(Toronto, Ontario) Unfortunately, the temperature is about to dip yet again this week with some parts of Ontario experiencing lows of -30 °C this evening overnight. Volatile temperature changes bring many dangers to Ontario homes and the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) would like to provide Ontarians with some tips on how to protect their home from winter weather.

The most common risk to your home is heavy snow buildup. Heavy snow can not only damage your roof and surrounding areas of your home but with the drastic changes in weather, the snow can quickly melt making your home susceptible to flooding.  IBAO recommends checking your roof and outside parameters of your home a couple of times a week to monitor the snow accumulation. If you notice a buildup in a certain areas, contact a contractor for removal services. Make sure you are shoveling snow away from basement windows and entry ways to avoid water damage and water intrusion.

Another thing to look out for is ice damming. This happens when snow on your roof begins to melt and freezes before it has a chance to run off. Usually, this is caused by warm air leaking from your house into your attic. The warm air heats the roof’s surface and causes the snow to melt. As the water runs down your roof, it freezes near the roof’s edge and an ice dam starts to form. This process repeats itself a few times and eventually creates a dam made of ice that prevents water from draining away. Inevitably, this water backs up under the shingles and into your home.

Here are some tips on preventing an ice dam:

• Insure that your attic is adequately insulated;
• From inside the home, seal any perforations in the ceiling;
• Ensure your soffit vents are not blocked by insulation;
• Take measures to draw more air into the attic through the gable and eave vents;
• Keep roof vents free of snow so cold air can circulate in your attic;
• If you are installing a new roof, have the contractor install roof felt or install heating cables as an interim measure;
• If you suspect your home is susceptible to ice damming, consult an expert who can use diagnostic tools to identify problem areas providing opportunity to prevent damage from occurring.

“If an ice dam occurs, consult an expert and under no circumstances should you climb out on your roof to inspect or attempt to remove the ice dam yourself,” said IBAO CEO Randy Carroll. “The next step is to take some photos and call your insurance broker and a local restoration contractor to inspect.”

For more information on finding a local broker to assist you with any home insurance questions or emergencies in your area, visit, www.MyInsuranceShopper.ca

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