We use cookies to offer you a better experience, analyze site traffic, and serve targeted advertisements. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Terms of use.

iafg-d
  • Individuals
  • Companies and Groups
  • Advisors and Brokers
  • FR
  • Connect
    • My Client Space
    • Advisor Centre
    • Dealer Centre (UniFI)
    • Partner Centre (Rave)
iafg-d
  • Connect
    • My Client Space
    • Advisor Centre
    • Dealer Centre (UniFI)
    • Partner Centre (Rave)
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Contact us
  • Contact an advisor
FR

Advice Zone

  • Overview
  • My Vehicle
  • My House
  • My Family
  • My Projects
  • My Finances
  • My Career
  • My Involvement
  • My Security
  • My Retirement
  • Our Experts

Clear snow off your property to reduce the risks of damage

Did you know that snow and ice can cause serious damage to your home?

Here’s a few tips to help you prevent damage from the build up of snow and ice.

Why clearing snow off your roof is so important

Too much snow and ice on the roof of your home can compromise the structure and cause leaking. That’s why you should always clear snow off your roof if you see a build-up of snow over 60 cm high.

Make sure your roof has been cleared off when the forecast calls for rain or ice storms, because this can weigh down the snow that’s already on your roof.

For safety reasons, it’s a good idea to call a company that specializes in roof snow removal. These companies have the equipment that’s needed to do the job safely.

If you prefer to do it yourself, we recommend clearing the snow off your roof while standing on the ground, using a telescopic snow rake. It’s also a good idea to leave about a 10 cm thick layer of snow, so that you don’t damage the surface of the roof.

Watch out for ice damming!

If you see ice build-up on the edges of your roof, it may be a sign that your house is losing heat through the roof.

When a house has poor air circulation or lack of insulation in the attic, warm air rises and the temperature of the roof goes up. Then, snow melts on the roof, water stays trapped there and a layer of ice starts to form along the slopes of the roof. This build-up of ice prevents water on the roof from draining off, which can cause leaking.

To prevent the risk of damage, ice build-up should be removed as soon as possible. We recommend calling a snow removal expert, so that they can clear the roof safely, and without damaging your house. You can also talk to an expert about assessing the condition of your roof. There may be some work you need to do to prevent ice damming from happening again.

Don’t forget to clear snow off your balcony, off your carport, and around the basement windows

Did you know that if you let lots of snow build up on your balcony all winter that it can damage the structure, and possibly cause it to collapse? That’s why it’s important to clear off your balcony every time it snows. Also, in an emergency, the balcony may serve as your emergency exit.

Similarly, basement windows need to be clear, as they can also be emergency exits in case of a fire, for example. Too much snow around the basement windows can also cause leaking.

It’s also important to clear snow off your carport, to prevent snow and ice from weighing the structure down and collapsing on your car, or even endangering your family. You should always stay outside the carport when clearing snow off it, so that it doesn’t collapse onto you.

We hope you’ll find these tips useful and that they help you enjoy winter safely. Even though snow can be lots of fun in the winter, it’s important to know about the consequences that too much snow can have on your home!

Looking for advice?

Your home is a big investment for you. Whether you own a house or a condo, one of our advisors can help you find the right home insurance for your needs.

Get a quote

Tools and advice

  • iA Financial Compass
  • How to use a fire extinguisher at home
  • How to safely use hazardous products
  • Attics: Do you know why they’re useful?
  • About iA
  • Careers
  • Contact us
  • Find an advisor
  • Make a claim
  • Connect to My Client Space
  • Advice Zone
  • Sustainable development
  • COVID-19
  • Site map
  • Unsubscribe
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy and security
  • Terms of use
  • Unclaimed property

INVESTED IN YOU. © 2022 Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. – iA Financial Group. All rights reserved.