The Midweek Reset: Protecting Your Property During February’s Temperature Swing

Minnesota weather is rarely predictable, but it is always a factor in homeownership. After an unseasonably warm February stretch, we are shifting back to standard winter conditions this week.

As a real estate professional, I monitor these temperature swings not just for the commute, but for the impact they have on a property’s structural integrity. A 40–50 degree drop in less than 48 hours places measurable stress on foundations, plumbing systems, rooflines, and interior finishes. Below are four practical steps to help ensure your home remains secure, efficient, and protected during this midweek transition.

1. Address the “Melt–Freeze” Cycle

Recent warmth likely caused snowmelt around your foundation. As temperatures drop back into the teens and single digits, any standing water will refreeze quickly.

The Tip: Confirm your downspouts are clear and extending at least five feet away from your foundation.

The Why: Frozen ground cannot absorb water. When meltwater pools near your foundation and refreezes, expanding ice creates hydrostatic pressure against basement walls. Repeated cycles can lead to foundation cracks, shifting, and seepage, repairs that directly impact long-term property value.

2. Manage Interior Humidity

As outdoor temperatures fall, heating systems work harder, often causing indoor humidity levels to drop sharply.

The Tip: Check your humidistat and aim for an indoor humidity level between 30% and 40%.

The Why: Extremely dry air pulls moisture from hardwood flooring, trim, cabinetry, and millwork. This can result in floor gaps, cracking, and material shrinkage. Maintaining proper humidity protects your home’s finishes and supports indoor comfort during abrupt cold snaps.

3. Review Vulnerable Plumbing

Warm spells often create a false sense of security. Pipes running through garages, exterior walls, or unheated crawl spaces become especially vulnerable during a sudden freeze.

The Tip: Keep garage doors closed and ensure your thermostat is set to at least 60°F, even if you are traveling.

The Why: Water expands as it freezes, creating significant internal pressure inside pipes. A rapid temperature drop does not allow plumbing systems time to adjust. If a pipe ruptures, it can release substantial water into your home in a short period, resulting in structural damage and costly remediation.

4. Monitor the Roofline

Heavy snow followed by a quick freeze is a primary cause of ice dams—one of the most damaging winter roofing issues in the Midwest.

The Tip: After snowfall, use a roof rake to remove the first two feet of snow along gutters and eaves.

The Why: Ice dams form when heat escaping from the attic melts upper roof snow, which then refreezes at colder eaves. This creates a barrier that traps water and forces it beneath shingles and into wall cavities. Clearing eaves helps break this cycle and allows water to drain safely.

In real estate, maintenance is another word for equity protection. Taking time during a temperature swing to inspect these key systems helps prevent costly damage and preserves your home’s long-term value—especially as we approach the spring market.

If you need recommendations for trusted winter maintenance professionals or would like guidance on preparing your home for the upcoming market season, please feel free to reach out. I am here to be a resource in every season.