Winter Weather in North Texas: Protecting Your Home
(Even If It’s 80° on Christmas)
If you’ve lived in North Texas long enough, you know winter weather here has a personality disorder. One day you’re running the A/C in December, and the next you’re scrambling to turn on the heat because the temperature dropped 40 degrees overnight. ❄️➡️☀️
While it might be 80 degrees on Christmas (because…Texas), winter weather can still pack a punch. Freezing temperatures, ice, and sudden cold snaps can cause serious damage to your home if you’re not prepared. Here are a few simple ways to protect your home and avoid some very preventable insurance claims—when winter decides to show up.
1. Protect Your Pipes (Because Frozen Pipes Don’t Care What Month It Is)
One of the most common winter-related claims we see in North Texas is burst pipes. We all remember winter storm Uri, also known as Snomageddon. Since we don’t stay cold for long stretches, many homes just aren’t built for extended freezes.
What to do:
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Insulate exposed pipes, especially in garages, attics, and exterior walls
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Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets
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Let faucets drip during hard freezes
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Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
A little prep can save you from thousands of dollars in water damage and the headache of living without running water.
2. Keep Your Heater (and Fireplace) in Check
If you haven’t turned on your heater since last winter, the first cold front probably shouldn’t be its debut performance.
Helpful tips:
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Have your heating system serviced annually
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Change air filters regularly
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Clean fireplaces and chimneys before use
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Never leave space heaters unattended
Heating equipment is a leading cause of winter house fires, and those claims tend to be both costly and dangerous.
3. Watch for Ice Dams & Roof Issues
Snow and ice aren’t everyday events here, but when they do occur, they can cause roof damage quickly.
Be mindful of:
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Ice buildup along the roof edges
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Gutters clogged with leaves (very common in North Texas winters)
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Loose or damaged shingles
Water backing up under shingles can cause interior leaks, which may or may not be covered, depending on the situation. Maintenance matters!
4. Power Outages Happen—Be Ready
Ice storms and high winds can knock out power, sometimes for days. Again, winter storm Uri is the perfect example of this.
Preparation ideas:
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Keep flashlights and batteries handy
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Know how to safely use generators (never indoors!)
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Consider surge protectors for electronics
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If you lose heat, drip the faucets and take steps to keep pipes warm
Bonus tip: Damage caused by freezing during a power outage may not be covered if reasonable precautions weren’t taken. When in doubt—call us.
5. Know Your Insurance Coverage Before the Freeze Hits
Not all winter-related damage is treated the same by your policy. Coverage often depends on maintenance, prevention, and how quickly action is taken.
At Hanby, we encourage clients to ask questions before something happens:
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Does my policy cover burst pipes?
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What about roof damage from ice?
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Am I properly insured for my home’s current value?
Winter in Texas: Expect the Unexpected
North Texas winters may be short, unpredictable, and occasionally warm enough for flip-flops, but when the cold hits, it hits hard. Taking a few proactive steps now can protect your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind.
And if winter weather catches you off guard (because it usually does), remember we’re here to help. Just give us a call, send a photo if needed, and we’ll walk you through the next steps.
From all of us at Hanby Insurance, stay warm… or enjoy that 80-degree Christmas. Either way, we’ve got you covered. 😉