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Brace for Impact! Your Home's Winter Storm Checklist from Enlighten Home Inspections

Brace for Impact! Your Home's Winter Storm Checklist from Enlighten Home Inspections

January 23, 2026

The Mid-Atlantic is gearing up for a significant winter storm this weekend. We have created a crucial checklist to help our clients clients prepare their homes and minimize potential storm-related issues.

At Enlighten Home Inspections, we believe an informed homeowner is a protected homeowner!

Before the Flakes Fly: Your Pre-Storm Property Checklist

A little preparation now can save you a lot of headache (and potential repair costs!) later.

1. Protect Your Plumbing: The #1 Winter Insurance Claim

Frozen pipes are a nightmare. Here’s how to avoid them:

Disconnect Hoses: Remove all garden hoses from exterior spigots. Water trapped in a connected hose will freeze and can burst the pipe inside your wall.
Insulate "Cold Zone" Pipes: If you have pipes running through unheated areas like crawl spaces, basements, or attics, give them a quick wrap. Foam pipe insulation is ideal, but even old towels or blankets can offer temporary protection.
Open Cabinet Doors: For sinks on exterior walls (common in older homes and city rowhomes), keep the cabinet doors underneath slightly ajar. This allows warmer room air to circulate around the pipes.
The "Pencil Stream" Drip: If temperatures are forecast to drop below 20°F, consider letting a faucet furthest from your main water shut-off drip a slow, pencil-width stream of cold water. Moving water is less likely to freeze.

2. Roof & Gutter Defense Against Ice Dams

Heavy snow and ice can wreak havoc on your roof.

Clear Gutters & Downspouts: Ensure your gutters are free of leaves and debris. Blocked gutters can lead to melting snow backing up, freezing into ice dams. These dams force water under your shingles and into your attic and ceilings, causing significant damage.
Attic Check (If Safe): If you can safely access your attic, do a quick visual check for any existing moisture or visible light sources, which could indicate vulnerabilities. After the storm, check again for signs of new leaks.
Trim Overhanging Branches: Our region's wet snow and ice are notorious for snapping branches, especially from trees like Bradford Pears. Trim any branches that are directly over or touching your roof to prevent damage.

3. Heating & Carbon Monoxide Safety

Stay warm, stay safe!

Clear HVAC Vents: If you have high-efficiency furnace exhaust vents or water heater vents (often PVC pipes on the side of your house), ensure they are clear of any snow drifts. Blocked vents can cause your heating system to shut down or, critically, leak Carbon Monoxide.
Test Your CO Detectors: Many people rely on fireplaces or space heaters during winter storms. Confirm that all your Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors have fresh batteries and are working properly.
Generator Safety: If you use a generator, remember the golden rule: NEVER run it in a garage, basement, or within 20 feet of any window or door, even if partially open. Generators must be operated outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

During & After the Storm: Key Actions

Action	Why It Matters
Shovel Early & Often	It's always easier (and safer for your back!) to shovel a few inches of light snow multiple times than to tackle a foot of heavy, wet snow and ice all at once.
Clear the Fire Hydrant	If there's a fire hydrant on or near your property, clearing a 3-foot radius around it can be a life-saving action for first responders in an emergency.
Check Your Sump Pump	As snow melts, the ground becomes saturated. Ensure your sump pump's discharge pipe is not frozen, clogged, or blocked by snow piles to prevent basement flooding.
Assess Your Deck Load	Heavy, wet snow can put significant stress on older or less robust wooden decks. If you see more than a foot of snow accumulating, consider safely clearing some of it.

A Quick Tip on Ice Melt: Be mindful of how much salt-based ice melt you use. Excessive salt can damage concrete walkways, causing pitting and deterioration over time. Consider using sand or non-clumping kitty litter for traction as a gentler alternative.

Stay warm and safe this weekend, neighbors! If you have any concerns about your home's winter readiness or need a thorough inspection, visit us at www.enlighteninspections.com.