Texas may be famous for its long, hot summers, but when winter hits—it can hit hard. We’ve
learned the hard way through recent ice storms and freezing temps that our homes in Round
Rock, TX and the surrounding Central Texas area aren’t always ready for winter weather.
At Safe Beacon Insurance, we’ve seen firsthand the kind of damage a sudden freeze can cause.
From burst pipes to roof damage, the financial and emotional toll of winter weather can be
significant—but it’s often avoidable.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to winter-proof your Texas home to stay warm, safe,
and protected when temperatures drop.
Why Winter Proofing Matters in Texas
Unlike states where snow and ice are part of the norm, most Texas homes—especially those in
Round Rock, Georgetown, and Pflugerville—are built for the heat, not the cold. That means:
• Exposed pipes in attics and garages
• Poor insulation in walls and roofs
• HVAC systems that aren’t optimized for below-freezing temps
Because extreme cold is rare, many homeowners wait until it’s too late.
Recent Texas Freeze Stats:
• In 2021, Winter Storm Uri caused over $10 billion in insured losses statewide
• Hundreds of thousands of Texans lost power and water
• Burst pipe claims were among the most common homeowners insurance filings
A few hours of prep can save thousands of dollars and weeks of stress.
Step 1: Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are the #1 source of winter damage in Texas homes.Here’s how to prevent a plumbing disaster:
• Wrap outdoor faucets with foam covers (available at any hardware store)
• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces, and garages
• Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
• Let faucets drip slowly during freezes—moving water is less likely to freeze
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is (in case of a burst)
Bonus tip: Take a photo of your shut-off valve and make sure everyone in the home knows how
to use it.
Step 2: Seal Up Drafts and Insulate Smartly
Cold air creeping in = higher energy bills and more chance of freezing inside.
Easy DIY insulation upgrades:
• Install weather stripping on doors and windows
• Use door draft stoppers to block under-door airflow
• Add plastic film insulation kits to drafty windows
• Seal cracks with caulk or spray foam around vents, outlets, and baseboards
Big-impact upgrades:
• Add attic insulation (blown-in or fiberglass)
• Insulate your garage if bedrooms are above or adjacent
In Round Rock, many homes built before 2000 were not constructed with energy efficiency in
mind—meaning these small changes can have a big impact.
Step 3: Get Your HVAC Ready
Your heating system is your best friend during a cold snap—so don’t wait until the first freeze to
find out something’s wrong.What to do:
• Change your filters (yes, again!)
• Schedule a tune-up with a licensed HVAC tech before winter
• Clear vents and returns of dust and furniture
• Check that your thermostat works and is accurate
If you use space heaters, always:
• Keep them at least 3 feet from furniture or curtains
• Plug directly into the wall—never an extension cord
• Turn them off before leaving or sleeping
Step 4: Prep for Power Outages
One of the biggest risks in Texas winter storms is losing electricity—especially when it’s your
only source of heat.
Prepare a power outage kit:
• Battery-powered lanterns and flashlights
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags
• Portable phone charger/power banks
• Bottled water and nonperishable food
• First-aid kit
• Manual can opener
Consider investing in:
• A backup generator (gas or battery-powered)
• A battery-powered space heater rated for indoor use
Step 5: Maintain Roofs, Gutters, and Trees
Many winter insurance claims stem from preventable exterior damage.
Roof care:
• Check for missing or loose shingles before the season
• Inspect for signs of sagging or prior leaks
• Ensure your attic is ventilated and insulated
Gutters:
• Clear out leaves and debris before the first freeze
• Install gutter guards to reduce buildup
• Ensure downspouts drain away from the foundation
Trees:
• Trim branches near your roof, vehicles, or power lines
• Remove dead limbs that could fall under ice weight
Falling limbs during a freeze can cause thousands in damage and power outages.
Step 6: Review Your Home Insurance Coverage
Even with prep, accidents happen—and you want to be sure your homeowners insurance has
your back.
Make sure your policy includes:
• Coverage for water damage from burst pipes
• Loss of use coverage (if you need to stay in a hotel)
• Roof replacement cost vs. actual cash value
• Equipment breakdown (for things like HVAC or water heaters)
• Adequate personal property and dwelling limits
Safe Beacon Insurance works with families across Central Texas to customize home policies that
reflect real risks—like severe winter weather.We also help you understand:
• What’s covered vs. what’s excluded
• Deductibles for winter-related claims
• How to file a claim if disaster strikes
Step 7: Bonus Tips for Winter Home Safety
Install a Smart Thermostat
• Set to at least 55°F when you’re away
• Monitor from your phone and receive freeze alerts
Know Your Neighbors
• Coordinate with someone nearby in case of emergency
• Offer to check on elderly neighbors during extreme weather
Keep Records
• Take photos of your home’s interior, valuables, and pipe insulation
• Save receipts for insulation upgrades (some insurers offer discounts!)
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Texas Home This Winter
Winter in Texas can be mild—or it can be fierce. It only takes one icy night to wreak havoc on an
unprepared home.
By taking the time to winter-proof your home now, you can save yourself money, stress, and
insurance headaches later.
At Safe Beacon Insurance in Round Rock, we’re here to help you:
• Assess your current home insurance policy
• Identify gaps in winter protection
• Get personalized recommendations based on your propertyWhether you live in Round Rock, Hutto, Pflugerville, or nearby, our team is just a call or email
away.
Schedule Your Winter Home Insurance Review Today
Call Safe Beacon Insurance in Round Rock, TX today.
Phone: (512) 535-1918
Email: info@safebeaconinsurance.com
Website: https://www.safebeaconinsurance.com
Let’s protect what matters—before the freeze arrives.