Don’t let water damage put a damper on your spring
Vancouver, BC (Apr. 18, 2016) – This year’s unseasonable winter weather has meant a lot less snow shovelling, but don’t let it lure you into a false sense of security about your property.
“Although mild weather and below-average snowfall were the reality across much of the Prairies this winter, water-related damage from the spring melt or spring storms is still a possibility,” said Don Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, SGI CANADA. “Homeowners can be proactive by taking steps to help prevent water damage to their home.”
Spring melt water damage can take many forms. Temperatures fluctuating above and below freezing can cause buildup of ice and water on a roof, referred to as ice damming. As water pools and re-freezes, it may cause damage to shingles, roofing, and even interior ceilings, walls and contents of the home.
Melting snow can also lead to excess moisture in the ground which can cause basement seepage and even sewer back up if water drainage exceeds the sewer system’s capacity.
To keep your home dry from roof to foundation, SGI CANADA recommends the following tips:
- Shovel or remove snow from around your home’s foundation and roof.
- Direct downspouts away from the foundation and keep gutters free of debris, snow and ice.
- Install a sump pump or make sure the one you have is working properly.
- Consider a professionally-installed mainline sewer backwater valve to protect against sewer back up.
- Ensure your yard is properly graded so surface water flows away from the foundation of your home.
- Check your basement and roof regularly for signs of water; if you’ll be away, have someone check for you.
“While in many areas of the province snow may have already melted, it’s important to remember that spring water damage can be unpredictable. Future weather events, like a large snowfall or heavy rainfall, can impact water levels,” said Thompson. “Keep in mind that not all water damage is covered by insurance. Optional coverage for things like sewer back up is available, so talk to your insurance broker to make sure you have the right coverage for your needs.”
If spring weather does result in damages, SGI CANADA advises homeowners to do what they can to mitigate further damage and contact their insurance broker as soon as possible to file a claim. If insured with SGI CANADA, an adjuster will contact the homeowner to make an appointment to assess the damage.
For additional information about preventing water damage to your home, visit SGI CANADA’s risk reduction tips.
Spring melt water damage: SGI CANADA Quick Facts
About SGI CANADA
SGI offers its competitive property and casualty insurance products through SGI CANADA and its subsidiaries: SGI CANADA in Saskatchewan, SGI CANADA Insurance Services Ltd. in Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia, and Coachman Insurance Company in Ontario. It sells its products exclusively through independent insurance brokers in all jurisdictions. Visit SGI CANADA at www.sgicanada.ca.
Source: SGI CANADA
