Buffalo, New York – Another wave of Arctic air is preparing to push across New York, and homeowners in Buffalo and beyond are being reminded that overlooked winter prep issues can quickly turn into expensive damage when deep cold settles in.
As frigid air spreads statewide, frozen pipes remain the most common and destructive winter problem. Pipes located in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls are especially vulnerable, and sudden temperature drops can cause them to freeze or burst with little warning.
Blocked exterior vents are another issue frequently missed until it’s too late. Dryer, bathroom, and kitchen vents can become clogged by lint, snow, or ice, trapping moisture that freezes and forces airflow back into the home. These blockages can lead to water damage and increase fire risk when appliances cannot vent properly.
Ice dams continue to cause widespread damage across upstate New York. Heat escaping through poorly insulated attics melts rooftop snow, which then refreezes along colder roof edges. Water backs up beneath shingles, leading to interior ceiling damage, wet insulation, and mold concerns. Older homes in Buffalo are particularly prone to this problem during prolonged cold spells.
Frozen sump pump discharge lines also rank among the most overlooked winter hazards. When outlet pipes freeze solid, melting snow has nowhere to drain, 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 checked can struggle or fail during extreme cold, leaving homes without reliable heat and pushing residents toward unsafe heating alternatives.
Homeowners are urged to insulate exposed pipes, clear snow and debris from exterior vents, manage roof snow buildup when safe, and ensure heating systems are running properly before the cold tightens its grip. More cold-related alerts are likely as January’s winter pattern remains locked in across New York.
