Extreme Winter Weather Repairs Are on the Rise as Climate Change Disrupts Homeownership
Our new Extreme Winter Weather Report digs into where homeowners have been increasingly impacted the most and what they should expect from the winter ahead.
Aldo Ceja•Last updated Nov 21, 2024
Last updated Nov 21, 2024
Winter storms and unrelenting weather impact tens of millions of homes across the U.S. each year, bringing extreme cold, freezing rain, sleet, heavy snowfall, ice, and high winds — and this year is expected to be no different. Homeowners are taking precautions across the country with weatherization projects increasing by 118% year-over-year. And with 60% of owner-occupied homes built before 1980, and colder, wetter conditions expected in much of the country, harsh climates could have an even greater impact on how homeowners prepare and protect their homes in the future.
As homeowners across the nation look ahead at another winter season, we examined our database of millions of home projects across the country to understand the impact shifting weather patterns on home repairs. We found that home damage due to extreme winter weather has increased across multiple categories over the last five years**.**
The most common winter storm damage.
As extreme winter weather events become more frequent and severe, more people are calling upon emergency repairs to keep their homes safe and sound throughout the season.
Thumbtack Pro Advisor and general contractor Deon Marecheau shared, “Homeowners often underestimate how quickly temperatures can drop, leading to burst pipes and significant water damage. Proactive insulation of pipes and ensuring proper heating can mitigate this.”
To help homeowners prepare, we’re sharing a list of the five most common winter damage concerns to be on the lookout for:
- Ice damage: Ice dams can form on a roof, causing snow to melt and refreeze, which can cause ice to form under shingles and lead to water damage inside the home. Ice dams can cost homeowners $4,085 on average in repairs.
- Exterior damage: During the winter, your siding and roof take on a lot of impact and moisture from inclement weather. This can lead to rotting materials, leaks, and ultimately structural damage if not properly addressed. Exterior damage is up 92% in the past 5 years. On average, even minor exterior repairs can cost homeowners $4,498. It’s important to review your insurance policy to know what’s included in your coverage.
- Fallen tree damage: Heavy snow and wind can cause trees to fall or branches to break, which in turn can lead to structural damages to your home as well as power loss. Fallen tree damage typically costs homeowners $1,906 on average.
- Frozen pipe damage: In below freezing temperatures, pipes can freeze and burst, causing substantial water damage. This is particularly common when homes experience a power outage that goes unresolved, resulting in a loss of heat over a significant period of time. Frozen pipe damage is up 244% in the past 5 years. Repairs from burst frozen pipes can cost $3,783 on average.
- Fire damage: Using a fireplace or a space heater to stay warm in the cold months can have unexpected consequences if not properly used and monitored. On average, fire damage home repairs can cost about $5,734.
The most rapidly growing impacted areas in the U.S.
A growing number of cities across the U.S. have experienced a significant rise in the need for winter weather repairs. Most recently, we’ve seen early-season storms spread through Denver and New Mexico, with homeowners working to prepare their homes for the freeze and bracing for the aftermath. The surge in repairs highlights the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to harsh conditions, with many communities struggling to adapt.
Our report reveals the top 10 cities that have been most affected, shedding light on the challenges they face and the urgent need for resilient solutions amid changing climate patterns.
The importance of proactive maintenance and upgrades.
Despite these extreme weather challenges, homeowners are fighting back by focusing on regular maintenance to mitigate risk of emergency repairs. Without proper upkeep, the risk of severe damage increases, and insurance may not cover the costs of damage caused by extreme conditions.
These are the top 5 preventative projects homeowners can get ahead of to minimize the impact of winter storms:
- Consistent roof snow removal and gutter cleanings can help prevent ice dams and subsequent water damage. Deon advises clients to do regular roof inspections and clear snow to prevent these issues, especially for older homes with flat roofs.
- Insulating your roof, pipes, doors and windows helps prevent unexpected drops in temperature, which not only helps minimize your energy bill, but can also prevent pipes from bursting.
- Trimming trees ahead of winter can decrease chances of fallen branches causing unexpected damage to your home. “We recommend pruning trees during the colder months because it’s considered an ideal time for pruning many types of trees and often cheaper than the warmer months. However, some trees, like maples and birches, may bleed sap if pruned in late winter. Always check the specific needs of the tree species you’re working with,” Deon shared.
- Installing a backup generator, especially if you live in an area where snow and wind storms are common, is a great way to avoid unexpected emergencies from power outages.
- Winterize your sprinklers before temperatures drop to avoid burst pipes or water backing up.
Investing in weatherization projects is a crucial step for homeowners seeking to mitigate the risk of emergency repairs due to extreme winter storm damage. “Reinforcing outdoor structures like fences and sheds can also save homeowners money in the long run. If you notice any loose siding, rectify this before inclement winter weather,” said Deon. By taking these measures, homeowners can safeguard their properties against increasingly unpredictable and severe winter weather. Proactive measures not only protect investments but also contribute to greater resilience within communities, ensuring that families are better prepared for the challenges of future winters.
Download the free Thumbtack app (available on iOS and android) to get ahead of your winter projects.
Methodology: Year-over-year comparisons are from consumer requests during winter months (September-March) on Thumbtack from 2019 through 2024 for projects related to extreme winter weather repair and damage prevention. Pricing data is based on projects requested on Thumbtack between October 2023 and November 2024 reported directly by the independent service professional or individual customer.
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