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A scratchy throat and a pounding head turned into a hard look at what winter really does to a house—and how to stop small issues from becoming big, expensive messes. We open with the realities of backup teams and why a multi-inspector firm keeps your project on track when life happens, then shift into the seasonal steps that keep water out, heat in, and stress low.

We get practical about cold-weather prep: disconnecting hoses and insulating hose bibs, clearing gutters so downspouts actually move water away, and accepting that unconditioned garages crack because materials move with temperature swings. From there, we pull back the attic hatch and get specific about ventilation and insulation—how ice damming forms, why icicles are a warning sign, and the simple checks that prevent water from backing under shingles. If you’ve ever seen a new roof still struggle in winter, we explain the hidden workmanship gaps we find: ridge vents without a cutout, soffit intake stuffed with insulation, and gable vents left to short-circuit airflow. We also share practical venting guidelines, when to use baffles, and why hipped roofs often need more balanced intake.

Maintenance isn’t just for cars. A home has more parts, more pathways for moisture, and more ways to fail quietly before you notice. That’s why we advocate routine maintenance inspections every couple of years, even if we didn’t do your original home inspection. An unbiased set of eyes pays for itself by catching ventilation errors, missing insulation, and risky shortcuts after a roof install. And if you’re choosing a real estate agent, we explain how to vet for thoroughness and why asking an inspector for candid feedback can save you headaches later.

Ready to winter-proof your place and dodge ice dams, mold, and premature roof wear? Hit follow, share this with a homeowner friend, and leave a quick review to tell us the one winter task you’re tackling this week.

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To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

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