Boston, Massachusetts – Another surge of Arctic air is setting its sights on Massachusetts, and homeowners across the state are being reminded that overlooked winter prep issues can quickly escalate into costly damage once temperatures drop and remain locked in the cold.
As frigid air spreads across the region, frozen pipes continue to top the list of winter-related emergencies. Pipes located in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls are especially vulnerable, and even a single night of extreme cold can cause freezing and ruptures that lead to flooding.
Blocked exterior vents are another problem that often goes unnoticed. Dryer, bathroom, and kitchen exhaust vents can become clogged with lint, snow, or ice, trapping moisture that freezes and forces air back into the home. These blockages not only increase the risk of water damage but can also create fire hazards when appliances cannot vent properly.
Ice dams remain a persistent issue throughout Massachusetts during prolonged cold spells. Heat escaping through uneven attic insulation melts snow on rooftops, which then refreezes along colder roof edges. Water backs up beneath shingles, leading to damage inside ceilings, walls, and insulation. Older homes in Boston and surrounding communities are particularly susceptible.
Frozen sump pump discharge lines also cause problems during extended cold. When outlet pipes freeze solid, melting snow has nowhere to go, increasing the risk of basement flooding during brief warmups.
Rounding out the top five is neglected heating equipment. Furnaces and boilers that haven’t been serviced can fail under peak demand, leaving homes without reliable heat and forcing residents to rely on space heaters, which increases fire and electrical risks.
Homeowners are urged to insulate exposed pipes, clear snow and debris from exterior vents, manage roof snow buildup safely, and ensure heating systems are operating efficiently before the cold tightens its grip. Additional cold-related alerts are expected as January’s winter pattern continues across Massachusetts.
