Living in Northern Colorado means enjoying the charm of all four seasons, each with its unique beauty. As winter approaches, bringing its crisp air and snow-dusted landscapes, it's time to wrap your home in the same cozy care that you would for yourself. Let’s explore how to make your space a warm retreat during those brisk, wintry months.
Weatherproof Your Windows and Doors
Your windows and doors don’t just let in light while you admire the views. They can also let in the cold winter air while allowing warm air to escape. These winter drafts can contribute to immense heat loss, prompting you to crank up your furnace or thermostat. Ensuring your windows and doors are appropriately weatherproofed keeps your home warm and inviting – and protects your cherished belongings from the chill.
Windmill Homes builds with weatherproofing in mind, installing energy-efficient windows and ensuring thresholds are correctly is correctly and fully installed, to start. We know winter in Northern Colorado, and do our best to ensure you experience the comfort of stepping into a snug, draft-free space on a cold winter’s day.
Prep Your Roof and Gutters for Colorado Winters
Even with a newer, top-quality roof, a little TLC goes a long way to maintain its integrity and beauty through the winter months.
Start with your gutters – they're your home's first line of defense against winter's challenges. Those vibrant fall leaves may look pretty on the ground, but they're not so charming when they clog up your gutters and downspouts. A good clean-out prevents water backup that could lead to ice dams, keeping your roof and siding safe from potential damage.
While you're up there, take a moment to appreciate your roof's craftsmanship. A quick visual check can catch any small issues before they become big problems. Look for any loose shingles or flashing – these are rare in newer homes but worth a glance.
For those who'd rather spend their weekends relaxing by the fire, consider gutter guards. They're a great way to minimize debris build-up and cut down on maintenance time. It's all about making your Colorado lifestyle as enjoyable as possible in every season.
Insulate Your Attic and Basement
Insulation is a priority for us at Windmill Homes. Ensuring your attic, crawlspace, and basement are properly insulated will keep every corner cozy and energy-efficient. With the right insulation, you’ll create a serene, comfortable haven that’s perfectly suited to withstand winter’s chill. If you are in an older home, consider checking in on these insulation options:
- Foam board or rigid foam: This rigid panel can insulate any part of your home. The materials it’s made of are up to twice as effective as other options of the same thickness and can be used to sheathe both interior basement walls and exterior walls.
- Loose-fill insulation: Blown-in insulation consists of small foam or fiber particles that fit into any space without disturbing the existing structure or finishes.
- Sprayed foam: Liquid foam is another versatile insulation material you can spray, inject, or pour into attic or basement walls. It can fill even the tiniest of spaces, forming an effective barrier to air.
- Insulating concrete forms (ICFs): If you’re looking to add an extension to your house or wall on a patio, ICF walls are more effective at blocking heat transfer between inside and outside than traditional stick-built walls.
Protect Your Pipes
Water expands when it freezes. This increases the chances of frozen pipes bursting and causing water damage. Luckily, there are ways you can protect your plumbing when the temperatures drop.
For your outdoor plumbing, turn off the main shut-off valve and then open the taps to clear any remaining water that may freeze. You can also wrap exposed pipes with heat tape to keep them warm.
For your indoor pipes, consider opening your faucets slightly to keep water flowing during extremely cold nights. A gentle trickle of water keeps your pipes warm to avoid freezing. Additionally, you can open the doors under the bathroom and kitchen sinks to allow warm air to reach the piping.
If you are in a Windmill Home, it’s important to remember that we utilize anti-siphon hose bibs, which have long necks and inset valves. This composition creates a water shut-off point that is in the interior of your home and will not freeze. All hoses should be removed from the hose bibs to ensure proper drainage of water.
Another tip: consider having your non-potable irrigation system blown out by a professional before the first freeze to prevent any water remaining in the system from freezing and causing damage. This simple step can save you from costly repairs and protect your investment in your home's landscaping and irrigation system.
Service Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is the unsung hero of your winter comfort, silently working behind the scenes to keep your home a warm sanctuary. A little maintenance now means you can relax, knowing your space will stay toasty all season long.
The technician will unblock the HVAC vents and registers that deliver warm air throughout your home. The air filter also tends to pick up dust, fur, pollen, and mold spores, reducing the airflow through your heating unit. Cleaning or replacing the filters during winter lowers the strain on your heater.
HVAC maintenance also involves inspecting your electrical components, safety switches, belts, and motors. Replacing any worn-out parts and cleaning the system properly can extend the life of the unit and help avoid untimely breakdowns.
Check Your Chimney or Fireplace
Imagine cozy evenings by a crackling fire, safely enjoyed thanks to a well-maintained chimney. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, clearing soot and keeping your fireplace in top shape allows you to savor every glowing moment without worry. Consider installing a chimney cap to keep away squirrels, bats, and birds that may seek refuge during winter.
Windmill Homes does not install wood-burning fireplaces. Homeowners within our communities enjoy the soothing environment of gas fireplaces.
When it comes to managing your fireplace, here are plenty of beautiful and functional firetool sets to keep beside the hearth. These tools let you handle the logs and embers from a safe distance. For wood-burners, consider a fireplace shield to keep sparks from escaping into the room. Taking the time to maintain your chimney and fireplace will give you cozy, safe fires throughout the winter.
Just as you layer up for winter’s chill, your home deserves the same thoughtful care to keep it cozy and welcoming. At Windmill Homes, we build with the changing seasons in mind, crafting houses that are not just homes but warm, enduring sanctuaries for you and your loved ones.
If you're a prospective homebuyer looking for a Designer-Crafted Home, Windmill Homes has you covered. As a renowned community developer, we understand the importance of building homes designed to withstand the elements in Northern Colorado. Contact us today to find a home that suits your lifestyle and is all set to get you through the winter.
