By Sarah Fertsch
For most owners of second homes along the South Jersey coast, winter storms are a rarity – aside from the occasional hurricane or late-autumn nor’easter. But the winter of 2026 has brought unusually extreme weather.
After this week’s powerful blizzard blanketed barrier island communities like Brigantine, Ocean City and Ventnor, experts say absentee homeowners shouldn’t assume everything is fine simply because the house survived previous storms. Winter coastal weather can quietly cause damage that worsens over time, especially when no one is there to notice.
Here are some key reasons to check on your home and what to look out for:
Hidden water damage is the biggest threat
Melting snow can be a bigger problem than you think. When temperatures fluctuate, snow can seep into tiny cracks around roofs, siding, chimneys, skylights and windows. Once inside, it can refreeze overnight, expanding and worsening the damage.
Ice dams – ridges of ice that form along roof edges – are particularly dangerous. They prevent melting snow from draining properly, forcing water under shingles and into ceilings or walls.
If your home has not been inspected since the storm, look for water stains on ceilings and walls, peeling paint, bubbling drywall, drips near light fixtures and musty odors. Even small leaks can grow mold in a matter of days.
Frozen pipes can burst after the storm
Barrier-island homes are especially vulnerable to frozen plumbing, particularly if the property was not winterized or if power outages occurred.
Pipes often burst after temperatures begin to rise, when ice inside expands or melts unevenly. A slow leak inside a vacant home can run for days or weeks before discovery, causing catastrophic damage.
Check for damp cabinets under sinks, reduced water pressure, unusual sounds when flipping on a faucet and pooling water in crawl spaces. Make sure to run water throughout the house to ensure everything is properly intact.
Roof stress and structural concerns
Heavy, wind-packed snow can weigh far more than it appears, sometimes exceeding what older beach bungalows were designed to hold.
Flat or low-slope roofs, common in shore construction, are particularly vulnerable. Drifting snow can also create uneven loads, stressing certain sections more than others.
Wind damage isn’t always obvious
Blizzard conditions bring hurricane-force gusts that can loosen siding, roofing materials, flashing, gutters and outdoor fixtures. From the street, a home may look perfectly fine, while wind may have lifted shingles, bent vents, or damaged soffits in ways that allow water intrusion later.
Walk the perimeter (or have someone do it for you) and check for loose or missing shingles, detached gutters, damaged decks or fences and siding debris. If you spring a leak by the next storm, you will learn why it’s important.
Security risks increase after storms
Vacant homes become more vulnerable after severe weather. Power outages can disable alarm systems, exterior lighting, or cameras. Snowdrifts can also obscure entry points, making it easier for trespassers to go unnoticed.
Additionally, an unshoveled walkway signals that no one is home. Consider checking on your property to maintain security, check for signs of forced entry and verifying that alarm systems are running.
HVAC systems need attention
Heating systems often run continuously during extreme cold. If a furnace malfunctions or fuel runs low, interior temperatures can drop quickly, leading to frozen pipes and humidity issues.
Have someone confirm that the thermostat is operational, heat is reaching all areas of the home and no unusual smells or sounds are present. If your system runs on oil or propane, verify fuel levels are adequate.
Peace of mind and insurance protection
Many insurance policies expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a storm. Delayed action can complicate claims if small issues escalate. If you cannot visit in person, ask a trusted neighbor or hire a local property manager.
But beyond financial concerns, there’s a simple emotional reality: second homes represent memories, retirement dreams and family traditions. Checking on the property quickly protects more than just the structure; it protects your family.
Sarah Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations. She is a locally reknown poet, storyteller, and dog lover.
