The Piney Woods of Northeast Texas are famous for their beauty, but the recent winter storms have put local homes to the ultimate test. While De Kalb residents are used to mild winters, the recent rounds of freezing rain and heavy snow can leave behind hidden damage that doesn't reveal itself until the spring rains arrive.
Before you fire up the grill for the warmer days ahead, it is vital to perform a "Post-Winter Health Check" on your property. Here is what De Kalb homeowners should look for after a harsh Texas freeze.
1. Inspect the "Northeast Texas Special": Your Roof and Gutters
Between the heavy ice accumulation and the falling limbs from our towering oaks and pines, your roof likely took the brunt of the storm.
Shingle Integrity: Check for cracked, curled, or missing shingles. High winds can lift them, allowing water to seep into your attic during the next thunderstorm.
Gutter Sag: Ice is incredibly heavy. Check your gutters to see if the weight of the frozen slush pulled them away from the fascia boards.
The "Leaf Debris" Trap: If your gutters are full of pine needles and ice, they won't drain properly, leading to wood rot along your roofline.
2. The Thaw Audit: Plumbing and Foundation
In De Kalb, many homes sit on pier-and-beam foundations or have plumbing running through crawl spaces. These are particularly vulnerable when temperatures dip into the teens.
The "Slow Leak" Test: Turn off all water inside the house and go check your water meter. If the dial is still spinning, you likely have a hairline fracture in a pipe caused by the freeze.
Exposed Spigots: Check your outdoor faucets. Even if you covered them, the expansion of ice inside the wall can cause leaks that only start dripping once the ground thaws completely.
3. Tree Health and Limb Hazards
Our local landscape is a major draw, but after a storm, your trees can become liabilities.
Check for Fractures: Look for "hanging" branches that may have snapped under the weight of ice but haven't fallen yet.
Foundation Encroachment: If a tree shifted due to the saturated, frozen ground, its roots may be pressing differently against your foundation. Keep an eye on any new cracks in your drywall or brickwork.
4. HVAC System Recovery
Your heating unit has likely been working overtime. Now that the extreme cold has passed, it’s time to give it some TLC.
Change the Filters: Running the heat constantly pulls in more dust and debris. A fresh filter will improve your air quality and lower your cooling bills as we head toward spring.
Clear the Compressor: Ensure that fallen branches or dead leaves haven't packed into your outdoor AC unit, which can restrict airflow when you switch back to cooling mode.
5. Exterior Sealants and Paint
Freezing and thawing cycles cause building materials to expand and contract.
Check the Recaulking: Inspect the seals around your windows and doors. If the caulk has cracked, moisture from our humid Texas springs will find its way into your walls, potentially causing mold.
Support De Kalb Local
If you find damage that is beyond a DIY fix, remember to support our local Bowie County contractors. Hiring someone who understands the specific soil and climate of Northeast Texas is always the smartest investment for your home.