For business owners in Waterloo, Guelph, and across Ontario, winter isn’t just a change in the weather—it’s a rigorous test of your building’s resilience. Between heavy snow loads and plummeting temperatures, your commercial property faces unique challenges that can lead to costly downtime if not managed proactively.
At Strong Roots Insurance, we’re committed to protecting what matters most. We want to help you build a solid foundation for your business by identifying winter risks and showing you how to simplify your maintenance to avoid insurance claims.
Frozen Pipes: The $5,000 Drip
Frozen pipes are one of the most frequent causes of commercial insurance winter claims in Canada. When water freezes, it expands, exerting thousands of pounds of pressure that can cause even the strongest metal pipes to burst.
- The Risk: Pipes in unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces, or those running along exterior walls are the most vulnerable.
- How to Avoid Claims:
- Keep the Heat Up: Never set your thermostat lower than 13°C to 16°C (55°F to 60°F), even on weekends or during holiday closures.
- Insulate Vulnerable Runs: Wrap at-risk pipes in foam sleeves or UL-listed heat tape.
- Seal the Envelope: Use caulking or expanding foam to seal cracks where cold air can whistle into wall cavities and freeze your plumbing.
Roof Stress and Ice Dams
If you’ve managed a property in Stratford or London, you know how heavy Ontario snow can get. Excessive snow loads and ice dams are leading causes of structural damage.
- The Risk: Buildings with flat roofs are not the only buildings susceptible to weight-related sagging or “ice dams.” While these types of roofs are certainly at a high risk due to their design, all roofs can experience damage as a result of heavy snow accumulation and ice buildup. Ice dams—ridges of ice that form at the roof edge—force melting water back under the shingles or seams, leading to leaks and interior rot.
- How to Avoid Claims:
- Ensure Proper Insulation: Maintaining consistent attic or roof insulation is your best defense against ice dams. Proper insulation prevents heat from escaping your building and melting the snow on the roof, which is the primary cause of ice dam formation.
- Clear the Drains: Ensure gutters, scuppers, and drains are free of debris before the first freeze to allow proper drainage.
- Watch for Red Flags: If you notice sagging ceiling tiles or new cracks in interior drywall, call a professional immediately—these are often early signs of roof stress.
- Professional Snow Removal: Don’t risk a fall or further roof damage by doing it yourself; hire an insured contractor to safely remove heavy accumulations.
Liability: The Hidden Cost of Slips and Falls
While property damage is visible, liability claims from slip-and-fall incidents are often the most expensive winter maintenance commercial property risks.
- The Risk: Icy parking lots, snow-covered walkways, and wet interior floors can lead to third-party injury claims.
- How to Avoid Claims:
- Maintain a Daily Log: Document when you salt, shovel, and inspect your property. This record is your best defense in a liability dispute.
- Focus on Transitions: Entrances and exits are “hot zones.” Use heavy-duty, non-slip mats and keep mops or fans nearby to manage melting slush.
Protecting Your Future with Expert Advice
Managing a business is hard enough without worrying about the next blizzard. At Strong Roots Insurance, we act as your client advocates, helping you find tailored solutions that include essential coverages like Business Interruption and Equipment Breakdown.
We aren’t just your brokers; we’re your neighbours. We live here, we work here, and we understand the unique nuances of Ontario business.
