Severe Ice & Snow Storm Incoming: How Homeowners Can Protect Their Homes and Stay Warm

A severe winter ice and snow storm is expected this Saturday, and storms like this can put serious stress on homes—especially in Western Kentucky and Northwest Tennessee, where sudden freezes, heavy ice, and high winds are common.

The good news? A little preparation and awareness can go a long way in preventing costly damage. This guide covers what homeowners should do now, what to watch for during and after the storm, and when it’s time to call in the experts.

Why Ice & Snow Storms Are So Hard on Homes

Ice storms are especially dangerous because they combine weight, moisture, and freezing temperatures. Snow adds load to your roof, while ice can force water into places it was never meant to go. Wind then finishes the job by lifting shingles, loosening flashing, and driving moisture inside.

Common storm-related problems include:

• Roof leaks and flashing failures

• Ice dams and backed-up water

• Heat loss and rising electric bills

• Window and siding gaps letting cold air in

• Gutter damage and drainage failures

Many of these issues start small—but get worse quickly during freezing conditions.

How to Prepare Your Home Before the Storm Hits

1. Do a Quick Exterior Check (Safely)

Before weather worsens, walk around your home and look for:

• Missing, cracked, or lifted shingles

• Loose flashing around chimneys or walls

• Gutters pulling away or sagging

• Siding panels or trim that look loose

You don’t need to climb—most warning signs are visible from the ground.

2. Seal in the Heat

Keeping warm isn’t just about comfort—it helps prevent ice dams and moisture issues.

• Close blinds and curtains at night

• Check doors and windows for drafts

• Make sure attic access doors are sealed

If your home feels cold even with the heat running, it’s often an exterior issue—not your HVAC.

3. Clear Drainage Areas

If possible:

• Remove leaves or debris from gutters

• Make sure downspouts are clear

Proper drainage helps prevent ice buildup at the roof edge.

What to Watch for During the Storm

Once snow and ice arrive, pay attention to what your home is telling you.

Interior Warning Signs

• Ceiling stains or bubbling paint

• Dripping sounds during melting periods

• Sudden musty or damp smells

• Cold spots in rooms under the roof

These often indicate moisture intrusion.

Exterior Red Flags

• Heavy icicles forming along roof edges

• Ice building up in gutters

• Snow melting unevenly across the roof

• Wind-driven snow collecting in corners or valleys

These can point to ventilation, flashing, or insulation problems.

Ice Dams: One of the Biggest Winter Threats

Ice dams occur when heat escapes into the attic, melting snow that refreezes at the eaves. Water then backs up under shingles and into the home.

Signs of ice dams include:

• Thick ice along the roof edge

• Water stains near exterior walls

• Icicles forming repeatedly in the same spots

Ice dams are not just a surface issue—they’re usually tied to roof details, ventilation, or insulation balance.

Windows & Siding: Hidden Heat Loss Areas

During ice storms, homeowners often notice:

• Drafts near windows

• Condensation on glass

• Rooms that won’t warm up

Failing window seals or siding gaps allow cold air in and push energy bills up. Moisture can also freeze behind siding, leading to long-term damage.

When to Call the Experts (Don’t Wait If You See These)

Call for a professional inspection if you notice:

• Any active leaks or ceiling stains

• Ice dams forming or returning

• Drafts that weren’t there before

• Sudden spikes in electric bills

• Missing or lifted shingles after wind

Storm damage doesn’t always look dramatic at first. Early inspections often prevent major repairs later.

Why Professional Inspections Matter After Ice & Snow

Ice and snow storms test every part of your home’s exterior system:

• Roofing

• Flashing

• Ventilation

• Siding

• Windows

• Gutters

A professional inspection looks at how these systems work together, not just one piece. The goal is to identify:

• What can be repaired

• What should be replaced

• What needs monitoring

Clear answers now can save thousands later.

Staying Warm & Protecting Your Home Long-Term

The best winter protection comes from:

• Properly installed roofing and flashing

• Balanced attic ventilation

• Tight window and siding seals

• Reliable drainage away from the home

Storms don’t create problems—they expose them. Addressing issues now helps your home perform better all winter and beyond.

A Note From True Line Roofing

At True Line Roofing, we’re local, family- and co-veteran-owned, and we understand how quickly winter weather can change in our area. We’re still out working and offering FREE inspections to help homeowners prepare for and recover from this weekend’s storm.

If something doesn’t feel right—or you just want peace of mind—we’re here to help.

📞 Call or text 270-978-0239 to schedule a FREE inspection📍 Serving Western Kentucky & Northwest Tennessee

Stay warm. Stay safe. And don’t wait to catch small problems before they become big ones.