With the rise of climate change, severe weather conditions have become the norm for Canadians, who are scrambling for ways to protect their properties from water damage. Coupled with Canada’s outdated sewage system, the risk of floods is on the rise. Along with the proper insurance coverage, there are numerous precautions and extra steps you can take to protect your home from water damage.
Interior Home Protection
Home improvements and protection of your valuables are ways that may help to minimize water damage in the event of a flood. It’s important to take preventative measures for your home’s interior, such as:
- Consider installing a sump pump with an alarm and/or battery backup
- If you have a sump pump – regularly test it to make sure it is functioning properly
- Invest in a back flow valve
- Regularly check your water tank – consider replacing it if it is over 10 years old
- Regularly check for signs of leaks around sinks, toilets and showers.
Exterior Property Upgrades
Conducting frequent inspections of your property and regular maintenance can safeguard your home from extensive water damage and flooding. To protect your home from floods, you can:
- Ensure the yard is properly graded away from your home to prevent water from entering into the dwelling
- Keep your storm drains clear from debris
- Inspect downspouts and eavestroughs for any clogging
- Monitor your roof for damage
- Inspect and seal cracks and gaps in walls
Purchasing the right coverage
Water damage and floods are a hassle to deal with, so it’s important to ease the recovery process by making sure you have the right insurance to protect your home.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, 50% of home claims are from water damage, so ensuring that you have the right coverage is essential. Not all basic home insurance packages cover overland flooding or sewer backup damage. With the rise of floods, additional home insurance coverage is becoming increasingly vital for all Canadians.
For years, we’ve helped protect Ontarians with the right coverage for their homes, and we can help you do the same. Although we can’t prevent floods, we can help you make sure your home is protected with the best available coverage. If you’re curious about your current coverage or would like to inquire about home insurance, we are always happy to chat.
You can give us a call, send us an email or visit us at our office in St Catharines.
