When it comes to resilience in the face of climate change, there are a number of solutions to consider. These may include the introduction of legislative measures guaranteeing weather-resistant construction, or support from insurers to help their customers strengthen the protection of their property.
Do your policyholders want to protect their property against extreme weather events, but don't know where to start? Here are a few ways to help them make their homes more resilient.
1. Install a rainwater harvesting barrel
Available from most hardware and landscaping stores, rainwater harvesting barrels limit the amount of water absorbed into the ground during heavy rainstorms.
What's more, the water accumulated in your barrel can be reused to water your plants, or even to clean your car during watering bans in times of drought.
Many municipalities offer subsidies to finance the purchase of a barrel. Check with your municipality.
2. Create a rain garden
Since barrels won't be enough to capture all the water from torrential downpours, planting a rain garden will help capture the water and slow its runoff into the soil.
According to Quebec’s Organisme de Bassin Versant de la Baie Missisquoi, rain gardens reduce the risk of flooding and sewer overflows.
It's a sunken flowerbed made up of plants that help capture water. It can be harmoniously integrated into your property's existing landscaping.
Eco Homes recommends locating the rain garden between three and nine metres from the house, and installing it on a gentle slope with a maximum gradient of 12%.
3. Maintain your French drain
Also known as a dispersal drain or perimeter drain, the French drain redirects to the storm sewers any water that may accumulate around your property's foundations, preventing it from seeping through cracks or under your floor.
A regular camera inspection of the drain will ensure that nothing obstructs the passage of water and that the structure is still in good condition. If necessary, a cleaning will extend its life.
Some properties built over half a century ago still have clay drains, which have reached the end of their lifespan: although this represents a considerable expense, replacing it could be a wise investment.
4. Install a backflow prevention valve
An anti-backflow valve is very useful when it comes to sewer backups. These are more and more likely to occur as heavy rainfall brings a large flow of water into stormwater structures.
There are three types of flap valve: normally open, normally closed and insertion.
Installing such a device, already present in many homes, is a good way to prevent your basement from flooding.
5. Replace your roof covering
If it's time to replace your roof, consider recycled or heat-reflecting materials.
If replacing the cladding is too costly an option, you could also apply white paint to your existing cladding. By reflecting the sun's rays, white roofs limit the amount of heat absorbed by the structure of the residence, thus reducing dependence on air conditioning and, consequently, greenhouse gas emissions.
If your roof slope is low, another option is possible: by installing a green roof, you can channel rainwater in a different way.
Green roofs offer many advantages. They help reduce heat islands in your neighborhood, as well as improving your property's thermal and acoustic insulation.
6. Replace your home's exterior cladding
In addition to the roof, the exterior walls of your property protect the interior from the elements. Some materials, such as untreated wood, are vulnerable to precipitation, insects and mold. Replacing them with more resistant, lower-maintenance materials can be a wise choice.
Weather-resistant and easy to install, vinyl remains an economical and popular choice.
Engineered wood is also designed to withstand temperature variations and humidity. It resists the sun's rays and provides good insulation.
Fire-resistant, brick remains an excellent thermal insulator, helping to reduce heating bills. In the same category, natural stone stands up to the elements and offers the same insulating properties.
However, while fiber cement is resistant to water and mildew, its manufacturing is less environmentally friendly and it tends to degrade over time.
7. Don't forget the windows!
High-performance windows and shutters help protect your home from excessive heat or strong winds.
To strengthen windows, opt for frames made from sturdy materials such as aluminum, steel or reinforced plastic. Windows made of tempered or safety glass are also less likely to shatter in high winds.
It's also important to ensure that window and door seals are solid and watertight. Leave window installation to a professional.
8. Shutters to protect glass
In addition to strengthening windows per se, shutters can be installed to protect glass panes from objects and debris that could hit them during high winds or hurricanes.
Available in flexible Kevlar or rigid aluminum panels, with a rolling or accordion mechanism, storm shutters could lower your home insurance premiums. Check with your broker to find out more.
9. Insulate your property better
According to information published on the Quebec government's Energy Transition website, poor insulation of your home can lead to heating or cooling losses. These losses could be in the order of 17% through above-ground walls, 15% through buried basement walls and foundation floors, and 11% through the roof.
In addition, poor insulation can lead to condensation at the bottom of the walls or the appearance of mould.
10. Install renewable energy systems
To reduce your dependence on the public electricity grid, especially in the event of prolonged power cuts caused by the vagaries of nature, consider equipping your property with solar panels or a geothermal system to make your home more self-sufficient.
Not only will this protect your home from the effects of climate change, it will also improve its energy efficiency and reduce its ecological footprint.
Although costly to install, this approach could save you money later on.
It's worth noting that Canada has a certification program for net-zero energy homes.