How to Winterize Your House in Denver
How to Winterize Your House in Denver
10 Practical Steps Every Homeowner Should Take Before Winter Hits
If this is your first time hearing this, winter damage usually does not start in January. It starts in October when small problems are ignored.
Denver winters are hard on homes. Freeze thaw cycles. Heavy snow. Sudden warmups. Wind driven ice. If your house is not ready, moisture finds a way in and repairs get expensive fast.
Taking a few simple steps in the fall can save you a full season of stress, higher energy bills, and water damage. Below are ten proven ways to winterize your home the right way, based on what we see every year across Denver neighborhoods.
1. Clean Your Gutters Before Freezing Weather
This is one of the most important steps and one of the most skipped.
When leaves and debris sit in gutters, melting snow has nowhere to go. Water backs up, freezes, and forms ice dams. Ice dams force water under shingles and behind siding, leading to roof leaks, ceiling stains, and damaged insulation.
What to do
• Remove leaves and debris by hand or with a scoop
• Rinse gutters with a hose to confirm flow
• Check for leaks, loose hangers, or sagging sections
• Make sure downspouts carry water at least ten feet away from the foundation
In Denver, clogged gutters are a top cause of winter roof leaks and basement moisture issues.
2. Seal Air Leaks Inside and Out
Most homes leak more air than homeowners realize. In fact, the average house leaks the equivalent of a nine square foot hole.
Cold air sneaks in through
• Window and door frames
• Electrical outlets on exterior walls
• Attic access panels
• Recessed lighting
How to find leaks
On a windy day, walk through your home with a lit incense stick. Watch for smoke movement near common draft areas.
Fixes that work
• Install door sweeps on exterior doors
• Caulk gaps around windows and trim
• Add outlet gaskets on exterior wall outlets
• Seal exterior cracks with weather resistant caulk
Small gaps add up fast in a Denver winter.
3. Check Attic Insulation Levels
Heat loss through the attic is one of the biggest energy drains in Colorado homes.
Here is a simple rule
If you can see the attic floor joists, you do not have enough insulation.
Most Denver homes should have about twelve inches of attic insulation. Adding insulation pays for itself quickly through lower heating bills and improved comfort.
One important note
Do not install kraft faced insulation over existing insulation. It can trap moisture and cause long term problems.
4. Test the Furnace Early
Do not wait for the first cold snap to find out your furnace has issues.
Turn it on in early fall and let it run. A brief dusty smell is normal. A strong or lasting odor is not.
Recommended steps
• Schedule a yearly furnace inspection
• Replace or clean filters monthly during winter
• Never ignore unusual noises or smells
A dirty filter restricts airflow, lowers efficiency, and can even become a fire hazard.
5. Inspect and Seal Ductwork
Poor ductwork wastes a shocking amount of heat.
Homes with leaky or poorly insulated ducts can lose up to sixty percent of heated air before it reaches living spaces.
Check ducts in
• Attics
• Basements
• Crawlspaces
• Garages
Fixes
• Seal joints with metal backed HVAC tape
• Repair crushed or kinked sections
• Insulate ducts in unheated areas
Clean ducts every few years to reduce dust and improve air quality.
6. Prepare Windows for Cold Weather
Old or drafty windows are a major heat loss source.
Best options
• Install storm windows if available
• Replace severely drafty or single pane windows over time
Budget friendly fix
Use interior window insulation kits. These plastic sheets install with double sided tape and shrink tight with a hair dryer. They are not pretty, but they work extremely well and cost very little.
7. Inspect the Chimney and Fireplace
Before lighting the first fire of the season, have the chimney inspected.
A level one inspection checks visible areas for blockages, buildup, or damage. Animals, nests, and debris are common.
Important notes
• Chimneys do not always need yearly sweeping but should be inspected yearly
• Wood stoves require more frequent cleaning due to creosote buildup
• Install a chimney cap with a screen to keep out animals and moisture
• Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use
Water inside a chimney causes serious damage over time.
8. Reverse Ceiling Fans for Winter
This is a small step that makes a noticeable difference.
In winter, ceiling fans should spin clockwise. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling and recirculates heat instead of letting it sit above you.
Check by looking up
Clockwise rotation means winter mode.
9. Protect Pipes From Freezing
Frozen pipes cause some of the worst winter damage we see.
Steps to take
• Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs
• Install insulated covers on outdoor spigots
• Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, garages, and basements
• Use foam pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape where needed
Denver freezes are sudden and unforgiving. Prevention is far cheaper than repairs.
10. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Winter means closed windows, furnaces running, and fireplaces in use.
Do this now
• Test all smoke detectors
• Replace batteries
• Replace detectors older than ten years
• Test using real smoke, not just the test button
• Confirm fire extinguishers are accessible and charged
Every home should also have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level.
Denver Winterization Starts With the Exterior
From our experience, most winter damage starts outside. Gutters, downspouts, roof edges, and drainage all play a major role in protecting your home during snow season.
If water cannot move away from your house, it will find a way inside.
This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute professional construction, roofing, or contracting advice. Every property, structure, and situation is different. Always consult a qualified roofing or gutter professional for inspections, recommendations, and repairs specific to your home or building.
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