Charlotte, North Carolina – Another wave of Arctic air is lining up to push into North Carolina, and homeowners across the state are being reminded that overlooked winter prep issues can quickly turn into costly damage once temperatures dip below freezing.
As colder air spreads statewide, frozen pipes remain the most common winter emergency, especially in areas not accustomed to prolonged cold. Pipes located in crawl spaces, garages, basements, and exterior walls are particularly vulnerable when temperatures drop suddenly.
Blocked exterior vents are another frequently missed problem. Dryer, bathroom, and kitchen vents can become clogged by lint, leaves, snow, or ice, trapping moisture that freezes and forces airflow back into the home. These blockages can lead to interior moisture damage and increase fire risk when appliances cannot vent properly.
Ice dams continue to cause problems in parts of North Carolina that see snow followed by extended 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. Homes in the Charlotte area with limited attic insulation are especially susceptible.
Frozen sump pump discharge lines also rank high among winter hazards. When outlet pipes freeze solid, melting snow and groundwater have nowhere to drain, increasing the risk of basement flooding during brief warmups.
Rounding out the top five is neglected heating equipment. Furnaces and heat pumps that haven’t been checked can struggle during peak demand, leaving homes without reliable heat and forcing residents to rely on space heaters, which raises electrical and fire risks.
Homeowners are urged to insulate exposed pipes, clear 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 remains active across North Carolina.
