How To Protect Your HOA Home From a Freeze

Preparing for a freeze is one way homeowners’ association (HOA) residents can protect their investments and keep their families safe. In 2024, extreme winter weather caused an estimated $61.8 million in property damage. Combining the 2023 winter season with that adds up to $242.5 million in damage!

Taking simple and actionable steps can prevent hazardous conditions that may lead to costly repairs and injuries. Jamie Luke, Associa OnCall's senior vice president, offers HOA home tips on how to prepare for a freeze.

Understanding Freeze Watch Versus Freeze Warning

Knowing cold weather alerts is essential when planning for freezing temperatures. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), freeze watches and warnings are meant to inform you of upcoming weather changes. Here’s what they signify:

• Freeze watch: Issued when there’s a high likelihood of freezing temperatures within 24 to 36 hours of the alert, a freeze watch tells you to anticipate a significant temperature drop over a widespread area. What temperature is freezing? Anything at or below 32°F or 0°C.

• Freeze warning: This alert is issued when the forecast predicts temperatures will drop below freezing for an extended period. Because it’ll possibly be under 32°F for a long time, you can expect a hard freeze and should consider how it will affect outdoor plants, vegetation, and structures. If temperatures drop below 28°F for extended periods, the NWS issues a hard freeze warning, vegetation can die, and piping within structures’ outside walls will start to freeze and cause potential leaks and flooding.

Homeowners’ associations in the northeast, Midwest, and northwest regions of the United States typically experience below-freezing temperatures in the winter. However, communities in the south and southwest can also see severe winter conditions.

Checking In With Your HOA

As a homeowner in an HOA, it’s always a good idea to connect with association leaders before a freeze. Your HOA board and community manager may have vital information on how to prepare for extreme cold weather, including:

• Details on your HOA weather emergency plan

• Tips on how to winterize your house

• Guidance on maintenance and landscaping rules

• A list of what to buy to prepare for a freeze

• Suggestions of supplies to have in your home

• Connections to resources that will help you prepare

   

How To Prepare Your HOA Home for a Freeze

As a homeowner, dangerously cold temperatures shouldn’t be taken lightly. When you know a freeze is coming, Jamie offers these steps to prepare your HOA home.

Protect Pipes

As water freezes, it expands. Any water inside your pipes during a freeze has the potential to burst pipes and cause significant damage to your plumbing system and home. To learn how to keep pipes from freezing, some pipe-saving measures include:

• Insulating exposed water pipes to prevent freezing.

• Installing outside hose bib protectors.

• Allowing faucets to drip slowly to keep water moving.

• Opening inside cabinets that are adjacent to outside walls containing piping.

• Turning off water supplies to hoses and irrigation systems and draining them.

Weatherproof Windows and Doors

Check the seals around your doors and windows for any damage or leaks that could compromise home insulation. If you notice gaps or chips in the caulking, repair or replace them with new weatherstripping products that prevent drafts and leaks.

Service Your Heating System

Your home’s heating system is crucial during harsh winter weather. To keep it running optimally when you need it most, consider:

• Contacting an HVAC professional for an inspection and tune-up.

• Checking that the thermostat is operating properly.

• Removing old air filters and replacing them with new ones.

Protect the Roof and Gutters

During a winter snowstorm or prolonged freeze, a heavy buildup of ice might put extra weight on your roof. Do a thorough inspection of your roof and repair damage to ensure it can handle the increased pressure.

Additionally, backed-up gutters can create ice dams that cause roof shingles to lift and break. Before freezing, clear gutters of debris and check that they’re working as intended.

Maintain Your Yard

Know how freezing temperatures will affect outdoor landscaping and take steps to protect plants, bushes, and trees. In anticipation of a winter freeze, review your governing documents to make sure you can:

• Trim tree branches to prevent them from breaking from extreme weather.

• Cover plants and bushes to keep them insulated.

• Clear debris that could become a hazard if buried under snow.

Prepare for the Power to Go Out

Power outages can happen during harsh winter weather, leaving homeowners without electricity for long stretches. The best way to face this challenge is to prepare as much as possible. Some things to think about include:

• Using surge protectors to shield electronics from power fluctuations

• Investing in a generator for backup electricity

• Purchasing portable heaters that run on batteries or fuels like kerosene and propane

• Stocking up on batteries and charging essential devices

• Communicating with your HOA about power outage plans and next steps

• Having an emergency preparedness kit ready

Protect Driveways and Walkways

Ensure you understand what areas you’re required to maintain and what the association is responsible for. Regularly applying salt and removing snow and ice buildup can prevent slick walkways and driveways. When temperatures drop, check that you’re using the proper methods to remove snow and ice. Some communities may have rules against using salt, as it can damage surfaces. Have a snow shovel, snowblower, and non-corrosive ice melt products on hand.

Additionally, adding texture to walkways can help you avoid slips and injuries. Sprinkle sand or other traction agents across icy areas to lower the risk of falls.

Service the Fireplace and Chimney

If you have a fireplace, you’ll likely use it during a freeze. Not only does it help keep your home warm, but it can also be invaluable when the power goes out. Now is the time to check that your fireplace is functioning, the chimney is clean and free of debris, and you know how to operate it safely. Also, confirm fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarms are powered up and working as they should.

Check Your Insurance Policy

While your community has HOA insurance to protect community-owned property, your homeowners’ insurance is designed to protect you and your home. Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage and who to contact if your home is damaged by the freeze. While checking your policy, you should:

• Write down your policy and contact numbers for emergencies.

• Take note of issues that may not be covered and why a claim could be denied.

• Contact your insurance agent if you have questions about your coverage.

Winter Maintenance Checklist

Planning out how to prepare for a freeze can protect your HOA home and community from potentially dangerous conditions. However, being proactive about winter maintenance will make it easier to get your property ready when a freeze warning is issued.

Check out our “Winter Maintenance Checklist” ebook for a comprehensive guide on how to keep your HOA in optimal shape all season long!