Winter Home Protection in Ontario: What to Know Before the Cold Hits

Winter home protection in Ontario starts with knowing what your insurance policy typically covers and taking a few practical steps before the cold sets in.

Between freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and ice storms, Ontario winters can be tough on your home. Frozen pipes, roof damage, and slippery walkways are just a few potential problems.

The good news? A little preparation can help prevent unnecessary damage, costly repairs, and potential insurance claims.

Here's what you should know before winter arrives.

What Winter Damage Is and Is Not Typically Covered

Home insurance helps protect you when unexpected damage happens, but not every winter-related problem is automatically covered.

Depending on your policy, coverage may include:

• Frozen and burst pipes: Sudden water damage from a burst pipe may be covered, subject to policy conditions.
• Wind and storm damage: Certain damage to your roof or property caused by winter storms may be covered.
• Ice damming: Resulting water damage may be covered in some circumstances, although exclusions can apply.
• Fallen trees: Damage caused by falling branches or trees may be covered following an insured event.
• Additional living expenses: If an insured loss makes your home unfit to live in, your policy may help with eligible temporary accommodation costs.

Other situations, such as sewer backup, overland flooding, and certain power outage losses, may require additional coverage or have specific limitations.

What About Gradual Damage?

Home insurance generally isn't designed to cover damage caused by ongoing wear and tear or neglected maintenance.

For example, a long-standing roof leak may be treated differently from sudden storm damage.

Water damage can also be complicated. A burst pipe, sewer backup, and melting snow entering your home aren't necessarily covered the same way.

Reviewing your home insurance coverage with a broker can help you understand what's included before something goes wrong.

A Practical Winter Home Checklist

You don't need to be a home maintenance expert to prepare for winter. A few simple steps can help protect your property and keep your family comfortable.

Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes are a major concern during extreme cold. When water freezes, it expands, creating pressure that can cause pipes to crack or burst.

To reduce the risk:

• Keep your home heated consistently, including overnight.
• Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and other cold areas.
• Open cabinet doors beneath sinks along exterior walls to let warm air circulate.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses, shut off the indoor water supply to exterior faucets where applicable, and drain remaining water.
• Keep garage doors closed, especially if plumbing runs through the garage.
• During extreme cold, consider letting vulnerable faucets drip slightly, where appropriate.

It's also important to know where your main water shut-off valve is located.

If a pipe bursts, shut off the water immediately and contact a plumber.

If you suspect a frozen pipe, avoid using a blowtorch or open flame to thaw it. If you're unsure how to proceed safely, call a professional.

Check Your Roof, Gutters, and Attic

Snow and ice can cause problems when water can't drain properly.

Before winter:

• Clean leaves and debris from eavestroughs.
• Inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles.
• Check attic insulation and ventilation.
• Trim overgrown branches near your roof.

These steps can help reduce the risk of roof damage and ice damming.

Inspect Your Heating System

Your furnace works hard during Ontario winters.

Replace dirty filters, keep vents clear, and consider scheduling professional maintenance before temperatures drop.

If you use a fireplace or woodstove, have your chimney inspected and cleaned as recommended.

Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, too.

Seal Drafts and Protect Outdoor Areas

Check weather stripping and caulking around windows, doors, and garage openings. Repairing gaps can help keep cold air and moisture outside.

It's also worth checking for openings where mice or other unwanted visitors might enter.

Keep walkways, steps, and driveways clear of snow and ice. Use salt or sand where appropriate to help prevent slips and falls.

Prepare for Power Outages

Severe winter storms can sometimes interrupt electricity and heating.

Keep an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, a first-aid kit, and a charged power bank.

If you use a generator, always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions. Never operate fuel-burning generators indoors or in attached garages.

How Ice Damming Forms and What It Can Damage

Ice damming happens when snow melts on a warmer section of your roof and runs toward the colder edges.

When that water refreezes, it creates a ridge of ice that prevents additional melting snow from draining properly.

Over time, trapped water can work its way beneath roofing materials and into your home.

What Damage Can Ice Damming Cause?

Ice dams may contribute to:

• Water stains and damage to ceilings or walls.
• Wet attic insulation.
• Damage to roofing materials and eavestroughs.
• Moisture buildup that may lead to mould.

Poor attic insulation, inadequate ventilation, and blocked drainage can increase the risk.

Keeping gutters clear and addressing attic issues may help prevent ice dams from forming.

If you notice significant ice buildup, avoid climbing onto an icy roof or breaking the ice away yourself. Consider contacting a qualified professional.

Does Home Insurance Cover Ice Damming?

It depends on your policy and the circumstances.

Some policies may cover certain sudden water damage associated with ice damming, while others have exclusions related to water infiltration or maintenance.

Your broker can help explain how your coverage applies.

For more prevention tips, read our ice damming protection guide.

Leaving Your Home for an Extended Period in Winter

Planning a winter getaway or visiting family for a few weeks?

Before leaving, it's important to understand your insurance policy's requirements for an unoccupied home.

If your heating system fails while you're away, indoor temperatures can drop quickly. Frozen pipes may burst, causing water damage that goes unnoticed for days.

Some policies require you to maintain heat, shut off the water supply, or arrange regular property inspections during the heating season.

Before You Leave

Consider these precautions:

• Review your policy: Ask your broker about requirements for winter absences.
• Maintain adequate heat: Don't turn off your heating system without making appropriate arrangements.
• Arrange property checks: Have someone inspect your home as required by your insurer.
• Consider shutting off the water: Depending on your plumbing and policy requirements, this may reduce potential damage.
• Secure your property: Check windows, doors, and arrange snow removal.

Remember, insurance requirements vary. Having someone check your house occasionally may not automatically satisfy your policy's conditions.

Speak with your broker before travelling to confirm what's expected.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Home Protection

Protect Your Home Before Winter Arrives

Ontario winters can be unpredictable, but preparing your home doesn't have to be complicated.

From preventing frozen pipes to understanding your coverage while you're away, a little planning can help reduce the risk of unexpected damage.

At PetleyHare, we're a local family business with more than 100 years of history serving Durham Region. We work with multiple leading Canadian insurers and can help you understand your coverage before winter weather puts it to the test.

Not sure your policy is ready for the colder months? Review your home insurance with a PetleyHare broker or call 1.800.216.5324. We're happy to help.