Are You Ready for Winter?

Winter has officially arrived in Kansas City! With the first snow of the season falling today, many property owners are reminded how quickly temperatures can drop — and how important it is to have your home ready for the cold months ahead!. 

Whether your area of the metro is predicted to receive a light dusting or a few inches, today is the perfect time to double-check your home is prepped for winter. 

Seal the Warmth In: Stop Drafts and Insulate

When temps dip below freezing, drafts around windows, doors, and vents become far more noticeable. Replacing worn weather-stripping, applying caulk around windows and door frames, and even using door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors all help keep warm air in and cold air out.

If your attic, crawlspaces, or walls have minimal insulation, now is a good time to consider checking your insulation and seal obvious air leaks. A properly insulated and sealed home will stay warmer, reduce heating costs, and make the snow day much cozier.

Protect Your Plumbing — Especially Today

Freezing temperatures and snowy weather can put exposed plumbing at real risk. If you haven’t already:

• Insulate any exposed pipes, especially those in unheated spaces like basements, garages, or crawlspaces.

• For extreme cold days, let indoor faucets drip slightly to keep water moving and help avoid freezing pressure buildup.

• If you have outdoor hoses or sprinkler systems, make sure they’re disconnected, drained, and shut off. Outside faucets are one of the most common freeze points when the temperature drops.

  
  

Taking a few minutes this morning to check these things can help you avoid the risk of burst pipes or water damage later in the season.

Clean Gutters, Inspect Roof & Ensure Proper Drainage

Snow and ice are here.

Once melting begins, clogged gutters or poor drainage can lead to leaks, ice dams, or foundation problems. If gutters are full of leaves, sticks, or debris, clear them now and make sure downspouts direct melting snow at least several feet away from your foundation. 

At the same time, take a look at your roof (from the ground or hire a pro if needed) to check for missing or damaged shingles, cracked flashing, or spots where snow might accumulate more heavily. These weak points can quickly become leaks once snow starts to melt. 

ATP Restoration does not recommend attempting anything that puts you at risk. Please use caution and your own discretion when climbing a ladder. 

Stock Up & Prep for Winter Beyond Today’s Snow

The snow today is just the beginning. Take a few minutes to make sure you are stocked with essential winter supplies (snow shovels, ice melt- preferably pet/concrete-safe, flashlights + fresh batteries, blankets, and maybe a backup phone charger or power bank in case of outages). Keeping these items accessible will save time, stress, and potential danger later.

If you have large trees or overhanging branches near your roof or property exterior, keep an eye on them. Snow and ice add substantial weight to branches — and weakened limbs often cause roof or siding damage during storms.

Also, plan for safe walkways and driveway maintenance once snow hits: de-icing agents and shoveling can reduce slip-and-fall hazards.

If winter weather does cause damage, whether that’s burst pipes, roof leaks, or fallen limbs, we’ve got you covered. ATP Restoration is on call 24/7 for inspections, emergency repairs, and full winterization support to protect your home and peace of mind.

Stay warm, and welcome to winter, Kansas City!