10 Essential Tips to Prevent Condo Flooding Incidents and Property Damage In Winter

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 15, 2023 / With recent reports from TD Insurance stating that over 40% of Condo Insurance Claims have been due to flooding in recent years, Home Trade Standards is calling on Condo owners and property managers to take preventative measures to mitigate the risks of water damage incidents.

A few years ago, a prominent high-rise condo building in downtown Toronto experienced a flooding incident caused by a fan coil unit that had ruptured due to freezing. In response, Home Trade Standards was called upon to provide an official report, which revealed that leaving the balcony door open on a freezing day can quickly drop the temperature inside the condominium units. The report also found that older buildings are more prone to fan coil flood risks and recommended annual HVAC maintenance to ensure proper and safe operation.

To prevent such incidents from happening, Home Trade Standards – Condo HVAC Specialists recommends the following 10 tips for Condo owners and property managers:

1. Close balcony doors during cold freezing days in winter
2. Ask Condo management to shut off unit water valves during long-term absence
3. Schedule annual HVAC maintenance to ensure proper and safe operation
4. Retrofit older condo heat pumps fan coils for buildings over 20 years old. New fan coils are equipped with freeze-stat sensors and alarms to prevent flood incidents.
5. Inspect valves, cartridges, actuators, and service valves annually to ensure they are in a safe condition.
6. Use glycol and anti-freeze in the building water supply.
7. Insulate copper piping to protect from freezing.
8. Educate tenants regarding fan coil freezing.
9. Use cautionary signs/stickers on fan coil systems to raise awareness among residents.
10. Schedule annual fan coil maintenance to minimize the risk of fan coil unit failures.

Home Trade Standards emphasizes that learning more about your insurance coverage when you live in a condo is essential. Water damage protection plans come as an add-on for most home insurance policies. Insurance companies will hold you liable for flood damage if you don’t have proper coverage.

“Condo water damages are devastating to the building. Not only does your property get damaged, but it will also have repercussions such as resident displacement, infrastructure degradation, financial damage, and health and safety issues,” said Kevin Moeini, Business Development Manager at Home Trade Standards. “By taking preventative measures and following our tips, condo owners and property managers can mitigate the risk of water damage incidents and protect their property and residents.”

Home Trade Standards Provides Essential Tips to Prevent Condo Flooding Incidents and Property Damage. This Toronto based company provides condo heating & air conditioning services in Toronto & GTA.

For more information on Home Trade Standards’ HVAC services, please visit their website at https://www.hometradestandards.com/.

Contact Information:

Kevin Moeini Business Development Manager | Home Trade Standards – Condo HVAC Specialists Office: (416) 736-7001 | Mobile: (647) 909-3943 | Address: 3983 Chesswood Drive, North York | Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.hometradestandards.com/

SOURCE: Home Trade Standards