Winter in Edmonton transforms the city into a picturesque wonderland, but it also brings a unique set of challenges for homeowners. From freezing pipes to heavy snow accumulations, the risks to your property can be significant if left unaddressed.
That’s why partnering with MMI Insurance, a trusted insurance company in Edmonton, is essential for protecting your home from winter’s unpredictable hazards. Our comprehensive home insurance policies are tailored to provide peace of mind, ensuring you’re covered no matter what the season throws your way.
In this blog, we’ll share five essential tips to winterize your home and reduce the chances of potential insurance claims. By following these proactive strategies, you can keep your property safe, avoid unnecessary expenses, and fully enjoy the winter season. Read on to discover how simple actions today, combined with reliable coverage from MMI Insurance, can help you weather the cold months with confidence.
Understanding Winter in Edmonton: Challenges for Homes, Businesses, and More
Although winter officially begins on December 21, Edmonton often feels its arrival much sooner, with snow and freezing temperatures hitting as early as late November or the first week of December.
This early onset of cold weather creates unique challenges for locals, including frozen pipes, heating system failures, and accumulated snow on the roofs. If unaddressed, these could lead to major damages and potential insurance claims.
For instance, unchecked snow buildups on roofs can lead to leaks or structural impairment, while frozen pipes might burst, causing costly water damage.
Early proactive action and partnership with a reliable insurance company can help property owners better protect their assets from winter risks! Below, we will discuss the top five tested tips to winterize your home.
1. Insulate and protect pipes
When water inside pipes freezes, it expands and creates immense pressure that could eventually cause it to burst. This disrupts the water supply and leads to extensive water damage, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair.
To prevent this, start by insulating pipes in vulnerable areas, such as the garage, basement, attic, and any unheated places where pipes are directly exposed to cold air. Foam insulation pipes, which are affordable and easy to install, can be wrapped around exposed pipes as an extra layer of protection. However, for pipes in extremely cold areas, consider using heated tape or cables specifically designed to prevent freezing.
As well, remember to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, as water left in these lines can freeze and increase pressure on indoor pipes.
2. Maintain your heating system
Regularly servicing your home heating system ensures it works efficiently and prevents unexpected breakdowns, which are especially inconvenient and costly during winter.
It can even get worse, considering the fact that you and your family are left in the cold until repairs can be scheduled, which often costs more due to the associated emergency.
The best proactive step to avoid this situation is to schedule annual checkups, clean or replace filters, and test the thermostat’s settings.
3. Clear roofs and gutters of snow and ice
Some of the most significant winter hazards for homeowners in Edmonton are ice dams and snow accumulations on roofs. When the snow melts due to warm indoor temperatures, the water can refreeze in the gutter and create ice dams that prevent proper drainage. This trapped water can also seep under shingles, resulting in leaks and mould growth inside the home.
Moreover, the weight of heavy snowfalls can place unnecessary stress on rooftops, which could potentially be the driver for structural damage or even lead to a roof collapse in extreme cases.
To prevent such issues, regularly clear snow from your roof and gutters, particularly after a heavy snowfall—do not procrastinate! Use tools like a tall and sturdy ladder and roof rake to slowly remove snow and clean gutters to ensure water flow without obstructions.
4. Check windows and doors for drafts
Sealing windows and doors for drafts is one of the simplest and most effective ways to conserve energy during Edmonton’s cold winter months. Gaps and cracks around windows and doors allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter, causing your heating system to work harder and driving up energy costs.
Properly sealing these areas helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduces energy consumption.
Neglecting to seal drafts can also lead to moisture buildup inside your home. This moisture can damage wooden frames, encourage mould growth, and contribute to the deterioration of your walls and flooring over time.
5. Clear walkways and driveways
During Edmonton’s winter months, snow and ice can quickly build up in driveways and walkways, creating risky conditions for both homeowners and even businesses.
The number one go-to tip to prevent this issue is regularly clearing the snow. Ensure that both walkways and driveways are salted to prevent ice buildup and accidents, such as slips and falls.
Remember, the longer the snow and ice buildup remains untreated, the more damage they can cause to surfaces like concrete and asphalt.
MMI Insurance: Your Reliable Insurance Company in Edmonton
When winter’s unpredictability strikes, having the right insurance coverage becomes a necessity, not a luxury. At MMI Insurance, we pride ourselves on being the go-to insurance company in Edmonton, offering tailored solutions to protect what matters most to you.
Our home insurance policies provide coverage that will help if there is a winter related claim. Remember MMI also understands that Edmonton’s diverse residents have unique needs, which is why we offer specialized insurance packages for farms, churches, businesses, and more.
MMI wants to protect your home, farm or business in the event of a claim and delivers personalized solutions that offer stress-free protection when it’s needed most.
For more information, call us at 866-222-6996 or contact us online to explore how we may secure your home and provide the peace of mind you need to enjoy your winter without worry.
