Winter Is Coming (Again): How to Prep Your Oklahoma Home for the Big Freeze

Elmer Tadpole
3 days ago
3 min read

If you’ve lived in Oklahoma for more than a year, you know the drill. One day it’s 60 degrees and sunny, and the next, the weatherman is predicting a "significant winter event" with wind chills dipping below zero.

At Top Notch Inspections, we see the aftermath of these storms every spring. We see the water stains from ice dams, the cracked foundations from poor drainage, and the plumbing disasters that could have been prevented. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way.

Here is your inspector-approved checklist to keep your home warm, dry, and safe when the Oklahoma winter decides to show its teeth.

1. The Threat: Frozen Pipes

In our inspections across Tulsa and Northeastern Oklahoma, plumbing issues are among the most common defects we find. When water freezes, it expands—and copper or PEX pipes can only stretch so much before they burst.

Disconnect the Hoses: This is the most overlooked step. Go outside right now and disconnect your garden hoses. If you leave them attached, water gets trapped in the spigot and freezes back into the wall, splitting the pipe inside your home.
Insulate Exposed Pipes: Check your crawlspace, attic, or unheated garage. Any pipe you can see should be covered. Foam pipe sleeves are cheap and easy to install.
The "Slow Drip": When temperatures drop below 20°F, let the faucet furthest from your water source drip cold water. Moving water is much harder to freeze.
Open the Cabinets: Open the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. This allows warm air from your living room to circulate around the plumbing.
Main Water Shutoff location: Just in case the worst happens.

2. Seal the "Envelope" (Drafts & Insulation)

Your home is an envelope. If it’s not sealed, you are paying to heat the neighborhood. During our thermal imaging inspections, we often see massive heat loss around simple gaps that homeowners don't even know exist.

Check Your Door Sweeps: Can you see daylight under your front door? If so, you’re losing heat. Install a new door sweep or use a heavy "draft stopper" towel during the storm.
Window Locks: Make sure your windows are actually locked, not just closed. Locking them pulls the sashes together tightly, engaging the weather stripping.
Attic Hatches: If you have a pull-down attic ladder, it’s often a major source of heat loss. Ensure the cover is insulated and sits flat.

3. Heating System Health

Your furnace is about to run a marathon. Don't let it fail at mile one.

Change the Filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing the system to work harder. This can lead to overheating and system failure right when you need it most.
Test It Now: Don't wait until the ice storm hits to turn on your heat. Run it today to make sure it cycles on and off correctly.
Carbon Monoxide Safety: This is non-negotiable. If you are using a gas furnace, fireplace, or (heaven forbid) a space heater, you must have working Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors. We check these on every inspection because they save lives.

4. The "Hunker Down" Kit

Oklahoma ice storms are notorious for knocking out power. If the grid goes down, you need to be self-sufficient for 72 hours.

Water: Store 1 gallon per person, per day.
Light: Flashlights and headlamps (check the batteries!). Avoid candles due to fire risk.
Warmth: Have sleeping bags and wool blankets accessible.

Inspector’s Pro-Tip: Don't Forget the Gutters

It might seem unrelated to warmth, but clogged gutters are a winter nightmare. If your gutters are full of leaves, melted snow cannot drain. It re-freezes at the roof edge, forming an "ice dam." This forces water back up under your shingles and into your attic/ceiling.

Need Peace of Mind Before the Storm?

If you are worried about the condition of your home—whether it's an older electrical system, drafty windows, or a questionable roof—knowledge is power.

At Top Notch Inspections LLC, we don’t just inspect homes for sale; we help current homeowners understand their property, too. From Thermal Imaging to spot hidden insulation gaps, to Sewer Scopes to ensure your lines are clear, we are here to help you protect your biggest investment.

Stay warm, Oklahoma!

Top Notch Inspections LLC Serving Northeastern Oklahoma 📧 elmer@topnotchinspectionsok.com

📞 (918) 289-6024 [Schedule Your Inspection Online]