The real Oklahoma winter is coming, and you should be prepared.
As a homeowner, taking the necessary steps to prepare your home for the winter season is important.
Oklahoma’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, and that’s especially true when it comes to winters. One day, you might be able to go outside without a coat on, just like you would in summer. Then, the next day you’ll be dealing with ice or snow.
The last thing you want is your pipes to freeze or burst, or your roof shingles to get damaged under heavy snowfall.
So grab a cup of hot cocoa, settle in, and let’s dive into all things winter in the Sooner State!
#1 Weather Is Unpredictable
Oklahoma weather is unpredictable.
While you might hear that it’s going to be 70 degrees on a given day, the temperature could drop to 20 degrees, or you might wake up in a winter wonderland. The best thing you can do in winter is to prepare yourself for whatever comes your way!
The best way to do this is by stocking up on the essentials: food, water, and clothing. You should also keep an eye out for any severe weather alerts and make sure you know where your nearest shelter is in case of an emergency.
#2 Naders: Unwelcomed Tornadoes
As we all know, Oklahoma winters can be brutal. With the frigid temperatures and snowfall that can last for days, it’s easy to think that the only thing to worry about is ice and snow. However, don’t let those cold gusts fool you into thinking there aren’t any tornadoes here. On average, 1-2 tornadoes happen between December and February in Oklahoma.
When wind gusts are common in winter, your roof can undergo damage. If your roof is already weakened, the high wind should be particularly worrisome. If you suspect that high winds have damaged your roof, don’t wait for spring to get help from a professional roofer.
A professional can help you assess the winter roof damage and repair it quickly, preventing further damage from occurring. This will ensure that your roof will withstand another year of winter storms in Oklahoma.
#3 Prepare Your Roof For Ice
Even though we all know that Oklahoma gets ice storms each year, it’s easy to become indifferent about them. You may think it’s too early for an ice storm, or that it will be better this year than the last, but these assumptions could cost you big time if you’re not prepared.
If you live in the northern part of the state and are accustomed to snow and ice storms, then you know what we’re talking about. While these storms can be beautiful, they can also cause serious damage to a home’s roof if you haven’t prepped it properly.
We’ve pulled together some tips for winterizing your home so you can be ready for high winds and blizzards. Read on below.
#4 Make Sure Your Gutters Are Ready
Ice dams can be a major problem in Oklahoma during winter. When the snow melts on a shingle roof, it can create ice dams, which are those pesky ridges that form at the roof’s edge where melted water collects and freezes again, causing water to back up, and seep under your shingles instead of flowing into your gutters.
If you’re worried about ice dams forming along your roof, there are a few things you can do.
You can install heat cables along the eaves of your roof, to help melt snow instead of allowing it to refreeze. If you don’t want to do that, there’s another option: buy a roof rake and use it to remove snow that has accumulated within 6 inches of your eaves. This will decrease the chances of an ice dam forming.
If ice dams go unremoved, their additional weight could tear down your gutter system and cause water damage to your home.
#5 Have Your Heating System Checked
Having your heating system checked at least once a year is essential. This helps ensure that it runs efficiently and safely, and can also help prevent costly breakdowns and repairs.
When you schedule an annual checkup, a professional will inspect your furnace, boiler, or chimney to ensure that there are no cracks or leaks. They’ll also clean out any debris that may have accumulated over time. In addition to inspecting your heating system, they’ll also check to ensure that it is properly calibrated and adjusted so that it runs as efficiently as possible—saving you money on your energy bills!
Overall, having your heating system checked by a professional is an important part of maintaining and running it efficiently. By scheduling regular maintenance, you can help prevent problems and keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter.
#6 Add Insulation To Your Attic
With the cold Oklahoma winters, insulation is important in keeping your home comfortable and warm. Several types of insulation are available, including fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. The type of insulation you choose will depend on your budget, the size of your attic, and your personal preferences.
