5 Things to do for Your Home When it Snows

Experts say it’s going to be a snowy winter in the Denver area. We all know that snow can be hard on a house, but what do can you do to keep your house safe? It’s best to be prepared and ready for snow to happen at any time, especially with our unpredictable weather.

Here are 5 things to do when it snows:

Shovel
This may feel obvious, but it's important to clear your sidewalks and driveway. If you drive or walk on a surface too much, it will create ice and make falls much more likely. When it snows, you should be clearing your walkways first thing to prevent snow buildup and ice. In event of a big snow dump, shovel every few hours so you can still get in and out of your home.

Check the roof
Large snow falls can be dangerous for your roof, especially if you have an older home. Understand the limits of your roof and keep an eye on it as the snow collects. If you start to notice any sagging or hear any cracking inside, you may need to get out the ladder, find a spotter and do your best to clear off the roof.

Clear the gutters
Large snowfall means a lot of runoff. With our crazy Colorado weather, we can get a dumping of snow that melts away in a matter of hours. If you know snow is coming, check your gutters to check for clogging. You want runoff to be able to flow freely down your gutters and not drip onto your foundation.

Insulate pipes
There are few things worse than blown pipes. When the weather starts to drop, and when the snow starts to fall, you need to have a plan to keep your pipes from freezing. Large snowfall increase the chances of a power outage so it’s important to be prepared with insulation and pipe covers at the ready for when temperatures take a plunge. If you’re leaving town for a while, leave cabinet doors open so the heat can more easily reach your pipes.

Clear branches
It’s easy to ignore overhanging branches on your property during the summer, but come winter they can put your home in danger. If you haven’t had time to clear away branches that hang over your roof line before the snow, you need to keep an eye on them during a storm. Check every few hours for snow buildup on large branches and shake it off using a ladder, and a spotter, or any other tool available. A broken branch can mean major damage for your home.

Snow fall is part of living in Colorado, so it’s important to understand what needs to happen when the snow starts piling up. If you’re getting ready to sell a home, it’s even more crucial. For tips and tricks on how to manage snow, or if you’re looking to buy or sell, contact us today.