BLOGBlog posted On January 29, 2026
Have you seen the forecast? The weather outside is frightful, and with all this ice and snow, it’s certainly not delightful for your home! The phrase “Winter is coming” has never rung more true than this January. We’ve been slammed with countrywide snowstorms and freezing temperatures, forcing many homeowners to hunker down. Below, we’ve compiled some helpful tips to stay safe and warm during these winter storms and blizzards.
Pipe Protection
Homeowners, protect those pipes! If you’re not careful, frozen pipes can accumulate thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs. And if you don’t have the equity to help with renovations, you could be looking at a serious dent in your savings. According to NAR, frozen pipes are one of the most common and costly causes of winter property damage, followed by sump pump failures in basements and ice damming on roofs.
You can protect your pipes from freezing by:
Prevent Ice Dams on Your Roof
If you don’t clear leaves and sticks from your gutters, you could be in danger of ice dams on your roof. A regular gutter cleaning can help you steer clear of cracking gutters, ice dam buildup, and leaks.
Roof experts suggest:
Winterize Outdoor Walkways
Broken stairs, banisters, and slick sidewalks can become lethal when covered in snow and ice.
??Pro Tip: Salting your walkways? Be sure to remove as much snow as possible before salting. Salt works best on thin ice layers!
Trim Your Tree Branches
Even if they looked sturdy earlier in the year, trees and their branches can be affected by wind, ice, and snow. Be sure to remove damaged or dangerous tree branches hanging over your home or vehicle.
Prepare Emergency Kits
Keep a stash of supplies ready for any winter weather disasters! This is especially important if you live in southern states; you won’t be able to rely on paved and salted roads as much as the northern states, so make sure to stock up on extra supplies during your grocery runs.
Go-to items include:
Stay Safe This Winter
We hope this has been helpful homeowning advice as you bundle up and brace for blizzards. Your endurance will be tested during this time of the year, and many first-time home buyers aren’t familiar with these home maintenance pro tips until it’s too late. Once you’ve ensured your home can weather the winter, you should take advantage of being inside and host hot cocoa nights with your family, snuggle up with blankets, and relax to some movie marathons. Perfect excuse to finally binge all three “Lord of the Rings” films (extended editions, of course). And if you do need any help with last-minute winter renovations, you know who to call!
Source: National Association of Realtors
