If you’ve lived in North Texas long enough, you know winter doesn’t usually announce itself politely. One day it’s 65 and sunny, the next you’re staring at a freeze warning wondering if your pipes are about to repeat 2021. As a homeowner’s ourselves, we here at CookDFW know that winter storms here aren’t constant, but when they hit, they hit hard—and they expose weak spots in homes fast.
How North Texas Winter Storms Really Impact Your Home
Here’s the thing most new Texas homeowners don’t realize: our houses aren’t built like homes up north. We don’t design for weeks of sub-freezing temperatures. That means preparation matters more here than almost anywhere else.
Winter storms in North Texas usually show up as a mix of freezing rain, ice, sleet, snow, and sudden temperature drops. The real damage in DFW often comes from freezes, not just snow or sleet. Pipes, roofs, attics, and even foundations can take a hit if you’re caught off guard.
How to Prepare Your House for a Freeze in Texas
Let’s start with the basics. Preparing your home for winter weather in Texas is really about protecting three systems: water, heat, and structure.
Water is the biggest risk. Pipes can freeze when temperatures drop to around 20 degrees, sometimes even higher if they’re exposed, poorly insulated, or sitting in exterior walls. We’ve seen pipes burst in homes where the thermostat never dropped below 60, simply because the plumbing ran through an uninsulated attic or garage wall.
That’s why dripping faucets during a freeze actually helps. When temperatures drop into the low 20s or below for several hours, letting faucets drip keeps water moving and reduces pressure buildup. You don’t need a steady stream—just a slow drip on the faucets connected to exterior walls. And yes, both hot and cold lines matter.
But dripping alone isn’t enough. If a hard freeze is coming, you should open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate. Insulating exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and attics is one of the cheapest and smartest things you can do before winter weather arrives.
Now let’s talk heat. Your heating system needs to be reliable, and your home needs to hold that heat. Set your thermostat consistently—don’t let it dip too low overnight. And if you lose power, things can go south quickly. That’s why knowing where your main water shutoff is becomes critical. If pipes freeze and burst while power is out, shutting off water quickly can save you from a costly repair that could easily translate into tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
We’ve seen homes where water flowed for hours before anyone realized what was happening. Floors were ruined. Baseboards were soaked. Walls opened up for flood cuts. It happens fast.
Roofing and attic conditions matter more in winter than most homeowners realize. A damaged roof, loose flashing, or poor ventilation can let cold air pour into the attic. That increases the risk of frozen pipes up there and drives heating costs through the roof. If you’ve had storm damage that never got repaired, winter is when it shows itself.
And while ice dams aren’t as common here as in northern states, they can still happen during extended cold snaps—especially on poorly ventilated roofs. That can force water back under shingles and into your home once things start to thaw.
A Practical Winter Prep Plan for First-Time Texas Homeowners
If this is your first winter storm as a Texas homeowner, here’s the mindset shift: assume systems will be stressed. Municipal water, power grids, and emergency services all get stretched thin during severe weather. That means personal preparation matters more than usual.
Have a plan for your family. Know where flashlights are. Keep extra blankets handy. Charge devices ahead of time. And if you have pets, remember they feel the cold too—especially during power outages.
From a construction standpoint, one of the smartest moves you can make before winter is a professional inspection. A free roof inspection from a trusted company can catch storm damage, missing shingles, compromised flashing, or ventilation issues that increase winter risk. A plumbing inspection can identify vulnerable pipes before they freeze. Preventive work is always cheaper than emergency restoration.
We know of one homeowner we spoke with during a previous winter who skipped repairs after a summer hailstorm because “everything seemed fine.” Then the freeze hit. Water got into the attic through a damaged roof vent, froze, thawed, and leaked into the ceiling. What could’ve been a fairly small repair turned into a full interior restoration.
That’s the reality of winter weather in North Texas. It may not constant like hour neighbors in more northern states, but it can be just as unforgiving when it arrives.
Preparing your house for freeze warnings isn’t about panicking or rushing out to clear the shelves of your local supermarket. Proper North Texas winter prep is about stacking the odds in your favor and not be caught off guard. You should definitely Insulate your home where it’s vulnerable and make sure your maintaining consistent heat where its needed.
Protect your people, pets, plants and property, Know your shutoffs. And don’t wait until temperatures are already dropping to take action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can North Texans best prepare their homes for winter weather?
North Texan residents can prepare by insulating exposed pipes, maintaining consistent indoor heat, checking roofs and attics for vulnerabilities, and knowing where water shutoffs are located before a freeze hits.
Should you drip faucets during a freeze in North Texas?
Yes, dripping faucets during prolonged freezes helps prevent pipes from freezing by keeping water moving and reducing internal pressure.
At what temperature will pipes freeze in a house?
Pipes can freeze when temperatures drop below 20°F, especially if they’re exposed, poorly insulated, or located in exterior walls or attics.
What should be on a North Texas winter home prep list?
A solid prep list includes pipe insulation, roof and attic inspection prior to a winter storm, consistent thermostat settings, emergency supplies, and confirming your water shutoff location.
How can I protect my home from winter storm damage in DFW?
The best protection comes from early inspections, addressing concerns from any existing storm damage, insulating vulnerable areas, and preparing for power or water disruptions before winter weather arrives.