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Toronto winters are no joke. With heavy snowfall, frigid temperatures, and sudden freeze-thaw cycles, winter becomes one of the highest-risk seasons for water damage. From frozen pipes to damaging ice dams on roofs, homeowners and property managers face unique challenges as temperatures drop.
At Desa Contracting, we regularly respond to winter water damage emergencies across Toronto and the GTA—from burst pipes to attic leaks caused by ice dams. Understanding how these issues happen and how to prevent them can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and avoid major structural damage.
This guide explains how to prevent frozen pipes in Toronto, how ice dams form, the causes of frozen pipes, what to do if your pipes burst, and how to protect your property during extreme cold.
Toronto experiences drastic temperature swings, heavy snowfalls, and polar vortex conditions that push temperatures well below freezing. This combination puts pressure on plumbing systems, roofing, and building materials.
The most common causes of winter water damage include:
Understanding these risks makes it easier to prepare your home correctly.
Frozen pipes occur when temperatures drop below 0°C, and the water inside plumbing lines begins to freeze. As water freezes, it expands, creating pressure that can cause the pipe to crack or burst.
Common causes include:
Frozen pipes can burst at any moment, causing flooding that spreads rapidly throughout your home.
As a Toronto restoration company, one of the best pieces of advice we give homeowners is to winterize their plumbing before temperatures get too low.
Here are essential steps for winter home water damage prevention:
Pipes in unheated areas—such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages—are most vulnerable.
Use:
This significantly reduces freezing risk.
Any cold air entering near pipes dramatically increases freezing risk.
Check for drafts around:
Seal gaps with caulk or expanding foam.
Never let your home drop below 15°C, even if you’re away.
Heat helps protect interior walls and plumbing lines.
Allowing a small trickle of water to flow reduces pressure inside the pipes and prevents freezing.
Leaving hoses attached allows water to freeze inside the line and travel back into the interior plumbing.
If your home has a separate shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, close it and drain remaining water.
These steps are essential for anyone searching for how to stop pipes from freezing in Toronto’s harsh winter weather.
Ice dams form when heat escapes from your attic, melting the snow on your roof and causing it to overflow. As the water flows down and refreezes near the colder edges, it creates a solid block of ice.
This ice prevents melting snow from draining off the roof—forcing water back under shingles and into your attic, ceilings, and walls.
To prevent ice dams:
If you already have an ice dam, do not chip away at the ice—this can cause roof damage. Instead, contact professionals for safe removal.
A burst pipe can release hundreds of liters of water within minutes. Knowing how to respond can significantly reduce damage.
1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply
This stops flooding immediately.
2. Shut Off Electricity in Affected Areas
Never enter standing water near electrical outlets.
3. Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company
Time is critical. Professional extraction and drying prevent mold and structural damage.
Desa Contracting provides fast, certified water damage restoration in Toronto with 24/7 emergency service.
4. Remove Valuables
Move furniture, electronics, and documents to a dry area.
5. Start Documenting the Damage
Insurers require detailed photographs and videos of the water damage before repairs can begin.
Winterizing your home is the best way to avoid unexpected damage. Additional protection tips include:
Keep Interior Doors Open
This allows warm air to circulate through pipes hidden inside walls.
Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks
Especially on exterior walls—this allows heat to reach plumbing lines.
Add Insulation Where Needed
Attics, basements, garages, and crawl spaces are standard cold zones.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Maintains consistent temperature and alerts you to sudden drops.
Schedule a Winter Home Inspection
Professionals can identify vulnerabilities before temperatures drop to dangerously low levels.
If your home experiences winter water damage—from frozen pipes, roof leaks, or ice dams—you need a certified restoration team to ensure:
Desa Contracting is IICRC-certified and equipped to handle winter water damage Toronto ON with fast response, advanced equipment, and expert technicians.
Low temperatures, poor insulation, drafts, and sudden cold snaps are the most common causes of discomfort.
Look for icicles, ceiling leaks, cold spots, and damp attic insulation.
Sudden and accidental damage (like burst pipes) is often covered. Gradual issues, ice dam leaks, or long-term freezing damage may or may not be covered—check your policy for details.
Yes—mold can develop within 24–48 hours if moisture is not fully removed.
If your home or business has suffered winter water damage, don’t wait—every minute increases the risk of mold growth and structural deterioration. At Desa Contracting, our certified restoration experts respond fast with advanced equipment and end-to-end restoration services.
Get emergency help or request a fast on-site assessment today.
Trust the professionals Toronto homeowners rely on—let Desa Contracting restore your home safely and efficiently.
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