Warm Climate Freeze Prep: A Homeowner’s Checklist
When you aren’t used to freezing temperatures, a single night of 28°F can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Use this guide to “winterize” your home before the cold front hits.
1. Exterior Plumbing & Irrigation
In warm climates, pipes are often shallower or even exposed. This is the #1 cause of damage during a freeze.
Disconnect Hoses: Remove garden hoses from outdoor spigots. If left connected, water trapped in the hose can freeze and expand back into the pipe, causing it to burst inside your wall.
Insulate Spigots: Use foam “hose bib” covers or wrap faucets in old towels secured with duct tape.
Drain Irrigation: Turn off your sprinkler system and drain the backflow preventer.
Identify Your Main Shut-off: Make sure everyone in the house knows where the main water shut-off valve is located in case a pipe does burst.
2. Interior Plumbing “Life Hacks”
The “Drip” Method: On the coldest night, leave a very thin trickle of water (both hot and cold) running from the faucet furthest from your water main. Moving water is much harder to freeze.
Open Cabinet Doors: Open the cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. This allows the warm air from your heater to circulate around the pipes.
3. Roof & Gutter Health
Freezing temperatures can turn a small roof issue into a major leak.
Clear the Gutters: If your gutters are full of debris, water will back up. When that water freezes, it creates ice dams that can force water under your shingles once the sun comes out.
Check for Overhanging Branches: Cold wind and ice can make brittle branches snap. Trim back any limbs that are hanging over your roof to prevent impact damage.
4. Attic & HVAC Maintenance
Check Insulation: Ensure your attic insulation isn’t blocking your soffit vents. Proper airflow prevents moisture buildup during temperature swings.
Change Filters: Your heater will be working overtime. A fresh filter ensures the system doesn’t overheat or fail when you need it most.
Seal the Gaps: Use weatherstripping or caulk around drafty windows and doors to keep the heat in and the cold out.
5. Pool & Spa Care
Run the Pump: If you have a pool, keep the pump running continuously during the freeze. Most modern systems have a “freeze protection” mode that does this automatically.
Adjust Chemistry: Ensure your water level is correct; if it’s too low, the pump might suck in air, which can lead to freezing in the filtration system.
Why Timing Matters
For Warm Climate Free Pre, Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than an emergency repair. If you notice a shingle that looks loose or a gutter that isn’t draining before the freeze hits, give us a call. Handling these small fixes now prevents the “big freeze” from turning a minor crack into a major flood.
Need a pre-winter roof inspection? Call us today to ensure your home is ready for whatever the weather throws at it!
