CFM Insurance

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My House Survived Winter: Now What?

by | Mar 11, 2026 | Community First, Insurance Information, Rural Missouri

First of all — congratulations.

If your pipes didn’t freeze, your roof held strong, and you didn’t have to chip ice off your driveway for the 47th time this week… you made it. Winter has (mostly) packed its bags.

But before you fully switch into spring mode – windows open, grill uncovered, lawn waking up – this is a good time to give your home a little post-winter check-in.

Think of it like a wellness visit. Your house has been through a lot.

Here’s where to start.

1. Walk the Perimeter

Take a slow lap around your house.

Winter has a way of loosening things up – shingles, siding, gutters, even fence posts. Look for:

  1. Missing or curling shingles
  2. Gutters pulling away or clogged with debris
  3. Cracks in the foundation
  4. Damage to siding or brick
  5. Warped deck boards

You don’t have to be an expert. You’re just looking for anything that feels… different.

If something catches your eye, it’s always better to address it early than wait for a spring thunderstorm to point it out for you.

2. Check the Roof (Safely)

Heavy snow and ice can quietly stress your roof. If you can see it from the ground, look for uneven lines or obvious damage.

Inside, check ceilings and attic spaces for:

  1. Water stains
  2. Damp insulation
  3. Musty smells

Catching a small leak now can prevent a big repair later.

3. Give Your Gutters Some Attention

Once the freeze-thaw cycle winds down, clear out leaves, twigs, and debris. Clogged gutters can lead to water backing up under shingles or pooling near your foundation – especially during spring rains.

And spring rains are coming… this we know.

4. Inspect Outdoor Faucets & Pipes

Frozen pipes don’t always show their damage right away.

Turn outdoor spigots on and make sure water flows normally. Look for dripping, spraying, or weak pressure – all signs something may have cracked during a freeze.

5. Test the Things You Haven’t Used in Months

  1. Sump pump
  2. Sprinkler system
  3. AC unit
  4. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Winter has a way of putting some systems on pause. Spring is your reminder to wake them back up.

6. Review Your Coverage (Yes, Really)

This part isn’t glamorous, but it matters.

Spring is a natural reset point. If you’ve made updates to your home, added a shed, finished a basement, replaced a roof, or purchased major items, now’s a good time to make sure your coverage reflects that.

A quick conversation with your local CFM Agent today can prevent confusion later.

7. Start Fresh

There’s something about March light that makes everything feel new again.

Open the windows. Air things out. Power wash the salt off the driveway. Sweep the garage. Tackle that small repair you’ve been putting off.

Winter tested your home. Spring is your chance to strengthen it.

A Final Thought

Homes are meant to be lived in — to host holidays, survive snowstorms, hold everyday moments.

Taking a little time now to check in on yours is one of the simplest ways to protect what matters most – and to show your home the care it quietly gives you all year long.

If you ever have questions about coverage, prevention, or what to do after a winter loss, yours truly is here to help.

Cheers to a safe, dry, and peaceful spring ahead.

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