Winter is not over yet

We have had a mild winter so far but as the Pacific Northwest experiences more frequent and severe “Arctic Outflow” events, condominium associations from Anacortes to Blaine must prioritize winterization to safeguard their physical and financial health. A single burst pipe in a shared wall can lead to catastrophic water damage across multiple units, a risk exacerbated by the region’s older building stock and traditionally moderate climate. To mitigate this, boards should mandate that residents maintain a minimum thermostat setting of 55°F, even when away, and ensure all common area pipes in unheated crawl spaces or attics are wrapped in high-grade insulation. Furthermore, winterizing exterior hose bibs and clearing gutters to prevent ice dams are essential steps that prevent water from backing up into the building envelope—a common PNW vulnerability during the freeze-thaw cycle.

Beyond the immediate repair costs, proactive freeze prevention is a critical defense against the surging price of HOA insurance. Across Washington State, associations are seeing double-digit premium increases driven by a “hard” insurance market and a high volume of water damage claims. Insurers are increasingly using AI and satellite imagery to assess property risks, and a history of avoidable freeze-related claims can lead to non-renewals or the imposition of massive per-unit deductibles. By documenting a rigorous annual winterization plan and educating residents on their individual responsibilities, boards can present a lower risk profile to underwriters, helping to stabilize monthly dues and protect the community’s long-term reserve funds