We've inspected thousands of homes along the Front Range, and the winter-prep items that matter most are pretty consistent. None of them are scary, they're just easier to handle in November than in January. Here's a checklist that will guide you through ten quick and easy tasks that will prepare your home for winter.
Why winter prep matters in Colorado
Our weather swings a lot. A sunny 55-degree afternoon can turn into a below-freezing night. Water gets into small cracks, freezes, expands, then thaws and does it all again. That freeze-thaw cycle is hard on pipes, roofs, concrete, and siding. Dry air also means a house can lose heat and moisture quickly if it isn't sealed well.
A little attention now helps you head into winter with peace of mind.
The 10-point winterizing checklist
1. Disconnect hoses and shut off outdoor faucets
Disconnect every garden hose. An attached hose holds water that freezes and backs up into the pipe inside your wall. If your home has an indoor shut-off valve for the outdoor faucets, close it and open the outside faucet to drain what's left. Not sure where the valve is? Check the basement or crawl space near the faucet, or ask a plumber.
Worried about your sprinkler system? Most irrigation systems need compressed air to clear the lines safely. We recommend you call a professional; they can do this quickly and safely.
2. Clean your gutters and downspouts
Leaves and debris block water from draining. In freezing weather, that standing water can turn into ice that's heavy and hard on your gutters. Clear them out and make sure each downspout sends water away from the house.
3. Check the ground around your foundation
Soil should slope gently away from the house so melting snow flows away instead of pooling against the foundation. Many parts of the Front Range have clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry, so where water goes matters. Look for low spots, soil that has settled, and downspout extensions that have been knocked out of place.
Call a pro for: large cracks, doors that suddenly stick, or standing water that keeps coming back. A qualified foundation or structural specialist is the right person to evaluate those.
4. Look over your roof from the ground
You don't need to climb up there. Walk around the house and look for missing, curled, or cracked shingles, and check around chimneys and vents. Hail season may have left marks you haven't noticed. If something looks off, a licensed roofer can take a closer look.
5. Change your furnace filter and schedule a tune-up
A clean filter helps your furnace run more smoothly. If it's been a few months, swap it out. Then book a furnace check with a licensed HVAC technician before the cold really sets in. Colorado's altitude affects how fuel-burning appliances run, which is one reason a yearly professional check is worth it.
6. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Press the test button on each alarm and replace the batteries if needed. Check the date printed on the back of each unit too. Alarms don't last forever, and the manufacturer will tell you when yours are due for replacement. Carbon monoxide alarms matter most when heaters are used regularly.
7. Seal drafts around windows and doors
On a windy day, hold your hand near the edges of doors and windows. If you feel air, the weatherstripping or caulk probably needs a refresh. It's an inexpensive fix that can make rooms more comfortable and energy efficient.
8. Check your attic insulation
If you can safely see into your attic, look for thin or uneven insulation, spots that look flattened or wet, and any gaps around openings. Good insulation helps keep warm air inside and can help limit ice buildup on the roof edge. If you're not sure what you're looking at, call an inspector or contractor for an expert eye.
9. Have your chimney and fireplace checked
If you use a fireplace or wood stove, have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean it before the season starts. This is one that's best left to a specialist.
10. Know where your main water shut-off is
Everyone in your household should know where it is and how to close it. If a pipe ever does leak, shutting the water off quickly makes a big difference. Test the valve once so you know it works.
When to call a pro
You can handle many of these yourself. Unsure what you’re looking at? A home inspector can check your home from top to bottom and help you decide if and where you need to call a licensed specialist.
Want a second set of eyes? Try a Home Health Review
If you'd rather not do this alone, our Home Health Review is like maintenance for your home. One of our inspectors walks through your home, looks at the visible and accessible parts, and gives you a plain-language photo report within 24 hours. You get the full picture, spot small issues early, and plan for bigger expenses instead of being surprised by them. You're welcome to come along and ask questions.
Ready to get ahead of winter? Schedule your Home Health Review online or call us at (303) 588-2502.
Frequently asked questions
When should I winterize my home in Denver? Aim to finish by late October or early November, before the first hard freeze. Our weather can turn quickly, so it's better to start early.
How do I winterize my house in Colorado? Start with outdoor water (hoses and faucets), gutters, the ground around your foundation, your furnace filter, and drafts around doors and windows. Our checklist above walks through each step.
Do I need to blow out my sprinkler system every year? In most Colorado homes, yes. Water left in the lines can freeze and crack pipes. A sprinkler company can usually do it quickly.
What does a Home Health Review include? It's a maintenance-focused check of your home's visible and accessible areas, with a photo report in plain language. It helps you spot small problems before they turn into larger repairs.
