Salt Lake City, Utah – After repeated rounds of winter cold and snow already tested homes across Utah, many homeowners are realizing that overlooked winter prep issues don’t require record-breaking storms to cause damage. With February still bringing freezing nights and snow in the forecast for higher elevations, the remaining weeks of winter leave little margin for homes that weren’t fully prepared earlier in the season.
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 in December and January can worsen quickly, turning manageable issues into costly repairs if they aren’t addressed now.
Frozen pipes remain one of the most common winter problems statewide, especially in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. Homes along the Wasatch Front and in mountain valleys are particularly susceptible during prolonged cold stretches.
Blocked exterior vents are another frequently overlooked issue. Dryer, bathroom, and furnace vents can become clogged with snow, ice, or debris, trapping moisture and restricting airflow. These blockages can force exhaust back into the home, leading to moisture damage and safety concerns during extended cold.
Ice dams continue to cause damage across northern Utah, driven by snow accumulation and uneven attic insulation. Heat escaping through the roof melts snow, which then refreezes along colder roof edges. Water backs up beneath shingles, damaging ceilings, insulation, and interior walls. Older homes in Salt Lake City and surrounding communities are especially vulnerable.
Frozen sump pump discharge lines and buried drain outlets also create problems during extended cold. 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 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, keep vents and exhaust outlets clear of snow, manage roof snow safely, and ensure heating systems are operating efficiently. While winter has already made its impact felt, lingering February cold means preparation still matters across Utah.
