🏡 Winter Home Maintenance Tips for Cabarrus County Homeowners

🏡 Winter Home Maintenance Tips for Cabarrus County Homeowners

A Seasonal Guide from The Ogburn Group Real Estate Team

Winter in Cabarrus County may not bring the heavy snow that northern states experience, but our region still faces chilly nights, occasional freezes, winter rainstorms, and the kind of temperature swings that can put stress on your home. Whether you live in Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Midland, or anywhere in between, preparing your home for winter is one of the best ways to protect your property and avoid costly repairs.

At The Ogburn Group, we’re committed not only to helping you find the right home — but also to helping you maintain and protect the one you own. Here’s a practical winter home maintenance guide inspired by trusted resources like   MilitaryByOwner winter checklist and tailored for local homeowners.

🔧 Interior Maintenance: Comfort, Efficiency & Safety

✔ Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors

With heaters, fireplaces, and candles used more often in winter, now is the time to ensure alarms are in working order. Replace batteries and test all units throughout your home.

✔ Service your HVAC system

Have a licensed professional inspect and tune up your heating system before cold weather hits. A clean filter and well-functioning unit will help keep energy bills down and maintain steady warmth during cold snaps.

✔ Protect your plumbing

Even in mild-winter areas like Cabarrus County, pipes can freeze during hard freezes or back-to-back cold nights.

• Insulate exposed pipes (especially in crawlspaces, basements, and garages).
• Know where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located.
• Drain sediment from your water heater to improve efficiency.

✔ Inspect fireplaces and chimneys

If you have a wood-burning or gas fireplace, schedule an annual cleaning and inspection to prevent fire hazards and ensure proper ventilation.

🌧 Exterior Maintenance: Keeping Water, Wind & Cold at Bay

✔ Clean gutters and downspouts

Winter rain is common in our region. Clogged gutters cause water to overflow toward the foundation, a leading contributor to basement and crawlspace moisture issues. Clear leaves and debris and ensure downspouts direct water several feet away from the home.

✔ Inspect the roof

Look for damaged shingles, worn flashing, or chimney gaps. Addressing small issues now can prevent winter leaks — especially during heavy rain or freeze-thaw cycles.

✔ Protect outdoor plumbing

Disconnect hoses and insulate exterior faucets. If you have an irrigation system, shut it down for the season or have it professionally winterized.

✔ Seal windows and doors

Add or replace weather-stripping and seal gaps with caulk to keep drafts out and heating costs lower. Simple upgrades like draft stoppers or insulating curtains can make a noticeable difference.

✔ Trim trees and inspect yard drainage

Winter storms with wind or ice can break limbs. Keep branches trimmed away from roofs and siding. Also ensure yard drainage flows away from the foundation to avoid water pooling after winter rains.

🛠 Extra Winter-Smart Tasks

✔ Prepare for potential outages

While large outages are infrequent, winter storms in the Piedmont can still knock out power. Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets, and a basic emergency kit on hand.

✔ Check crawlspaces for moisture or drafts

Many homes in Cabarrus County have crawlspaces. Inspect for:

• Excess moisture
• Gaps that let in cold air
• Damaged insulation

Good crawlspace health equals lower energy bills and better air quality.

🌟 From The Ogburn Group: Your Local Real Estate Resource

Winter home maintenance isn’t just about surviving the colder months — it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring your home stays safe, comfortable, and efficient year-round.

At The Ogburn Group, we’re proud to serve homeowners throughout Cabarrus County and nearby communities. If you ever need:

• Contractor recommendations
• A pre-spring home prep checklist
• A market update for your neighborhood
• Advice on home improvements that add value

—we’re always here to help.

Have questions about winter maintenance or local service pros? The Ogburn Group is always just a call or message away. We're proud to support our Cabarrus County neighbors!