A historic winter storm swept through much of the continental United States this weekend, leaving behind (mounds and mounds) of heavy snow, bitter cold, and plenty of work for homeowners. And as homeowners, y’all already know how winter weather can be tough on your home’s systems, especially when ice and frigid temperatures stick around.

At Armadillo, we know that prevention and maintenance go a long way toward avoiding costly repairs. Here are best practices you can follow now that the storm has passed:

❄️ Clear Snow and Ice Safely Heavy snow on roofs, decks, and porches can cause structural strain. Use a roof rake with an extended handle to remove snow from the edges without climbing.

• Work from the ground when possible.
• Avoid metal tools on delicate shingles.
• Focus on areas prone to ice dams (where melting and refreezing occur).

💧Prevent and Remove Ice Dams Ice dams form when heat from your attic melts snow on the roof, and that meltwater refreezes at the eaves. To combat ice dams:

• Keep gutters clear of debris so melting water can flow freely.
• Use ice melt products that are safe for roofs and landscaping.
• Improve attic insulation and ventilation to reduce heat loss.

🚰 Protect Your Pipes from Freezing Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter headaches. Steps to protect plumbing:

• Let faucets drip during extreme cold to keep water moving.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.
• Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
• Know where your main shutoff valve is located in case a pipe bursts.

🔥 Check Heating Systems Carefully Your furnace or boiler has been working hard. Help it stay reliable:

• Replace or clean filters for better airflow and efficiency.
• Test your thermostat and recalibrate if needed.
• If you smell gas or suspect trouble, contact a professional immediately.

🧊 Watch Outdoor Equipment *This one is a biggie* Snow and ice can impact many systems you might not think about:

• Air conditioners: clear heavy snow away so weight doesn’t damage coils or fins.
• Outdoor faucets: disconnect hoses and use insulated covers.
• Generators: keep snow cleared from vents and exhaust (never run indoors).

🔥 Use Space Heaters Wisely Space heaters can be great for spot heating, but they also pose risks. Safe use tips:

• Keep them at least 3 feet from flammable materials.
• Never leave heaters running unattended.
• Use units with automatic shutoff features.