Whether you have just moved to Denver or you are a long-time resident, you know that the winter months bring extremely cold weather. This includes high winds, heavy snowfall, ice, and a freezing/thawing cycle. During the winter season, it is important that your entire home is also ready for the cold weather to hit.
At HotEdge, our ice dam prevention team is here to help you prepare your home for winter with our state-of-the-art, accredited roof ice melt systems. We have an ice melt system for every kind of roof you may have – metal roofs, shingles, slate tile, wood shake, and more – and we are happy to discuss all of your options with you.
Before the first winter storm of the season rolls in and you start to see ice-coated branches throughout the neighborhood, be sure to get your home prepared. There are many DIY things you can do as a homeowner, but some may need to be done by a professional. This includes installing your new ice melt roof system which helps with snow removal on the roof as well as preventing ice dams from forming.
Why Prepare Your Home for Cold Weather?
In much the same way that you would not want to wear shorts and a tank top out into a blizzard, your home also wants to be prepared for when the temperatures drop, snowfalls, and ice starts to form. Items such as outdoor furniture, the sprinkler system, and the lawnmower need to be brought inside or shut off for the season.
Other parts of the home that cannot be brought inside or disconnected should also be prepared for the coming winter weather. Your roof, gutters, furnace, and other interior systems all need to be checked and winterized to ensure they continue working properly and are not negatively affected by the cold, ice, and snow.
Do not let any part of your house face the cold temperatures in their version of shorts and flip-flops! Be sure to make a checklist (or use the one below for assistance) to ensure that you have properly prepared your house for winter and are working to prevent water damage or other issues related to ice, snow, and freezing temperatures.
Winter Preparation Checklist for Homeowners in Denver, CO
Below is a list of some of the most important steps to take when it comes to winterizing your house in Denver, Colorado:
Install Ice Dam Prevention System
One of the most important parts of your home to protect is the roof. Installing an ice dam prevention system such as ours from HotEdge will work to reduce your heating bill, keep your home well-insulated, and prevent damage from ice dams. Ice dams can be a real problem in cold climates, so it is essential that homeowners look into the best system for their roofs.
Clean Gutters
Keeping your gutters clean is not just a chore that your parents make you do when you are a kid. The activity serves a real purpose, and it is related to the formation of ice dams. When your gutters are clean and free from debris, that means melted snow and ice can flow down the roof, into the gutter, and into the downspout. If the gutters are blocked when leaves fall from the tree branches or dirt and grime accumulated over the year, the means the water will have a harder time flowing and can build up into an ice dam.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat when you are using a furnace or other heating system. It can also be an issue for those who use a fireplace to warm their home because a blocked chimney will not allow for the smoke and carbon dioxide to flow out of the home. Be sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in proper working condition.
Get Your Warm Air/Heating System Checked
When it is time to switch from the air conditioning system to the heat setting, this is a great opportunity to have the entire HVAC system checked by a professional. The earlier you have your inspection done, the sooner you will be able to turn on the heat and not worry about any issues. If there is a problem or your air filter needs to be changed, you can have it fixed and back to working order before the winter weather strikes.
You should also check to make sure that your hot water heater is prepared for the winter as well.
Check for Air Leaks
If you noticed that your heating bill was pretty high last year, you may have a problem with an air leak in your attic. When warm air escapes through the attic, that can lead to higher energy bills and less energy efficiency.
You should also check that the caulk between your siding, exterior walls, windows, and doors has not deteriorated. If it has, you can always pick up some more at the local hardware store.
Get Your Chimney Inspected
One of the most iconic images that most people think of when it comes to the winter season is a family warming themselves next to a beautiful, roaring fire. In order to use your fireplace, though, it is important to have it inspected. A chimney sweep will inspect the chimney and vent pipes to ensure they are clean and not in need of repair. This can be an easy way of preventing any carbon monoxide issues as well.
Turn Off Outdoor Water Systems
From the sprinkler system to the garden hoses, you will want to make sure that the water to these outdoor systems is turned off. In our freezing Denver temperatures, water left in the hose will freeze and cause damage to the system.
Contact Us to Learn about Preventing Ice Dams on Your Roof
If you are a Denver, Colorado, resident working to prepare your home for winter, be sure to make HotEdge one of your calls for professional service. Our team is here to help you understand the dangers of ice dam formation and to prevent it on your roof.
Call us now to discuss your ice melt system options.