Insulation helps keep heat from escaping your home, saving you money on energy bills and keeping your home warm and comfortable. Adding insulation to your attic is an effective way to fight the cold winters in Oklahoma.
#7 Protect Your Pipes From Bursting
One of Oklahoma’s most common problems during the winter months is frozen pipes. When the water inside a pipe freezes, it expands, which can cause the pipe to burst and result in costly damage to your home.
To prevent your pipes from freezing, it’s important to insulate any pipes that are located in unheated areas of your home, such as the attic, garage, or crawl space. Several types of pipe insulation are available, including foam sleeves, fiberglass wrap, and heat tape.
Measure each pipe’s length and cut the insulation to size to fit around your pipes. Then, slip the insulation over the pipe and secure it in place with tape or cable ties. Be sure to leave a small gap at each end of the insulation to allow for expansion.
Additionally, keeping your home warm during the winter is also important in insulating your pipes. Set your thermostat to at least 62 degrees Fahrenheit, and make sure that all of your windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent drafts.
#8 Weatherproof Windows & Doors
We’re talking about some serious preparation for Oklahoma winters. Even if it’s not snowing outside, our windows and doors are exposed to an unrelenting barrage of wintery weather conditions—which means they need a little extra protection.
Here are some tips for weatherproofing your windows and doors:
- Apply weatherstripping along the edges of your windows and doors. This will help seal any gaps or cracks that could allow cold air to enter your home.
- Install storm windows and doors to provide an extra layer of protection against the elements and keep your home warm and comfortable during winter.
- Use window film inside your windows to reduce heat loss, prevent drafts, and save money on your energy bills!
#9 Keep Snow Removal Tools Handy
The winter months can be tough on your driveway, sidewalks, and other areas around your home. While you might be tempted to wait for the snow to melt, keeping snow removal tools handy during winter in case of heavy snowfall is important. This will help you clear the snow from your driveway, sidewalks, and other areas around your home so that you can move safely and easily.
Several types of snow removal tools are available, including shovels, snow blowers, and snow pushers. The type of tool you choose will depend on how much snow you need to remove and how large an area requires clearing. You’ll also need to consider whether or not you have any physical limitations that may make using certain tools difficult or impossible for you.
For the safety of your family and your home, we suggest that you hire a professional snow removal company.
#10 Oklahoma In Winter Is An Absolute Beauty
The cold winter days of Oklahoma are a sight to behold.
The temperature is cold enough to make a blanket necessary but not so cold that you can’t enjoy a walk around the neighborhood or go for a jog. The wind whips through your hair as you take in the sights and sounds of your neighborhood:
- The crunch of snow underfoot
- The smell of pine floating through the air
All this is followed by a peaceful evening filled with twinkling lights from houses dotting the hillsides.
Oklahoma Winter Forecasts 2022-2023
Winter is coming, and so is the question: “Is Oklahoma going to have a bad winter?”
It’s no secret that Oklahoma often experiences drought conditions during the winter months. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its forecast for this winter, and La Nina will be making an appearance this year.
A La Nina is a term used when there are cooler than average ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. This typically results in drier temperatures across much of North America during the winter months—including here in Oklahoma!
You can expect La Nina to have a minimal impact on the weather in Oklahoma, but we typically experience winters that are warmer than normal.
Roofing In The Winter? It’s Possible!
A. Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing provides roofing services in the freezing Oklahoma winter, so you can count on us to get your roof repaired or replaced before spring comes around. We know that when it’s cold outside, it can be hard to imagine what’s happening on top of your house when you’re snug and warm inside, but when you work with A. Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing, you don’t have to worry—we’ll make sure your roof is safe and secure so that you can have peace of mind.
Our team is ready to tackle any job, no matter how big or small it may be. We offer free estimates and will work closely with you throughout the process so that we can give you exactly what you need at a price that fits within your budget. Don’t wait until spring rolls around—let us help protect your home all year!
Call us today at (918) 402-7167.
