Is your Ballwin or Manchester home ready for winter’s freeze–thaw swings? Cold snaps, snow, and ice can creep up fast here, and small issues can turn into expensive surprises. With a simple plan, you can protect your systems, keep energy bills in check, and show your home at its best if you plan to sell. Use this local checklist to prep with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why winter prep matters here
Winters in St. Louis County bring daytime highs in the mid-40s and overnight lows in the mid-20s, plus around 15 to 20 inches of snowfall on average. That mix creates frequent freeze–thaw cycles that stress roofs, driveways, masonry, and plumbing. A little prevention goes a long way.
Many Ballwin and Manchester homes were built from the 1950s through the 1990s. You’ll often see full basements, brick facades over wood framing, asphalt-shingle roofs, and forced-air heating. Older insulation and mechanical systems make basic winter maintenance especially important.
Your winter home maintenance checklist
Heating and HVAC
- Schedule a professional furnace or heat pump tune-up. Ask for a combustion safety check, heat exchanger and burner inspection, airflow review, and thermostat test.
- Replace the furnace filter now and check it every month through winter.
- Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. Replace batteries and confirm each unit is within its service life.
- If you have a heat pump, confirm the auxiliary heat and defrost cycle work correctly.
Why it matters: A tuned system runs safer and more efficiently, reducing the chance of a breakdown during a cold snap. Check Ameren Missouri for potential energy-efficiency rebates.
Insulation and air sealing
- Inspect attic insulation. If levels look low or uneven, plan to add more. The DOE commonly targets an attic around R-38 for many Midwest homes.
- Seal air leaks at attic penetrations, around recessed lights, and along top plates. Caulk and foam are your friends.
- Weatherstrip exterior doors and add door sweeps. Seal gaps around windows.
- Make sure attic ventilation is clear at soffits and working at ridge or roof vents.
Why it matters: Better insulation and air sealing cut heat loss and help prevent ice dams by keeping the roof deck cold and dry.
Roof, gutters, and drainage
- Clean gutters and downspouts after leaves fall. Flush with a hose to confirm strong flow.
- Check shingles, flashing at chimneys and vents, and any signs of prior leaks in the attic.
- Watch for ice dam clues, like thick ice at eaves. Address causes with insulation, air sealing, and ventilation. Use a roof rake carefully if heavy snow accumulates.
- Confirm grading and downspout extensions move water away from your foundation.
Why it matters: Clear gutters and a sound roof reduce water intrusion, ice buildup, and foundation seepage.
Plumbing and freeze protection
- Insulate exposed water lines in basements, crawlspaces, garages, and along exterior walls.
- Locate your main water shutoff and label it. Drain and shut off exterior spigots and store hoses.
- Test the sump pump and clean the pit. Consider a backup power option.
- During extreme cold, open cabinet doors under sinks and let a slow trickle run at vulnerable faucets. Keep the thermostat at a steady setting.
Why it matters: A few simple steps can prevent burst pipes and basement flooding.
Fireplace and chimney safety
- Book a professional chimney inspection and cleaning if you burn wood regularly.
- Check fireplace dampers, look over gas logs, and test pilot lights and controls.
- Burn dry, seasoned firewood only, and keep combustible materials clear of the hearth.
Why it matters: Proper maintenance lowers fire risk and improves heating performance.
Exterior, trees, and landscaping
- Trim branches that hang over the roof, driveway, or service lines.
- Protect young plants with mulch or burlap wraps, and bring potted plants indoors.
- Clear debris from retaining walls, swales, and downspout outlets.
Why it matters: Good tree care and drainage reduce storm damage and water backups.
Driveways and walkways
- Fill cracks in concrete and asphalt before repeated freeze–thaw cycles make them worse.
- For asphalt, sealcoating works best before temperatures regularly dip below 50 degrees.
- For concrete, avoid harsh deicers on new or damaged slabs. Repair narrow cracks with the right concrete product.
Why it matters: Early fixes slow deterioration and keep paths safe.
Smart de-icing
- Use sand for traction. It does not melt ice but helps prevent slips.
- Rock salt is common but can harm vegetation and some concrete. It also loses effectiveness below about 15 to 20 degrees.
- Calcium chloride works at lower temperatures but can be more corrosive and costly.
- Apply only what you need and sweep up leftover granules after melting to limit runoff.
Why it matters: Right-sized de-icing improves safety while reducing damage to your property and local waterways.
Pre-listing tips for winter sellers
- Service the HVAC and keep records. A clean bill of health reassures buyers.
- Clean gutters, tidy downspouts, and address obvious roof repairs before showings.
- Insulate visible pipes, test the sump pump, and fix minor leaks.
- Clear and treat walkways, replace burned-out bulbs, and tighten railings.
- Stage for warmth: set a comfortable temperature, brighten rooms, and keep access to the furnace, water heater, and attic clear for inspectors.
- Gather receipts and warranties for recent work and upgrades.
What to do during extreme cold
- Keep the thermostat steady, day and night.
- Drip water at at-risk faucets and open under-sink cabinets.
- Close garage doors and reduce drafts.
- Know how to shut off your water fast.
- Follow local weather alerts and plan ahead for ice or snow.
Simple monthly winter routine
- Change or check HVAC filters.
- Walk the exterior after storms to spot loose shingles, clogged gutters, or tree damage.
- Check sump pump function with a bucket test.
- Test smoke and CO alarms.
- Restock ice melt, sand, and snow shovel supplies.
When to call a pro
- Your furnace or heat pump has not been serviced in the last year.
- You see roof leaks, missing shingles, or persistent ice dams.
- You use a wood-burning fireplace regularly and have not had a recent inspection.
- You have slow drains, a sump pump that cycles irregularly, or signs of moisture.
- You’re preparing to list and want a pre-market plan and staging coordination.
Winter in Ballwin and Manchester does not have to be stressful. With this checklist, you can protect your home, lower energy costs, and keep your property showing-ready all season. If you’re planning to buy or sell, we’re here to guide you through next steps with a clear plan.
Ready for a warm, well-prepped home and a smooth move? Reach out to the Chris & Kait Real Estate Team for friendly, local guidance.
FAQs
When should I schedule furnace service in Ballwin or Manchester?
- Late fall is ideal, but if you missed it, schedule service as soon as possible before the next cold spell.
How do I prevent ice dams on a St. Louis County home?
- Add attic insulation, seal air leaks, and ensure attic ventilation, then safely remove heavy roof snow with a roof rake when needed.
What should I do to keep pipes from freezing during a cold snap?
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas, open cabinet doors, let a slow drip run at vulnerable faucets, and keep the thermostat consistent.
Is rock salt safe for my driveway and sidewalk?
- Use it sparingly; it can harm vegetation and some concrete and works poorly below about 15 to 20 degrees, so consider alternatives and sweep up leftovers.
How often should I clean gutters in leaf-heavy areas?
- At least once in late fall after most leaves drop, and more often if trees overhang your roof.
What should winter sellers prioritize before listing?
- HVAC service records, clean gutters, minor roof and plumbing fixes, safe walkways, warm lighting, and clear access to mechanicals for inspections.
