Preparing Your Home for a Northern Colorado Winter: What Every Homeowner Should Do Before the First Freeze
Winter in Northern Colorado can be tough on homes. Cold nights, heavy snow, and long periods of freezing temperatures make November the perfect month to prepare your home for winter. As a trusted, veteran-owned home inspection company in Northern Colorado, Catalyst Inspections helps homeowners catch small issues before they turn into costly winter emergencies.
This guide covers the most important things to check before winter hits, based on real issues we find during inspections across Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont, Windsor, and surrounding areas.
1. Inspect Your Roof, Gutters, and Attic Ventilation
If you’re wondering, “How do I prepare my roof for winter in Colorado?” here’s what matters most.
What to Check:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Loose or unsealed flashing
- Clogged gutters or downspouts
- Ice-dam potential around your roofline
Why it matters: Snow and ice buildup can lead to roof leaks and water damage. Clearing gutters and checking for roof weaknesses now prevents expensive repairs later.
2. Look for Insulation Gaps and Air Leaks (Thermal Imaging Helps)
Keeping heat inside your home is just as important as running your furnace. One of the most common questions we hear is, “Why is my house losing heat in winter?” Often, the answer is hidden air leaks.
Common Heat-Loss Areas We Find:
- Poor attic insulation
- Leaking windows and doors
- Cold spots behind walls
- Uninsulated garage connection points
Pro tip: Every Catalyst Inspection includes free thermal imaging, which helps us find issues the eye can’t see.
3. Test Your Furnace, CO Detectors, and Venting
Before temperatures drop below freezing, make sure your heating system is safe and ready. This step is essential for families asking, “How do I get my home ready for winter?”
Before the First Freeze:
- Change your furnace filter
- Test your thermostat
- Have your furnace or boiler serviced
- Check carbon monoxide detectors
- Make sure all floor vents are open and not blocked
4. Test for Radon — Levels Often Rise in Winter
Northern Colorado is known for high radon levels, and readings typically increase when homes stay closed during winter. If you’re searching for “Should I test for radon in winter?”—the answer is yes.
Why Winter Radon Testing Matters:
- Less ventilation = higher radon concentration
- Radon is dangerous and odorless
- Mitigation is affordable and highly effective
If you haven’t tested for radon within the past two years, now is the time.
5. Protect Plumbing and Exterior Water Lines
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter emergencies. Many homeowners ask, “How do I keep my pipes from freezing in winter?” Here’s what helps:
Winter Plumbing Checklist:
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor spigots
- Seal gaps around foundations and siding
- Locate your main water shutoff valve
Tip: A simple $2 hose bib cover can prevent a $2,000 plumbing repair.
6. Schedule a Pre-Winter Home Inspection
A professional inspection gives homeowners peace of mind—and helps catch issues before winter weather makes them worse. If you’re asking, “Is a winter home inspection worth it?” the answer is yes, especially in Colorado’s climate.
A Pre-Winter Inspection Can Find:
- Hidden roof leaks
- Heat-loss problems
- Moisture intrusion
- Furnace or ventilation concerns
- Electrical or safety issues
Our inspections are detailed, never rushed, and include thermal imaging at no extra charge.
Schedule Your Winter Home Inspection in Northern Colorado
Don’t wait until the first major snowstorm to discover a problem. Catalyst Inspections is proud to serve homeowners across Northern Colorado with reliable, educational, and thorough inspections.
📞 Call or Text: 703-202-4911
📧 Email: info@catalystinspections.com
🌐 Website: https://catalystinspections.com
Veteran-Owned • Thorough • Certified • Northern Colorado’s Trusted Home Inspection Team
