Winter Home Maintenance Tips for Colorado Homeowners

Northern Colorado winters can be beautiful — but they’re also tough on homes. Freezing temperatures, snow, and fluctuating humidity can cause hidden damage if you’re not prepared. Here are a few important steps to protect your home this winter.

1. Check and Clean Your Gutters

Before the first big snow, clear out leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams, leading to roof leaks and water intrusion.

2. Inspect Your Roof and Attic

Loose shingles or poor insulation allow heat to escape, which can melt snow unevenly and refreeze at the edges. A quick attic check can prevent expensive repairs later.

3. Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Windows & Doors

Cold drafts raise energy bills and make your furnace work overtime. Use weather stripping or caulk to keep warm air in and cold air out.

4. Service Your Heating System

Have your furnace inspected and filters replaced before heavy use. This ensures efficient operation and reduces the risk of a mid-winter breakdown.

5. Protect Outdoor Faucets and Pipes

Disconnect hoses, shut off exterior valves, and use insulated covers to prevent frozen pipes. A burst pipe can cause thousands in damage — and it’s completely preventable.

6. Test Smoke and CO Detectors

Heating systems, fireplaces, and space heaters all increase CO risk. Test detectors monthly and replace any that are over 7 years old.

Taking a few hours to winterize your home can save you hundreds — and give you peace of mind through Colorado’s coldest months.

Need help spotting potential cold-weather risks before they become problems? Schedule a home maintenance inspection with Alpine Summit Inspections LLC today.

Fire Safety Tips from a Firefighter-Home Inspector

As both a firefighter and home inspector, I’ve seen firsthand how small hazards can turn into major emergencies. Here are five practical steps every homeowner can take to make their home safer today:

1. Check Your Smoke & CO Detectors
   Test monthly and replace batteries twice a year. Every level of your home — especially near bedrooms — should have detectors.

2. Clean Dryer Vents
   Lint buildup is a leading cause of house fires. Clean the entire vent duct at least once a year.

3. Inspect Electrical Outlets
   Look for discolored outlets, buzzing sounds, or flickering lights — all signs of potential arcing or overheating.

4. Keep Extinguishers Accessible
   Have at least one fire extinguisher on each level, especially near kitchens and garages. Check pressure gauges yearly.

5. Practice a Fire Escape Plan
   Make sure every family member knows two exits from each room and a meeting place outside.

A safe home is a sound investment. During your home inspection, I always take note of potential fire and life-safety risks — because prevention starts with awareness.

Top 5 Common Home Inspection Issues in Northern Colorado

Buying or selling a home in Northern Colorado? A professional inspection can reveal issues that often go unnoticed until they become expensive repairs. After hundreds of inspections, here are the five most common problems I find in homes across Greeley, Windsor, and Loveland:

1. Roof Wear & Improper Flashing
   Our weather is tough on roofing materials. Missing shingles, cracked flashing, and poorly sealed roof-to-wall joints are leading causes of leaks.

2. Electrical Concerns
   Outdated wiring, double-tapped breakers, and open junction boxes are common in older homes. These pose both shock and fire hazards if left unaddressed.

3. Drainage & Grading Issues
   Many homes here sit on clay soil. If the grading doesn’t slope away from the foundation, water intrusion or basement moisture can occur.

4. Deferred HVAC Maintenance
   Clogged filters and dirty coils reduce system efficiency. Seasonal checks prevent costly breakdowns and extend equipment life.

5. Attic Ventilation & Insulation Deficiencies
   Poor airflow can lead to moisture buildup, mold, and higher energy bills — especially during Colorado’s temperature swings.

A thorough home inspection by Alpine Summit Inspections LLC helps you understand what you’re buying or selling and ensures there are no surprises later.