The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) have a long-standing partnership in helping to protect Canadians from natural hazards. Together, they’ve collaborated on this series of IN Focus articles, which share tips to help you protect your home and property from some of Canada’s most damaging weather.
ICLR specializes in disaster prevention and has conducted extensive research to identify the most impactful steps homeowners can take to withstand winter storms, wildfire, severe wind, earthquake, basement flooding and hail.
In this edition of the “Good, Better, Best Protection” IN Focus series, ICLR and IBC share tips and info on protecting your property from wind damage.
Top wind protection tips
Canada experiences frequent windstorms from coast to coast every year, starting with spring and summer tornado risks in British Columbia, the Prairies, Ontario and Quebec, then hurricane season, which predominantly hits the Atlantic provinces and parts of Quebec. Hurricane Fiona remains the most costly extreme weather event ever recorded in Atlantic Canada and is now the seventh largest in Canada’s history in terms of insured damages. With maximum wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec, Hurricane Fiona resulted in tragic loss of life as well as torrential rainfall, large waves, storm surges, downed trees and widespread power outages.
Any type of severe windstorm can demolish homes, uproot trees, toss vehicles and trigger secondary hazards, such as fires, floods and power outages. As windstorms become more destructive and costly, it is important to prepare property to better withstand them.
The “good, better, best” tiered approach helps homeowners know what improvements to prioritize. While homeowners should take every possible essential precaution to avoid damage, time and budget constraints can get in the way of doing more. The enhanced measures are for those able to take their home’s wind resilience to the next level, and the comprehensive measures are for those who need the best possible protection.
Essential measures (good): Keep the roof over your head
Install a roof cover (a protective layer) that is resistant to high winds.
Replace your asphalt shingles during warm weather of at least 10 degrees Celsius, to improve their quality and longevity.
Install a secondary water barrier (preferably synthetic underlayment) on your entire roof, or tape all sheathing joints and around penetrations, such as vents, chimneys and skylights
Enhanced measures (better): Batten down the hatches – from top to bottom
Ask installers about home siding products that are more resistant to high winds.
Strengthen connections between your roof and walls using truss screws or hurricane ties.
Ask your roofer about hand-tabbing or cementing shingles if you are in a high-risk area.
Install garage doors that are resistant to high winds.
Install roof vents that are resistant to high winds.
If you have solar panels on your roof, follow CSA SPE-900 (a Canadian guideline for best practices in solar photovoltaic rooftop installation) for solar panel installation and reinforcement.
Comprehensive measures (best): Stand strong with a sturdy shelter
Install one layer of synthetic underlayment and tape on sheathing joints and around penetrations, or install self-adhering underlayment on the entire roof.
For major structural changes, ask your contractor to follow the CSA S520 high-wind standard.
Check out ICLR’s Good/better/best severe wind protection checklist or go deeper with the “Protect your home from severe wind” booklet.
Know what wind damage your insurance covers.
Home and business insurance policies often cover hurricane, tornado and other wind-related damage.
Most standard home insurance policies will cover losses and damage caused by flying debris, fallen branches or trees, and sudden water intrusion caused by windstorms.
If your home becomes inhabitable due to covered damage, most home insurance policies include coverage for additional living expenses.
Mobile homes and trailers may be covered for wind-related damage under certain policies, but coverage terms, limits, and deductibles vary and should be confirmed with your insurerOptional coverage may include:
Coverage for sewer backup my be available for purchase.
Coverage for food spoilage may already be included in your policy with specified limits. Check with your insurance provider.
Comprehensive or all-perils auto insurance coverage, which covers damage to vehicles from wind. Check your auto insurance policy to see if you are covered.
Windstorms and tornadoes are recognized and covered under Canadian property insurance polices. Property insurance policies do not contain an “Act Of God” exclusion; however, coverage depends on whether the cause of loss is an insured peril
To be proactive and protect your property from unexpected wind and tornadoes, check with your insurance representative to see what coverage you have and what other coverage is available, and stay ahead of increasingly dangerous windstorms in Canada.
More tips
For more information on how to protect your home from flood risks and water damage, watch IBC’s “Stay Protected” video on flood and water safety.
See the other “Good, Better, Best Protection” articles:
Your “Better, Best” Guide to Wildfire Protection
Good, Better, Best Hail Protection: Learn the most effective resilience strategies for your home
