How to prepare your home for freezing rain

Freezing rain might sound harmless for your home—after all, it's outside and you're snug inside, nice and warm, right? But the reality is, freezing rain can cause some serious damage to your home if you're not prepared. We're here to help, with this checklist for keeping your home safe and snug when everything around you turns into a slippery, icy nightmare:

Keeping the chill out begins with sealing your windows and doors, a simple fix that’s one of your best defences against the chill that comes with freezing rain. Here’s what to do to cut down on cold drafts and keep your heating system from working overtime:

• Apply weatherstripping: Block those cold drafts by installing weatherstripping along the edges of windows and doors.
• Seal cracks: Apply caulk to any cracks or gaps around your window or door frames.
• Install door sweeps: Attach door sweeps to the bottom of exterior doors to keep cold air from entering.

Want to keep your heating system running efficiently? Read more energy efficiency tips here.

Your roof takes the brunt of freezing rain, so you want to make sure it’s ready for the iciest weather that winter can throw your way. Keep your roof strong and leak-free by hiring a roof maintenance company or professional to:

• Inspect (and repair) shingles: Your pro will check your shingles for any signs of looseness, wear, or damage and replace any that are cracked or curling — or just plain missing.
• Check flashing: Flashing is used around roof joints and edges to direct water away from vulnerable areas.  A roof maintenance expert can make sure your flashing is secure and in good condition, especially around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
• Clear off debris: Ask a pro to keep your roof clear of debris, such as leaves or branches. These can trap moisture, leading to water buildup that can damage your roof over time.

Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause serious problems when freezing rain hits. Here’s what you can do to keep your gutters and downspouts clear:

• Remove debris: Leaves, twigs, and other debris tend to accumulate in your gutters. Hire a professional to clean out this debris so water can flow freely, helping to prevent ice dams from forming.
• Check for damage: Examine gutters and downspouts for signs of damage, such as cracks, sagging, or loose sections. Fix and replace any compromised areas.
• Ensure proper positioning: To prevent water damage and basement flooding, make sure your downspouts extend far enough from your home to direct water away from your foundation.

Keeping your home warm during freezing rain involves more than just adjusting your thermostat. Use these strategies to keep the chill outside where it belongs:

• Use optimal thermostat settings: Keeping your thermostat set to around 20°C during the day and lowering it to 17-18°C at night saves energy. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat to schedule these changes automatically.
• Choose thermal curtains: Heavy or thermal curtains help you retain heat by adding an extra layer of insulation to your windows.
• Close off unused rooms: Shut the doors to any rooms you’re not using to keep the warmth concentrated in the areas you and your family use the most.

Power outages are one of the most common, annoying, and potentially dangerous consequences of freezing rain. Be prepared with these tips:

• Stock up on emergency supplies: These include flashlights, batteries, portable power banks (make sure to charge these periodically), water, blankets, canned goods, a manual can opener, and a first aid kit.
• Invest in backup power. Consider buying a portable or standby generator.  Make sure you know how to use it safely and check it regularly so it’s ready to use when you need it.
• Stay informed. Keep your phone charged and have a plan to stay in touch with family and neighbours. Know where to go for weather updates and power company notifications.

Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s winter nightmare, leading to burst pipes and water damage. And if freezing rain takes out the power, you don't want to be worrying about your pipes freezing. The following precautions could save you from costly repairs:

• Use foam Insulation: Cover any exposed pipes (typically found in areas like attics, basements, and garages) with foam insulation sleeves.
• Apply heat tape or cables: Pipes in unheated areas can be particularly susceptible to freezing. Consider using heat tape to keep pipes in extra cold areas warm or consulting with a professional about installing heat cables.
• Seal openings: Check for gaps or openings in the walls near your pipes, and seal with expanding foam or caulk to help keep cold air out.

It's also a good idea to take a moment now, before winter arrives, to review your insurance to see what coverage you have. For example, if your home is insured with TD Insurance, you'll be covered (up to a specified limit) for the expense of removing any trees that have succumbed to freezing rain and fallen on your property.

If you're an existing TD Insurance customer, you can review and manage your policy any time on MyInsurance. If you're looking to get started with TD Insurance, simply get a quote in minutes to see what a personalized policy can look like for you.