Top 5 Most Frequent Repairs That We Encounter in the Front Range

If you've spent even a few seasons along Colorado's Front Range, you know this already: our gorgeous scenery comes with some of its own brand of frustrating home problems. From rapidly changing weather to arid air or soil that simply won't remain stationary, some home repairs rear their ugly heads again and again. As contractors who work along the Front Range - from Broomfield to Fort Collins -we've noticed the same issues resurface again and again.

Allow us to guide you through the top 5 most frequent home repairs we receive calls for, and what you can do to avoid or manage them.

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1. Drywall Cracks (Due to Expansive Soil)

What causes it:

Our area's dense clay soil swells when wet and shrinks when dry, making your foundation move slightly. The outcome? Drywall cracks—particularly near doors, windows, and ceilings.

How to detect it early:

• Look for hairline cracks that widen with time

• Check for sticking doors or uneven baseboards

• Inspect ceilings following heavy rainfall or quick snowmelt

How to handle it:

Minor cracks can be patched, but if they continue to recur, get your foundation inspected. It is usually less expensive to have it corrected sooner rather than later and have to repair major structural damage.

2. Leaky Windows and Doors

What causes it:

Temperature changes (hi 70°F one day and snow the next) cause materials to shrink and expand, which breaks down weatherstripping, caulking, and seals.

How to recognize it early:

• Look for drafts near windows and doors

• Fog between double-pane windows

• Check for water spots or paint bubbling

How to handle it:

Re-caulk or replace weatherstripping. If the windows are old or warped, new energy-efficient windows can be worth it in the long term - especially in Colorado's dramatic temp swings.

3. Wind and Hail Roof Damage

What causes it:

This requires no explanation if you've survived a Colorado spring. Hail storms can inflict significant damage in a very limited time. Even if it's not immediately apparent, small impacts compromise shingles gradually.

How to identify it early:

• Check for bald patches or missing shingles

• Inspect gutters for granules (indication that shingles are deteriorating)

• Check your attic for water stains or odors of mildew

How to handle it:

Don't wait. Get your roof checked by a professional after any significant storm. Most insurance companies have a time limit for hail claims. A quick check now may save you thousands later.

4. Settling or Cracked Concrete

Why it happens:

Freezing temperatures, droughts, and uneven settling wreak havoc on Front Range driveways, patios, and sidewalks.

How to detect it early:

• Larger cracks than 1/8"

• Uneven or sunken spots

• Water collecting around the foundation

How to handle it:

Little cracks can be sealed with a flex concrete caulk. More significant problems may require mudjacking or resurfacing. Having gutters and downspouts clean (and properly in place) will also decrease the erosion of your concrete.

5. Faulty Grout & Caulk in Bathrooms & Kitchens

What causes it:

Colorado's dry climate makes grout and caulk dry and crack more rapidly than in more humid climates. If water gets in, mold is next, and the next thing you know you have more than a cosmetic problem to deal with.

How to detect it early:

• Damaged grout lines or missing caulk

• Black mold or spots behind tubs and backsplashes

• Softening or discoloration around moist spots

How to do it:

Scrape off worn-out caulk and reapply a mildew-resistant type. Re-grouting tile is a manageable weekend task - or one we're happy to perform for you if you're short on time or tools.

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Final Thoughts: Prevent the Common, Avoid the Costly

The reality is that most of these routine repairs aren't "disasters" on day one, but they can become pricey headaches down the road if neglected. Keeping them in check doesn't have to be a lengthy to-do list. Simply knowing what to watch for (and when to summon the troops) is half the battle.

If you are in the Front Range and you see one of these problems beginning to occur, do not allow it to become a major issue. Most of the fixes are simple and inexpensive if you catch them early.

👉Need a second opinion or professional repair?

At Alpine Home Repairs we assist Colorado homeowners in making smart, long-term repairs easy. Whether you're noticing signs of issues or simply want peace of mind, we can assist.

Alpine Home Repairs