March in Ontario has a way of keeping homeowners on their toes. Just when you think winter is winding down, the season has a habit of delivering some of its most damaging weather. Freezing rain, high winds, and the relentless freeze-thaw cycle can all take a serious toll on your home — and if last year is any indication, it’s worth paying attention.
In late March 2025, two low-pressure systems brought prolonged freezing rain across central and southeastern Ontario, with some areas in the Kawarthas, Muskoka, and Haliburton regions enduring up to 35 hours of freezing rain and ice accumulation reaching 25mm. The storm caused an estimated $342 million in insured damage, a stark reminder of what Ontario’s late-winter weather is capable of.
The Ice Dam Problem
One of the most common (and sneaky ) sources of winter home damage is the ice dam. Ice dams form when heat escapes through the attic and warms the lower part of the roof. Snow melts, water runs down, and then refreezes once it reaches the colder edges, forming a thick ridge of ice that blocks proper drainage. The trapped water then pushes under shingles, seeps into the roof deck, and can eventually reach ceilings, walls, and insulation.
The tricky part? You may not notice it until water is dripping through your ceiling. If you spot large icicles forming along your eaves or water stains inside your home, don’t ignore them! Those are early warning signs.
Wind Damage: More Common Than You Think
March also brings some of Ontario’s strongest wind events of the year. Damage to homes caused by wind is generally covered under a standard home insurance policy. That includes blown-off shingles, damage from falling tree branches, and debris impact. That said, if your roof was already in rough shape before the storm rolled through, your insurer may factor that into the claim.
If you do experience wind damage, make note of what’s affected, take photos right away, and make only the temporary repairs necessary to prevent further damage, your insurer will need to assess the full extent of the loss.
A Few Simple Steps to Reduce Your Risk
You don’t need to overhaul your home to be better prepared — a few targeted habits go a long way:
- Keep your gutters and downspouts clear so water can drain properly and ice buildup is less likely
- Check your attic insulation — poor insulation is one of the main contributors to ice dam formation
- Trim dead or overhanging tree branches before a wind event turns them into a hazard
- If you’re heading away for the winter, keep your heat on and ask someone to check in on the property
What About Your Insurance Coverage?
This is a good time of year to dust off your home insurance policy and make sure you know what you’re actually covered for. Coverage can vary quite a bit depending on your insurer, your policy type, and the condition of your home — and surprises at claim time are never fun.
Home insurance rates have been rising across Ontario, driven in part by increasing frequency and severity of weather events. This is all the more reason to make sure the coverage you’re paying for is actually working for you.
Not sure if your policy has you covered for ice damage, wind, or related water damage? Reach out to your Oracle RMS broker for a policy review. We’ll walk you through what’s included, flag any gaps, and make sure you’re heading into spring with the right protection in place.
