York Region residents should protect homes before spring thaw: Insurance Company
Yorkregion.com
March 25, 2014
After water damage caused problems for Canadians, Aviva Canada, one of the country’s insurance providers, urges you to protect your property ahead of the spring thaw.
Last year’s storms in Alberta and Toronto accounted for 51 per cent of the property claims the insurance company received vice-president of property claims Wayne Ross said.
The company paid a record $190 million for water damage claims last year, a 69-per-cent increase compared to 2012 figures.
Aviva offers the following tips help you protect your property:
Inspect your roof: To prevent leaks, get the roof inspected every few years to check the condition of the shingles and replace when necessary;
- Clear out gutters: Prevent blockages, such as leaves and other debris that could force water into your home;
- Install a backwater valve: These valves close automatically if the sewer backs up and can prevent thousands of dollars in damage;
- Scope out your sump pump: If your basement has one, examine it and conduct a test run if it doesn’t get used frequently;
- Slope right: Ensure that soil, walkways and patios slope away from the home to allow for proper drainage;
- Check your foundation: As ice melts, if you notice water pooling in certain areas, clear it away from your home;
- Ensure your window wells are debris-free: Clear any accumulated garbage or leaves to allow water to drain properly;
- Ensure street catch basins are not blocked: These prevent snow from building up on the street level, protecting water from seeping towards your property;
- Protect your valuables: If your home is prone to water damage, consider moving valuables away from high-risk areas such as the basement, or place items on high shelves or risers and;
- Start right: If you are finishing your basement, make sure to seal your exterior walls.
