Getting Your Home Ready for Front Range Snowstorms: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Let's be realistic—living in Colorado's Front Range, we receive our fair share of winter storms. And as much as snowy mountains are pretty, a large storm can also turn into a homeowner nightmare: frozen pipes, power outages, ice dams, and surprise repairs.

If you're wondering:

"What should I do to ready my home before the next snowstorm hits?"

You're in the right place.

Let's walk through step by step what you need to do to protect your home, prevent costly damage, and stay safe during a Front Range snowstorm.

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Why Snowstorm Preparation Is Important on the Front Range

Here's the catch:

Colorado weather is not predictable. It's 60 and sunny one day, and the next day they're receiving a foot of snow and below-zero temperatures. That freeze-thaw cycle really puts a tremendous amount of stress on your home—if it's not ready.

Typical snowstorm issues we encounter in Front Range homes:

• Damaged or frozen pipes (basement, crawlspace, and exterior wall pipes)

• Roof ice dams that cause leaks and water damage

• Power failures that cut off your heat, light, or internet

• Snow drifts across door, driveway, and vent access

• Heavy snow on decks, trees, and roofs

The upside? With a good winter prep checklist, you can preempt most of these problems and weather the storm in comfort.

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Your Front Range Snowstorm Preparedness Checklist

Here's what to address before the next big snow:

1️⃣Insulate Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most prevalent (and costly) snowstorm catastrophes.

• Seal exposed pipes in exterior walls, garages, crawlspaces, and basements

• Allow faucets to drip in very cold weather to avoid freezing

• Know where your water shut-off valve is—just in case

• Open sink cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate

Pro tip: If your home is equipped with a lawn irrigation system, winterize it in the fall before the first frost.

2️⃣ Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Ice dams form when snow melts and then refreezes, trapping water underneath your shingles. This water is able to get into your attic, walls, and insulation.

• Clean gutters and downspouts in the fall

• Inspect for loose flashing and shingles

• Install roof heat cables in problem areas

• Remove snow from the roof if snow is heavy (use a roof rake to be safe)

3️⃣ Seal Drafts and Insulate

A snowstorm is not a good time to find out your house is leaking heat.

• Caulk or weatherstrip windows and doors for gaps

• Insulate rim joists in the basement and attic access points

• Utilize thick curtains or thermal window coverings for additional heat

4️⃣ Get Ready for Power Outages

With a Front Range storm, a power outage is always looming.

• Try out your generator (if you have one)

• Keep batteries, flashlights, and candles available

• Possess an alternate heat source (such as a gas fire or wood-burning stove)

• Charge devices in advance

• Have extra blankets and layers available

5️⃣ Stock Emergency Supplies

A well-stocked home can be a lifesaver in a storm.

• Bottled water (a minimum of one gallon per person per day)

• Canned food and snacks

• Medications and first aid kit

• Snow shovel and ice melt

• Pet accessories

6️⃣ Shovel Snow Carefully

After the storm has left, snow removal is key to ensuring your home's safety.

• Shovel sidewalks and driveways early and frequently (for prolonged snow storms)

• Clear vents for your dryer, furnace, and water heater

• Remove snow from shrubs and trees to avoid breakage

• Inspect sidewalks and stairs for ice accumulation—treat with ice melt as necessary

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What if You Get Caught Off Guard?

Suppose you did not have any time to prepare and the storm is already here—no problem. Here is what you can do now:

✔️ Drip faucets to prevent freezing

✔️ Pile towels at drafty windows/doors

✔️ Safely use space heaters (3 feet away from anything flammable)

✔️ Wear layers and stay warm

✔️ If the power fails, close off unoccupied rooms to retain warmth

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Final Thoughts: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

Snowstorms are a way of life out here on the Front Range. They don't, however, need to be a disaster for your house. With some easy steps—most of which you can accomplish in a weekend—you'll be prepared to ride out the next storm like a pro.

Do you need any help with home preparation? Here at Alpine Home Repairs, we assist homeowners throughout the Front Range in winterizing their homes by installing insulation, caulking drafty windows, or reinforcing roof cover.

📞Call or message us to schedule a free consultation. We'll get ahead of the storms—and save you money on expensive repairs in the future.

Alpine Home Repairs