By Hawkeye Home Inspectors
If you own a home in New England, winter is going to test it. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, wind and those constant freeze-thaw cycles can bring out problems you may not notice the rest of the year. Some are obvious. Others are easy to miss until they turn into something bigger. Here are a few things homeowners should keep an eye on once winter weather really sets in.
Most people see ice building up along the edge of the roof and assume the problem is outside. However, the conditions that contribute to ice dams often begin in the attic.
Heat escaping from the living space, inadequate attic insulation, and insufficient attic ventilation can contribute to uneven roof temperatures. When snow melts on warmer portions of the roof, the water runs toward the colder eaves, where it can refreeze and form ice dams.
Over time, this buildup can prevent proper drainage and allow water to back up beneath roofing materials.
Large icicles, heavy ice along the roofline, water stains on ceilings, or moisture in the attic are all warning signs worth paying attention to.
Winter is actually a good time to notice attic issues. Warm, moist air from inside the house can make its way into a cold attic and create condensation or frost on the roof sheathing and framing. If that keeps happening, it can lead to staining, mold or damage over time.
One thing we see that homeowners do not always realize is a problem: bathroom fans or other exhaust vents dumping warm air directly into the attic instead of outside. That moisture has to go somewhere.
Everyone knows pipes can freeze, but it is not always the obvious plumbing that causes trouble. Pipes running along exterior walls, through garages, crawl spaces, unfinished basements or poorly insulated areas are usually more vulnerable. Sometimes all it takes is a small opening letting cold air into a wall cavity.
If a faucet suddenly loses pressure or slows to a trickle during a cold stretch, do not ignore it. That can be an early warning that a pipe is starting to freeze. Keeping the home adequately heated and protecting plumbing in vulnerable areas can help reduce the risk. During periods of extreme cold, allowing a faucet served by plumbing prone to freezing to drip slightly may also help reduce the risk. Opening cabinet doors beneath sinks on exterior walls can allow warmer indoor air to circulate around the pipes.
After a storm, most people are thinking about the driveway, the walkway and getting the cars cleared off. Do one quick lap around the house too.
Heating systems and other mechanical equipment often vent through the side of the home, and those openings can get buried by drifting snow. This is especially important with high-efficiency heating systems, which often have intake and exhaust pipes closer to the ground. Blocked vents can interfere with equipment operation and, in some cases, create a carbon monoxide hazard. Keep vents clear of snow and ice, and make sure carbon monoxide alarms are working.
New England weather loves to go from 18 degrees to 40 and back again. Water gets into small cracks in concrete, masonry, walkways and other exterior surfaces. Then it freezes, expands and can slowly make those cracks worse. That does not mean every crack is a major problem. It just means winter is a good time to notice whether something is changing.
Not all snow weighs the same. Light powder is one thing. Heavy, wet snow is another. If we get multiple storms without much melting in between, snow can start to build up, especially on additions, porches or lower roof areas.
Roofs are generally designed for anticipated snow loads, but heavy accumulation, especially wet snow, can put additional stress on a structure. If you notice unusual sagging, new cracking, doors suddenly sticking or anything that looks different, have it checked. Please do not climb onto an icy roof yourself to clear snow.
Cold, windy days make air leaks a lot easier to find. You may suddenly notice cold air coming in around windows, doors, attic access points or other areas you never thought much about. Those drafts can make the house less comfortable and drive up heating costs. They can also allow warm, moist indoor air to reach colder parts of the house, which can contribute to condensation.
You do not need to inspect your whole house every time it snows. Just pay attention. Look for unusual ice buildup, blocked vents, damaged gutters, heavy snow accumulation or water collecting near the foundation when things start to melt. Inside, keep an eye out for new stains, damp areas, drafts or anything else that suddenly seems different.
New England winters are tough on houses, but a lot of problems give you warning signs before they become major repairs. The key is noticing them.
Hawkeye Home Inspectors serves homeowners, buyers, sellers and real estate professionals throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We help our clients better understand their homes through thorough inspections, clear explanations and practical guidance.