Cold weather can turn minor maintenance issues into major, expensive emergencies. Fortivo Property Services helps homeowners prevent and recover from winter-related damage with clear guidance, proactive care, and 24/7 emergency response.
What Should Homeowners Check on Their Roof & Gutters During Winter?
Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures put extreme stress on your roof and drainage systems. Many winter water losses start above the ceiling line.
Why it matters:
Ice dams force melting snow under shingles
Frozen or clogged gutters cause roof leaks and wall damage
Trapped moisture increases attic mold risk
How to protect your home:
Clear debris from gutters before heavy snow
Ensure downspouts extend at least 6 feet from the foundation
Check for loose, cracked, or missing shingles
Remove branches hanging over the roof
If damage occurs:
Contain leaks immediately
Call Fortivo for moisture detection and emergency drying
Schedule a roof and attic inspection
How Can You Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes?
Burst pipes are one of the most common—and destructive—winter emergencies Fortivo responds to.
Why it matters:
Pipes can burst and flood a home in minutes
Mold growth can start within 24–48 hours
Water near electrical systems creates serious hazards
How to protect your home:
Insulate exposed pipes in attics, basements, and crawl spaces
Keep indoor temperatures above 55°F, even when away
Open cabinet doors near plumbing during deep freezes
Let faucets drip during extreme cold
If damage occurs:
Shut off the main water supply immediately
Contact Fortivo for rapid water extraction
Begin professional drying before repairs
How Do You Protect Your Home From Snowmelt & Winter Drainage Issues?
Melting snow often reveals drainage problems that stay hidden in warmer months.
Why it matters:
Poor grading causes basement or crawlspace intrusion
Standing water weakens foundations
Moisture behind walls promotes mold growth
How to protect your home:
Watch for pooling water during snowmelt
Ensure downspouts discharge downhill and away
Correct low soil areas near the foundation
Consider drainage extensions or French drains
If damage occurs:
Look for damp drywall, wet flooring edges, or musty odors
Begin surface drying immediately
Call Fortivo for moisture mapping and remediation
Why Are Winter House Fires More Common?
Heating equipment, space heaters, and winter activities significantly increase fire risk.
Why it matters:
Space heaters can ignite nearby materials
Overloaded electrical systems cause fires
Dryer lint buildup peaks during colder months
How to protect your home:
Keep heaters at least 3 feet from combustibles
Clean dryer vents annually
Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords
Never leave cooking unattended
If damage occurs:
Evacuate and call 911
Contact Fortivo for fire, smoke, and soot cleanup
Document damage for insurance before discarding items
Why Should You Test Your Sump Pump in Winter?
Snowmelt combined with frozen discharge lines can overwhelm sump systems quickly.
Why it matters:
Pump failure leads to basement flooding
Power outages disable primary pumps
Standing water leads to mold within days
How to protect your home:
Test the pump before heavy snow
Ensure discharge lines are clear and unfrozen
Install a battery backup system
Keep the pit free of debris
If damage occurs:
Turn off electricity in flooded areas
Remove standing water immediately
Begin professional drying within hours
How Can You Seal Your Home Against Cold, Moisture, and Ice?
Winter air finds its way in through the smallest gaps.
Why it matters:
Drafts create freezing points near pipes
Moisture intrusion causes rot and mold
Condensation builds up in cold zones
How to protect your home:
Add weatherstripping to doors and windows
Seal exterior cracks with cold-rated caulk
Use insulated curtains or storm windows
Keep vents clear for proper airflow
If damage occurs:
Check for soft drywall, peeling paint, or wet trim
Remove moisture-damaged materials
Run dehumidifiers to stabilize humidity
How Should You Prepare for Winter Power Outages?
Winter storms often bring extended outages that lead to secondary damage.
Why it matters:
Loss of heat increases frozen pipe risk
Sump pumps stop without power
Safety and comfort decline quickly
How to protect your home:
Keep blankets, flashlights, and power banks ready
Install battery backups for sump systems
Use generators safely outdoors only
Maintain consistent indoor temperatures
If damage occurs:
Address flooding or burst pipes immediately
Document damage for insurance claims
Call Fortivo for cleanup, drying, and restoration
Your Winter Home Safety Action Plan
Winter brings serious risks—but with preparation and fast response, most cold-weather disasters are preventable. Fortivo Property Services is available 24/7 to inspect, protect, and restore your home with expert care and clear communication.
If something goes wrong this winter, help is just one call away.
How Fortivo supports you:
- Provide preventive seasonal inspections.
- Respond 24/7 to water, fire, mold, or structural emergencies.
- Manage restoration from initial mitigation through full rebuild.
- Deliver white-glove service that keeps your operations running and your occupants safe.
Fortivo Property Services stands ready to partner with property managers throughout the fall and winter seasons. Whether you’re preventing issues—or responding to an unexpected emergency—we’re here to protect your building, your occupants, and your business continuity.
Fortivo Is Here to Help Restore and Protect Your Home
Fall should be a season of comfort—not catastrophe. By taking preventive steps and staying aware of fire risks, you can enjoy the season safely. If fire or smoke damage does occur, Fortivo Property Services is ready to respond with expert restoration solutions to protect your home and peace of mind.
About the Author
Scott Futrovsky, CEO of Fortivo Property Services, has dedicated his career to helping families safeguard their homes from fire, water, and structural hazards. With a background in law, corporate consulting, and property restoration, Scott offers guidance rooted in real-world experience and certified training.
