Texas is recognized for its mostly mild winters, but that calm can vanish overnight.

A sunny afternoon might give way to a hard freeze within hours, leaving homeowners scrambling if their home isn’t ready. Taking time to review a home’s exterior, systems and safety before the cold arrives can mean the difference between a quiet season and a costly one.

How Texas Winter Weather Puts Your Home at Risk

Texas sits between warm Gulf air and cold fronts sweeping down from the Plains, making its weather somewhat unpredictable. One week you’re wearing shorts, while the next you could be bundling up. Homes built for heat often have exposed pipes and under insulated garages, leaving them vulnerable once a true cold front settles in.

Winter Storm Uri demonstrated what a lingering cold front can do. In February 2021, record-breaking conditions gripped Texas for days, the coldest in three decades. An estimated 4.5 million homes lost power, while burst pipes left many without running water. Damage reached about $195 billion, the costliest natural disaster in the state’s history.

What to Inspect Around Your Home Before Winter Arrives

A short walk-through of your home before winter can catch trouble early and keep small issues from turning into costly repairs. Before the next cold front moves in, homeowners should inspect the following:

• Roof and gutters: Missing or curled shingles can allow rainwater to seep into the house unnoticed. Clogged gutters trap winter rain against the home instead of letting it drain away, making small leaks worse.
• Furnace: A unit that hasn’t been serviced in a while can turn a minor inconvenience into a real safety concern once temperatures drop fast. A seasonal tuneup and a fresh filter keep everything running efficiently when it counts most.
• Plumbing: Pipes running through attics, garages or along exterior walls freeze first when a cold front moves in. Insulating those sections and knowing where the shut-off valve is located can prevent damage that cuts off water during a hard freeze.
• Garage door: A garage door with worn seals or an out-of-balance opener lets cold air pour into the house, driving up heating costs without most owners realizing why. When repairs no longer help, scheduling a garage door installation before winter can save hassle later.

Trusted Texas Professionals Who Can Help

These Texas-based companies can take each task off a homeowner’s plate.

Viking Overhead

Viking Overhead offers garage door installation services in Mansfield, as well as repair and maintenance of sectional doors and openers. Free on-site estimates come with no service call fee. Same-day emergency service is also available for quick door repairs. Viking Overhead holds an A+ BBB rating and Best Garage Door Company awards.

Texas Roofing & Leak Repair

Homeowners around Houston, Katy and Sugar Land can choose Texas Roofing & Leak Repair when shingles go missing or gutters need clearing before winter rain sets in. The team handles everything from routine inspections to full roof replacements. It also repairs storm and hail damage and helps homeowners navigate insurance claims.

Texas HVAC Experts

When the furnace needs more than a quick look, Texas HVAC Experts serves Grapevine and nearby cities, including Keller, Southlake, Colleyville and Roanoke. The company provides heating and cooling services, from routine tuneups to full furnace replacements, plus free estimates and a seasonal maintenance plan for ongoing upkeep.

TPR 24/7

TPR 24/7 can provide pipe insulation and water heater care in Fort Worth and nearby cities, including Keller, Bedford and Haltom City. The company offers emergency plumbing services around the clock, from frozen-pipe repair to water heater replacement. Its technicians also conduct leak detection for hidden drips.

Start Your Winter Prep Today

With a plan in place, winter prep becomes far less daunting. A few hours spent sealing drafts, scheduling an HVAC checkup, insulating pipes or exploring garage door installation services can prevent costly surprises this season. Several local professionals above offer a solid starting point.

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Cover Photo Courtesy of Viking Overhead

This post is a sponsored collaboration with Viking Overhead