As an Alberta insurance broker that works for you, not the insurance companies, we work hard to assist homeowners in thoroughly understanding their insurance coverage and what they can do to reduce the risk of a costly claim. Even if an insurable incident was not your fault, an insurance claim almost always results in increased insurance premiums. That is why prevention is always key.
One of the simplest, and often overlooked, fall maintenance tasks is cleaning your gutters.
Gutters perform a very important task that we rarely pay attention to. They protect your home by directing rainwater and melting snow away from your roof, walls, and foundation. When gutters are not functioning properly, water can pool around your foundation, which causes leaks in your basement, damages siding and building envelopes, and contributes to soil erosion.
Throughout the fall, leaves, pine needles and other debris can accumulate in your eavestroughs. This, in turn, prevents rain and melting snow from freely flowing. When water doesn’t drain out of your gutters properly, it overflows against your roof, siding, foundation, and landscaping/hardscaping.
Your gutters still work hard in the winter
When temperatures start to drop, your gutters are still hard at work. Alberta, and especially Calgary, has a tendency to freeze, then warm up rapidly, then freeze again. That turns trapped water into ice, which can potentially damage gutters and downspouts and stop melting water from draining properly.
Proper drainage is especially important for protecting your foundation. Water that keeps collecting beside your home’s foundation contributes to moisture problems in basements and crawl spaces. Keeping downspouts clear and directing water away from the foundation is the best, and most simple way to help reduce this risk.
From an insurance perspective, there is another important reason to stay on top of routine home maintenance. It’s important to realize that home insurance is not intended to cover problems that develop because of neglect, wear and tear or a failure to maintain your property. Coverage varies, and whether a particular loss is covered depends on the circumstances and the wording of your policy.
Regular maintenance always helps prevent a small problem from becoming a major one in the first place.
Before winter arrives, take the time to check and clean your gutters (safely) and check that your downspouts are securely attached and free of blockages. Look for sagging sections, leaks, rust or other signs of damage. If your home has gutter guards, they should also be inspected and cleaned as necessary. Professional cleaning is advised and cost-effective.
Clean gutters prevent ice dams
Ice dams are a common problem in Alberta. When snow on roofs begins to melt and the resulting water flows downward toward the colder edges of the roof and gutters, it will simply stop and refreeze if a gutter is clogged. When roof surfaces are warm from heating systems, melting occurs more quickly, which increases the amount of water flowing down the roof and raises the likelihood that ice will accumulate at the roof’s edge when gutters are not functioning. Over time, this frozen ridge can grow larger and begin to trap water behind it. When the trapped water has nowhere to drain, it seeps beneath roof shingles and potentially makes its way into your home.
The most serious risk associated with ice dams is water damage, which is also the most common type of home insurance claim.
Once water has leaked into your home, the moisture can lead to stained ceilings, damaged walls, and peeling paint. Over time, persistent moisture can also contribute to the growth of mould and mildew. In the worst cases, exposure to water that has not been discovered may even weaken the structural components of your home, such as your main framework.
Ice dams can also damage the exterior parts of your roof. The weight and expansion of the ice will bend and/or loosen eavestroughs, damage soffits, and strain downspouts. Shingles may also become damaged or lifted if water repeatedly freezes and expands beneath them.
Additional tips for your fall maintenance to prevent water damage
Make sure your roof is still in good repair. Don’t get up and tromp around on your shingles, as this is actually bad for them. You can perform a good visual inspection from a ladder, or, better yet, employ a professional to do it for you. Signs your roof is damaged include curling, cracked, or missing shingles and shingle granules in your gutters. These look like tiny beads or large grains of sand. Remember: home insurance policies include the right to refuse a claim if roofs have not been kept in good shape.
Install a backflow valve: Sewer systems are becoming increasingly stressed due to age and overuse, which can lead to municipal pipes overflowing and backing up into homes. A backflow valve will stop that water from coming in and protect your property.
Check your basement floor drains: These need to be unobstructed and free of clogs. Should something like a hot water heater start leaking when you are not home, you are going to want that water to have somewhere to go.
Check your street storm drains: Street storm drains can be easily clogged up with winter refuse and debris as people shovel their snow onto the street. Take a good look to make sure they seem clear. If not, call 311 to have city workers come by to check.
Inspect your foundation: Look closely for cracks and seal any gaps with exterior sealant. Hiring a professional specializing in foundation repairs is a good idea if cracks seem to be expanding and multiplying.
Make sure valuables are off the floor of your basement: Move valuable items to higher levels in your home or, at the very least, ensure they are on shelves well above the floor.
Purchase overland flood insurance
Overland flood insurance has made major strides in Canada since it was first introduced in 2015 — two years after the massive southern Alberta floods.
Most major insurance providers offer this protection through an enhanced (or extended) water damage endorsement, although it may also be available as a stand-alone coverage option. Many insurers refer specifically to “overland flooding,” and the policy wording should clearly identify the cause as water from a rising body of water. As with any insurance coverage, exclusions and conditions will apply.
An extended water damage endorsement may also provide protection for other types of water-related incidents, including groundwater entering your home through basement windows or the foundation, sewer backup and sump pump overflow. Sewer backup coverage is particularly important because these incidents can occur unexpectedly and cause significant damage.
One way to help reduce the risk of sewer backup is to have a professionally installed backflow valve. Combined with appropriate insurance coverage, preventative measures like this can provide valuable protection and greater peace of mind.
Trust Lane’s for all of your home insurance and overland flood protection needs
Lane’s Insurance only works with the most reputable insurance companies serving the Alberta area providing the most affordable and comprehensive home insurance packages available. Remember, if you have any questions about your coverage and you are not getting a clear answer from your provider, feel free to give us a call to help provide answers. We can contrast and compare your policy with those we provide to find you the very best coverage at the lowest possible rates.
