As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, your home becomes your family’s warm refuge from Ontario’s cold, snowy months. But before winter settles in, it’s important to make sure your home is ready to handle the season ahead. Taking time for a few essential fall and winter maintenance tasks can help prevent costly damage, improve energy efficiency, and keep your home safe, all while giving you peace of mind.
At ICD Insurance, we’ve seen how proactive home maintenance can reduce the risk of insurance claims and extend the life of your property. Here’s what every homeowner should do before the snow starts to fall.
1. Inspect and Clean Your Eavestroughs
Leaves, twigs, and debris can clog gutters and downspouts, leading to water buildup and ice dams when temperatures dip below freezing. These ice blockages can force water under your shingles and into your home, causing leaks and structural damage.
Clean your gutters thoroughly in the fall and ensure downspouts direct water at least three feet away from your foundation.
2. Check Your Roof and Attic
Heavy snow and freezing rain can put significant stress on your roof. Before winter, inspect for missing shingles, cracked flashing, or signs of sagging. Inside your attic, look for moisture or daylight peeking through, both signs that repairs may be needed. A well-insulated attic also helps prevent heat loss and ice dams, keeping your energy bills lower throughout the season.
3. Service Your Furnace and Fireplace
Your heating system works hard during the winter months, so schedule a professional inspection early in the season. Replace filters, check for leaks, and make sure vents are clear.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney cleaned and inspected to prevent creosote buildup, a major cause of chimney fires.
4. Protect Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter insurance claims. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements, garages, and crawl spaces. On especially cold nights, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving. If you’re leaving home for an extended period, shut off your water supply or have someone check the house regularly.
5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters running, the risk of fire or carbon monoxide exposure increases in winter. Test your smoke and CO detectors monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. A few minutes of maintenance could save lives.
6. Seal Windows and Doors
Drafts can quickly drive up heating costs. Check for gaps around windows and doors and seal them with weatherstripping or caulking. This small investment improves comfort, reduces energy use, and helps your home stay warm through even the coldest nights.
Keep Your Home and Peace of Mind Protected
A few hours of fall and winter maintenance can prevent thousands of dollars in repairs and help you avoid common seasonal insurance claims. At ICD Insurance, we’re committed to helping Ontario homeowners safeguard their homes year-round with the right coverage and practical advice.
If you’d like to review your home insurance policy or explore coverage options before winter, our local brokers are here to help. Contact us today at icdinsurance.ca or call 905-830-9000 to speak with a trusted advisor and make sure your home is protected for the season ahead.
Disclaimer: At ICD Insurance, we aim to provide accurate, up-to-date information. However, insurance needs vary, and coverage depends on specific policies, locations, and providers. This content is for general information only and may not fully apply to your situation. Please contact your ICD Insurance broker to discuss your specific needs and coverage.