Alberta’s harsh winters can lead to accumulated snow, ice buildup, and moisture infiltration, increasing risks of flooding, mould, and structural weakening. Municipality-owned buildings (e.g., community centers, libraries, administrative offices) serve critical public functions and must comply with Alberta Building Code standards. Neglecting spring upkeep can result in costly repairs, insurance claims, or operational disruptions. Proactive cleaning reduces these risks by identifying issues early, potentially saving thousands in property losses annually.
The RMA Insurance team has prepared the below checklist to help guide your spring cleaning this year.
Key Spring-Cleaning Tasks
Exterior Maintenance:
- Examine roofs, siding, and foundations for cracks or damage from ice dams.
- Clear debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water overflow during spring rains or melt.
- Replace missing shingles.
- Remove winter salt residues from walkways and entrances to avoid corrosion.
Interior Maintenance:
- Deep clean HVAC systems, replacing filters to improve air quality and efficiency.
- Check for water stains on ceilings and walls indicating leaks. Address promptly to prevent mould growth, common in Alberta’s humid springs.
- Ensure that the sump pump is working and that there are no signs of water seepage.
- Inspect all appliances for leaks, corrosion, or deterioration of materials. Ensure all items are cleaned thoroughly.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent water infiltration and mold.
- Vacuum and sanitize high-traffic areas to reduce allergens and pests.
- Check that fences are sturdy and that locks (especially for public works yards and areas with a high value content inside) are functioning to manage liability.
Grounds and Landscaping:
- Rake away dead leaves and inspect drainage systems to mitigate flood risks, especially in low-lying areas prone to prairie runoff.
- Trim overgrown vegetation near buildings to deter rodents, insects and to fire smart your property.
Safety Systems Check:
- Test fire alarms, sprinklers, change battery in smoke detectors and emergency lighting.
- Ensure exits are clear and accessible, complying with Alberta Fire Code requirements.
Hiring Contractors:
When hiring professionals for tasks like cleaning gutters or roof repairs, ensure they are properly insured. Be aware of price gouging, particularly after severe weather events. When in doubt, please reach out to risk@rmainsurance.com for guidance on hiring contractors.
Risk Mitigation (Preventing Claims):
In keeping with best practices, routine maintenance and preventative work are a requirement to ensure your policy will respond. Damage resulting from neglected maintenance, along with wear and tear, may result in coverage not being afforded. Common examples of neglected maintenance include such items as a thirty (30)-plus year-old leaking roof, among others.
Consistently check for mould, which is generally not covered unless the loss is caused by a specific, sudden and accidental insured peril.
Impact of Alberta’s Climate on Property Structures:
- Water Damage Prevention: Install sump pumps in basements and grade landscapes away from foundations. Schedule annual roof inspections post-winter to catch leaks early—aim for completion by mid-April before heavy rains.
- Structural Integrity: Hire certified inspectors for seismic and wind-load assessments, vital in wind-prone regions like southern Alberta. Reinforce weak points with caulking or seals to block moisture entry.
- Pest and Environmental Controls: Use integrated pest management; seal entry points and remove standing water to avoid infestations that could damage wiring or insulation.
- Insurance and Documentation: Review municipal insurance policies for flood/winter damage coverage. Document all maintenance with photos and logs to support claims if losses occur.
- Staff Training: Train facility managers on spotting hazards; implement a checklist system for routine checks. Reach out to your designated Risk Advisor for assistance.
- Budgeting for Prevention: Allocate 1-2% of building value annually for maintenance. Annual allocations will be far less expensive than emergency repairs.
By implementing these practices, Alberta municipalities can maintain safe, efficient buildings while minimizing financial and operational risks.
For more information, please contact: risk@rmainsurance.com.