Your Insurance Broker's Blog

Don’t let accumulated snow and ice on your property become a liability!

Hard to believe, but winter is coming to an end. However, between now and the return of the swallows the accumulations of snow and ice on your residence, or around it, can become quite worrisome. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Just follow the practical advice below!

  • Remove as often as possible the surplus of snow on the roof of your residence. This precaution could avoid it sagging or worse, collapsing. Ideally you should hire qualified professionals. However, if you decide to remove the snow on your roof yourself, use a shovel with a telescopic handle specially designed for this operation which allows you to work from the ground.
  • Regularly shovel the snow from your balconies, galleries, patios and parking areas and de-ice them. These precautions will prevent damage that may occur to your external installations due to the weight of the snow and ice. They will also help to avoid anyone getting hurt by falling in your driveway.
  • Do you have a car shelter? An overabundance of accumulated snow could cause its collapse. Be sure to remove snow from the outside. Removing the snow from the inside would put you in an awkward position if the structure was to collapse.
  • Do you have an above-ground swimming pool? Whether it is completely buried under the snow or not, it is important to clear the external contour of the swimming pool, also called “copings”. Also, be sure to remove the snow which could be found in or in front of the skimmer to prevent cracks.
  • Do you have a recreational vehicle (caravan or motorhome) parked outside during the cold season? Avoid possible damage and water seeping in by regularly removing the snow from its roof. When doing this, be sure to leave a small layer of snow, to avoid damaging the rubber membrane.

Assurances Groupe Vézina is there to help you in matters of loss prevention. Don’t hesitate to communicate with us!