes of winter-related damage and our practical tips to protect your home.

1. Ice buildup on roofs

The freezing and thawing cycles create ice dams along the edges of roofs. The water can’t drain properly, causing it to back up under the shingles and leak into attics or ceilings.

What to do:

  • Make sure the attic is properly insulated and ventilated to eliminate heat buildup.
  • Regularly clear snow from the roof. Do it carefully to avoid damaging the surface and various outlets (call in pros if you have to).

2. Frozen pipe breakage

When water freezes inside pipes, it expands and can cause the pipes to burst, especially in unheated areas like basements or garages.

Protect your plumbing:

  • Turn off the water supply.
  • Insulate exposed pipes with appropriate materials.
  • Maintain lower temperatures in unheated rooms.
  • Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold.
  • Be sure to check for damage before turning the water back on

What should you do if your pipes freeze?

If you notice frozen pipes, here’s what you can do to prevent costly damage:

  • Warm them up with a hairdryer or a space heater.
  • Wrap warm towels around the pipes to thaw them gradually.
  • Never use an open flame to avoid damage or fire hazards.

3. Sewer backups

Sudden thaws or winter rains can overload sewer systems, leading to flooding in basements.

Preventive measures:

  • Install a backwater valve on your sewer system.
  • Don’t pour grease or other clogging materials down the drain.
  • Get insurance that covers sewer backups.

4. Rapidly melting snow

At the end of winter, when the ground is still frozen and cannot absorb water, rapidly melting snow can cause water infiltration through the foundation.

Protect your foundation:

  • Clear snow around the foundation.
  • Extend downspouts to direct water away from the house.

What to do if water seeps into your basement

  1. Soak up the water with a cloth or mop.
  2. Heat the room to speed up drying.
  3. Use a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture.
  4. Ventilate the space to prevent mold.

5. Gutter overflow

Clogged gutters filled with ice or debris can cause water to overflow and seep along exterior walls.

Prevent overflows:

  • Clean your gutters regularly, especially in the fall.
  • Ensure downspouts are not blocked.

A wise investment: water damage endorsements

Despite all these precautions, the unexpected can still occur. For complete coverage, add separate water damage endorsements to your home insurance. These options cover risks such as:

  • Sewer backups
  • Water infiltration through foundations or roofs

Protect your home this winter

Being well-prepared means protecting your comfort and peace of mind. Take action today to prevent any unpleasant surprises tomorrow. Talk to our brokers to protect your home this winter!

Published on February 12, 2025