Flagstaff, Arizona – After repeated rounds of winter cold and snow already tested homes across northern Arizona, many residents are realizing that overlooked winter prep issues don’t require extreme storms to cause damage. With February still bringing freezing nights at higher elevations, the heart of winter is far from finished across much of the state.
As temperatures continue to swing between overnight freezes and brief daytime thaws, homes stressed during earlier cold snaps remain vulnerable. Small maintenance gaps that went unnoticed earlier in the season can worsen quickly, turning manageable problems into costly repairs if they aren’t addressed now.
Frozen pipes remain one of the most common winter issues in northern Arizona, particularly in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. Homes in Flagstaff and surrounding high-elevation communities are especially susceptible during prolonged cold, while properties designed for milder conditions face added risk.
Blocked exterior vents are another frequently overlooked problem. Dryer, bathroom, and furnace vents can become clogged by snow, ice, or debris, trapping moisture and restricting airflow. These blockages can force exhaust back into the home, increasing moisture damage and safety concerns during extended cold spells.
Ice-related roof problems have also surfaced following snow events. Heat escaping through uneven attic insulation melts rooftop snow, which then refreezes along colder roof edges. Water backs up beneath shingles, damaging ceilings, insulation, and interior walls. Older homes in Flagstaff are particularly vulnerable during repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Frozen sump pump discharge lines and buried drain outlets can also create issues during extended cold. When outlet pipes freeze solid, melting snow has nowhere to go, increasing the risk of basement or crawl space flooding during brief warmups.
Rounding out the top five is heating equipment that has been running hard throughout the winter. Furnaces and boilers with deferred maintenance can struggle as cold lingers, leaving homes without reliable heat during the most demanding stretch of the season.
Homeowners are encouraged to insulate exposed plumbing, keep vents clear of snow and ice, manage roof snow safely, and ensure heating systems are operating efficiently. While winter has already made its presence known, lingering February cold means preparation still matters across Arizona’s high country.
