.png)
Protecting Your Alaska Home This Winter
December in Alaska brings the kind of cold that tests even the best-prepared homes. Most homeowners have already checked off the common winter tasks—insulating pipes, servicing the furnace, and clearing roof edges. But there’s one often-missed winter safeguard that becomes especially important right now, as temperatures swing between deep freeze and brief midday melts:
Watch for “Sun Melt Frost Heave” Along Your Foundation
Even in the heart of December, low-angle sunlight can warm the south and southwest sides of your home just enough to cause slight surface melting. That meltwater seeps down beside the foundation—then freezes hard again once the sun sets. This repeated freeze-thaw cycle can create localized frost heave, pushing against your foundation walls without you realizing it.
This lesser-known issue can lead to:
- Hairline cracks in foundation walls
- Floors that begin to slope
- Sticking doors or windows
- Moisture issues during spring thaw
Crucial Tip:
Take a few minutes every week in December to pull snow 2–3 feet away from the perimeter of your home, especially on the south-facing sides. You don’t have to remove it entirely—just create a buffer so meltwater can’t collect right against your foundation before a hard freeze.
Additional Smart December Checks for Alaska Homes
- Inspect and reset heat tape—December cold snaps often reveal the first failures.
- Clear attic vents to prevent moisture buildup and dangerous ice dams.
- Monitor snow loads on older roofs, decks, and outbuildings as storms start stacking up.
- Check on remote or absentee-owned properties—December is when unnoticed problems begin to escalate.
- Verify frost-free hose bibs aren’t holding water—small ice plugs can rupture lines inside walls.
- Ensure generator fuel is winter-grade to prevent gelling during subzero temps.
A few preventative steps now can save you thousands in repair costs when the deep winter weather settles in.
For help preparing your property or understanding winter risks, contact Alaskan Properties at (907) 694-3434.