It started as a typical winter in rural Ontario. The snow was heavy, the air was crisp, and a luxury seasonal home, less than 10 years old, sat tucked away in a remote, ice-covered landscape. The owners weren’t there, but they kept the heat on to protect the property. By early March, what seemed like a minor buildup of ice on the roof turned into an $800,000 insurance claim.
Ice damming—when melting snow refreezes at the roof's edge—blocked the meltwater from draining, causing it to back up and migrate into the house through the roof. This was no minor ceiling stain. Icy water poured into the garage, bedrooms, primary bathroom, and hallways. It even seeped through electrical outlets and pot lights. The damage was so extensive that the home was unoccupiable for three months while experts performed mould testing and other remediation.
If you think ice damming is a minor inconvenience, there’s an 87-page claim file for this property that proves otherwise.
How to prevent ice damming at your property
Whether it is your primary residence or a winter cottage, you can take steps to prevent this kind of devastating water damage.
To help reduce the risk of a loss, make sure to:
- Monitor roof snow depth regularly. The accumulation of more than 30-40 cm of wet, heavy snow can pose a serious risk.
- Use a long-handled roof rake to safely remove excess snow from the ground to reduce weight.
- Clear snow from drifts and valleys where it often piles up due to roof design or wind.
- Avoid walking on a snow-covered roof. This can damage shingles and increase the risk of a collapse.
- Hire a qualified contractor for safe removal if the snow is deep or ice has already formed.
- Inspect your roof structure before winter to ensure trusses and rafters are in good condition.
Protecting your secondary home
Remote seasonal homes are particularly at risk because damage can go unnoticed for weeks. It’s imperative to keep tabs on an unoccupied dwelling.
- Install smart sensors. Use water leak detectors and temperature sensors that alert your phone if something goes wrong.
- Have a local home-sitter. Ask a trusted neighbour or a professional service to check on the property regularly, especially after a heavy snowfall.
- Clear gutters. Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris before the first freeze so melting snow can drain away properly.
- Check backup systems. Ensure your generator is in good working order so your heating system stays active during power outages.
- Maintain access. Ensure roads and driveways are cleared so that emergency services can reach the property quickly if needed.
Aviva is here to help
Aviva customers have access to risk specialists who understand the unique needs of high-value and seasonal properties. If you have questions about your coverage or want to learn more about protecting your home from winter hazards, please reach out to your broker.
