Wichita, Kansas – After several rounds of winter cold already tested homes across Kansas, many homeowners are realizing that overlooked winter prep issues don’t need record-breaking weather to cause damage. With February still delivering extended cold across the Plains, the remaining stretch of winter leaves little margin for homes that weren’t fully prepared earlier in the season.
As temperatures continue to fluctuate between overnight freezes and brief daytime warmups, homes stressed during earlier cold snaps remain vulnerable. Small maintenance gaps that went unnoticed in December and January can worsen quickly, turning minor problems into costly repairs if they aren’t addressed now.
Frozen pipes remain one of the most common winter issues statewide, especially in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. Homes across central and southern Kansas are particularly susceptible during prolonged cold spells, when pipes can freeze even after daytime temperatures briefly rebound.
Blocked exterior vents are another frequently overlooked problem. Dryer, bathroom, and kitchen vents can become clogged by lint, snow, or ice, trapping moisture and restricting airflow. These blockages can force exhaust back into the home, leading to moisture damage and increased fire risk during extended cold.
Ice dams continue to cause damage across parts of Kansas during snow events followed by sustained cold. 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 Wichita and surrounding communities are especially vulnerable.
Frozen sump pump discharge lines also remain a concern during extended cold. When outlet pipes freeze solid, melting snow has nowhere to drain, increasing the risk of basement flooding during brief thaws.
Rounding out the top five is heating equipment that has been running hard all winter. Furnaces and boilers with deferred maintenance can struggle as cold lingers, leaving homes without reliable heat during the most demanding part of the season.
Homeowners are encouraged to insulate exposed plumbing, clear snow and debris from exterior vents, manage roof snow buildup safely, and ensure heating systems are operating efficiently. While winter has already tested Kansas homes, lingering February cold means preparation still matters.
