It was an awfully cold start to 2024 across the country and continent. Frigid, record-breaking temperatures were reported across the country as extreme cold weather was brought down from the Arctic by a dreaded polar vortex. The front swept from Western Canada through to the east, with Ontario only recently reporting a break in the miserable weather.
According to the Weather Network, Alberta’s Keg River, located approximately 91 kilometres southwest of High Level, experienced a record low of -51.5°C on Jan. 14, marking Canada’s second -50°C reading this season and Alberta’s third in two decades. The first -50°C reading in the province for this period was -52.0°C in Worsley in 2004.
On Jan. 11, the Edmonton YYG airport registered a bone-chilling temperature of -45.9°C, which is the fourth-coldest night ever recorded at that location between the years of 1960 and 2024. The existing record for within the city is -49.4°C and dates to Jan. 19, 1886.
It was so cold that even ski resorts were forced to close and thousands were left stranded after car batteries froze despite being plugged in.
Fast warmup means major problems
Once the cold snap had officially moved on, it warmed up fast. Temperatures shot up by nearly 40°C in some areas, which although welcome, brought with it some major problems.
The Canadian Underwriter reports that at least one insurance brokerage saw a 191% increase in cold weather-related claims in the early days of 2024 compared to 2023. The majority of those claims came from frozen and burst pipes.
When temperatures plummet, water within pipes can freeze and exert pressure that may lead to ruptures. When temperature begin to rise again, and especially when they rise quickly, the result can be major water leaks leading to property damage and costly repairs.
Letting faucets drip during extremely cold temperatures is one way to prevent frozen pipes. But proper insulation, maintaining adequate heating, and implementing preventive measures such as good pipe insulation are your best chance of mitigating the risk of frozen and burst pipes.
Don’t forget, if you are leaving your house for an extended period of time, such as for a vacation, remember to turn off your water and drain your pipes by going to the lowest-sourced sink and running the water until it stops. Be sure to have someone come by and check your property regularly in order to maintain the validity of your home insurance coverage.
Your home insurance and frozen pipes
Home insurance typically provides coverage for damage resulting from a frozen and burst pipe, but that is contingent upon two specific conditions.
The initial requirement stipulates that the water damage must result from a sudden and unforeseen breakage in a heated section of the residence. The second condition is applicable if the homeowner is absent from the property for a duration exceeding a specified number of days during what are normally times when heaters are turned on. As mentioned above, in such cases homeowners are required to either arrange for daily checks to ensure proper heating or take preventive measures such as shutting off the main water supply and completely draining the pipes.
More common cold-weather home insurance claims
Despite a lovely forecast for the next couple weeks, all Albertans know that winter isn’t over. Other common cold-weather home insurance claims include those for ice damming and slip-and-falls.
Ice damming occurs because of poor ventilation, poor insulation, or a combination of both. If your roof is losing a lot of heat, the layer of snow closest to it will melt and follow the pitch of the roof, draining down slowly and then freezing. Eventually, a large mound of ice will form.
If an ice dam is large enough the melted water will have nowhere to go. It will then back up into the house and drip down into your attic and eaves. This can completely wreck your paint, ceilings, walls, and beams.
Most often your home insurance company will cover for damage due to ice damming, but your roof must be in good shape. Always ensure your roof is properly maintained, as failing to do so can allow your insurance company to refuse your claim.
Slip-and-falls are another common winter insurance claim. Property owners are required to keep their pathways, walkways, and sidewalks clear and work must be completed within 24 hours of the last snowfall. If someone slips and falls and injures themselves, their injuries are covered by the liability protection in your home insurance.
Lane’s Insurance covers Alberta
Insurance brokers such as us at Lane’s work for you, not the insurance companies. We have access to a number of different policies from Canada’s best insurance providers, which we can cross-compare to find you excellent coverage at great rates. When searching for your policy, we can help you determine the adequate amount of coverage for your property and your belongings and ensure your policy provides for living expenses while necessary repairs are being carried out to your home after a disaster such as a pipe bursting.
Our experienced account managers are here to provide the personalized support you need. You can rely on your broker for the professional service necessary to help you make a smart, educated decision about your home insurance. Contact us at our Calgary, Edmonton, Banff and Alberta offices.
