Winter Damage Check: What Every Community Should Inspect in January

January is a critical month for community associations, homeowners and managers. The holidays are behind us, temperatures continue to drop, and the freeze–thaw cycle begins to impact buildings in ways that often go unnoticed until spring. Conducting a mid-winter exterior check now can help communities avoid costly surprises and ensure small issues don’t escalate into larger structural or water-related problems.

At Advance Home Pros, we see firsthand how winter weather affects roofs, siding, drainage systems, and walkways. A simple January inspection can provide clarity, protect residents, and preserve the long-term value of a community’s assets.

Key Areas to Review This Month

1. Roofs & Shingles

High winds, heavy rain, and early-season freeze cycles can cause:

·      Lifted or missing shingles

·      Loose flashing

·      Ice dams forming along edges or valleys

·      Minor leaks around penetrations (vents, chimneys, skylights)

A quick visual inspection now can prevent major interior damage later.

2. Gutters, Downspouts & Drainage Paths

Gutters clogged with late-fall debris can freeze solid, pulling away from fascia boards or causing overflow that affects siding and walkways. Look for:

·      Sagging sections

·      Blocked downspouts

·      Icy paths forming near splash blocks or drains

Proper flow is critical during freeze–thaw periods.

3. Siding, Trim & Soffits

Cold temperatures make materials contract, revealing gaps, loose boards, and early signs of moisture intrusion. Common findings include:

·      Warped or loose siding panels

·      Separation around windows

·      Soffit movement caused by wind uplift

These small openings allow cold air and moisture to enter the building envelope.

4. Walkways, Steps & Handrails

Safety is a top priority for all communities in winter. January is the time to confirm:

·      Trip hazards from cracked or lifted concrete

·      Stairs and landings that hold ice

·      Loose or wobbly handrails

·      Inconsistent lighting along common walkways

Addressing these issues early helps prevent accidents.

5. Masonry, Foundations & Retaining Walls

The freeze–thaw cycle expands minor cracks into larger structural concerns.

Inspect for:

·      New or widening cracks

·      Efflorescence (white staining)

·      Water pooling near foundation lines

·      Movement in retaining walls

An early assessment allows for planned, not emergency, repairs.

Why January Matters

Winter damage often starts small, a lifted shingle here, a hairline foundation crack there, but January is the ideal time to catch these issues between storms. Proactive maintenance protects budgets, reduces risk, and ensures residents remain safe and comfortable.

How Advance Home Pros Can Help

Our team specializes in exterior inspections, maintenance, repairs, and larger capital improvement projects for community associations, condominiums, townhomes and residential communities. We offer:

·      Mid-winter exterior assessments

·      Roof, siding, and drainage evaluations

·      Priority scheduling for emergency repairs

·      Planning guidance for spring projects and reserve planning

If you’d like support with a January inspection or need a professional opinion on any item you discover, we’re here to help.

Advance Home Pros is your trusted partner in keeping homes and communities safe, strong, and well-maintained all year long.