Our winters are long and brutal on homes. A little fall preparation and winter vigilance prevents the frozen pipes, ice dams, and heating failures that cause the most expensive damage.
Get a free instant quote for a full inspection so you know the condition of the roof, furnace, and insulation before the cold sets in.
Have the heating system inspected and the filter changed. A failure at -20°F is an emergency you want to avoid.
Clear leaves so meltwater can drain instead of feeding ice dams and backups.
Adequate insulation and ventilation keep the roof cold and prevent ice dams. Now's the time to add it.
Caulk and weatherstrip windows and doors to keep heat in and energy bills down.
Drain and disconnect exterior hoses and shut off outdoor spigots to prevent burst pipes.
Make sure the sump pump works before snowmelt season tests it for real.
Through the season, watch for warning signs: large icicles and ice ridges at the eaves signal an ice-dam problem; frost on the inside of windows points to humidity and ventilation issues. Keep snow raked off the lower edge of the roof, keep the area around the furnace and water heater clear, and let faucets trickle during extreme cold spells to protect vulnerable pipes. Keep walkways clear so meltwater and ice don't pool against the foundation.
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Burst pipes are one of the most damaging and common winter claims in Minnesota. Insulate pipes in unheated areas like crawlspaces and exterior walls, keep the home heated even when you're away, open cabinet doors under sinks on bitter nights so warm air reaches the pipes, and know where your main water shutoff is in case the worst happens. Heading out of town? Don't set the thermostat below about 55°F.
Winter prep flows right into spring recovery. Browse the full Learning Center, explore our defect library, or see the complete 120-point home inspection. We serve Hutchinson and all of McLeod County.