How to Prepare Your Colorado Home for Winter

 

Colorado winters can bring freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and strong winds, sometimes all in the same week. Taking care of a few maintenance tasks before the cold weather arrives can help prevent expensive repairs and protect your home from winter damage.

 

TL;DR: Before winter arrives, have your furnace checked, insulate exposed pipes, blow out your sprinkler system, disconnect outdoor hoses, and clean your gutters. It's also a good time to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, trim damaged tree branches, and review your homeowners insurance.

Have Your Furnace Inspected

Your furnace works hard during Colorado winters, so it's a good idea to have it serviced before temperatures drop. A professional inspection can help catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs or leave you without heat on a freezing day.

Remember to replace your furnace filter regularly. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and make your heating system work harder than necessary.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can cause serious water damage if they burst. Pipes in unheated areas, such as garages, crawl spaces, and basements, are especially vulnerable during Colorado winters.

Insulate exposed pipes and keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature, even when you're away from home. During extreme cold, opening cabinet doors under sinks along exterior walls can help warm air reach the plumbing.

Don't forget your sprinkler system and outdoor faucets! Schedule a sprinkler blowout before freezing temperatures arrive. Water left in irrigation lines can freeze and damage pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads, leading to costly repairs in the spring.

Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets and water lines as appropriate for your home's plumbing. It's also a good idea to know where your main water shutoff valve is located in case a pipe bursts.

 

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters get more use during winter, making working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors especially important.

Test the detectors throughout your home and replace batteries when needed. If you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove, have the chimney inspected and cleaned as necessary before using it for the season.

 

Clean Your Gutters and Check Your Roof

Leaves and debris can collect in gutters throughout the fall. When snow melts, clogged gutters can prevent water from draining properly and contribute to ice dams or water damage.

Clean out your gutters and make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.

While you're at it, take a look at your roof for missing or damaged shingles and other signs of wear. Addressing small problems before winter storms arrive may help prevent leaks later.

Trim Trees and Remove Damaged Branches

Heavy snow, ice, and wind can cause weak or dead tree branches to break. Branches hanging over your roof, driveway, or other structures are worth paying attention to before winter.

Have damaged or potentially hazardous branches trimmed, especially those close to your home or power lines. For large trees or branches near utility lines, contact a professional rather than trying to remove them yourself.

 

Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors

Cold air coming through gaps around windows and doors can make your home harder to heat and increase energy bills.

Check for worn weatherstripping, cracked caulking, or other openings that allow outside air inside. Sealing these gaps is a relatively inexpensive way to make your home more comfortable during the colder months.

 

Review Your Homeowners Insurance Before Winter

Even with proper maintenance, winter storms can cause unexpected damage. Snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures can all lead to repairs that may or may not be covered by your homeowners insurance, depending on your policy and what caused the damage.

For example, damage from a sudden burst pipe may be covered, while damage caused by neglected maintenance or failure to keep the home heated may not be.

If you're unsure what your policy covers, our team here at BIG Insurance Group can help you review your homeowners insurance and answer questions about winter-related damage. We work with homeowners throughout Colorado to help them find coverage that fits their homes and needs.