Charleston, West Virginia – Another wave of Arctic air is preparing to sweep across West Virginia, and homeowners statewide are being reminded that overlooked winter prep issues can quickly turn into costly damage once temperatures plunge.
As colder air spreads across the Mountain State, frozen pipes remain the most common winter emergency. Pipes running through basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls are especially vulnerable in older homes, and sudden temperature drops can cause freezing and bursts that lead to flooding.
Blocked exterior vents are another frequently missed issue. Dryer, bathroom, and kitchen vents can become clogged with lint, snow, or ice, trapping moisture that freezes and forces airflow back into the home. These blockages can result in water damage and raise fire concerns when appliances cannot vent properly.
Ice dams continue to cause damage across West Virginia during prolonged cold spells, particularly in higher elevations. 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 and around Charleston are especially susceptible.
Frozen sump pump discharge lines also rank high among 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 maintained can struggle or fail during peak demand, 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 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 West Virginia.
