First snow can arrive early in Florissant, and it does not melt fast at high elevation. If you own a mountain home here, you know frozen pipes, heavy snow loads, and storm access can turn small issues into big repairs. You want a clear plan that protects your home, your budget, and your peace of mind. This checklist gives you step-by-step tasks, timing, and resources tailored to Florissant and Teller County so you can winterize with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Quick Florissant winter checklist
Do this now
- Schedule professional service for your furnace or boiler; replace filters and confirm safe venting.
- Book a chimney or pellet-stove inspection and cleaning.
- Inspect the roof and clear gutters; add heat cables where ice dams repeat.
- Seal drafts at doors, windows, and exterior penetrations; check attic insulation and ventilation.
- Trim trees and remove dead limbs near your roof and power lines.
- Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, garages, and attics; protect exterior faucets.
- Check your propane or heating-oil levels; set up delivery and clear tank access.
- Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors; replace batteries.
- Exercise and test your generator; verify transfer switch and safe placement.
Before the first big snow
- Set your snow-removal plan; stake driveway edges with reflectors.
- Drain and shut off exterior irrigation; detach hoses.
- Decide on your seasonal-home strategy: full winterization or heat-maintain with checks.
- Stock an emergency kit with food, water, warm layers, a battery radio, flashlights, first aid, ice melt, and a shovel.
- Confirm your main water shutoff location and label it.
If you will be away
- Full winterization: drain and antifreeze the water system, or
- Heat-maintain: keep the thermostat set around 55°F and hire a local caretaker to check after storms.
- Update contact details with neighbors, caretakers, and utility providers.
- Plan snow storage areas away from the house, septic field, and utility lines.
Why winterize for Florissant
Florissant’s high-elevation climate brings prolonged sub-freezing temperatures, strong winds, and frequent freeze–thaw cycles. These conditions raise the risk of ice dams, roof stress from snow loads, and frozen pipes. Access can be challenging after storms, so delays in fuel delivery or service calls are common. Planning early reduces emergency costs and helps you avoid permit or contractor delays once deep winter sets in.
For current forecasts and storm alerts, check the National Weather Service winter safety guidance and monitor Teller County updates during active weather.
Exterior and roof priorities
Roof and gutters
Inspect shingles, flashing, ridgelines, and valleys. Look for loose or missing materials and signs of past ice-dam leaks. Clear gutters and downspouts so meltwater can drain well away from your foundation. If you battle recurring ice dams, consider professional-grade gutter heat cables and verify attic ventilation to keep roof temperatures even.
Attic insulation and ventilation
Attic insulation and clear soffit and ridge vents help prevent warm air from melting snow unevenly and refreezing at the eaves. For energy tips on insulation and air sealing, review the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver guidance.
Trees and defensible space
Snow-laden limbs can fall onto roofs, vehicles, or lines. Prune dead or overhanging branches and remove leaning trees that could fail under snow load. The Colorado State Forest Service offers practical guidelines for tree health and defensible space in mountain neighborhoods; explore their wildfire mitigation resources to plan safe spacing and pruning.
Doors, windows, and exterior sealing
Replace worn weatherstripping and caulk gaps around frames and penetrations. Seal foundation cracks and siding gaps to reduce cold air and rodent entry. These small fixes protect comfort and energy use.
Exterior faucets and structures
Shut off and drain hose bibs, then install insulated covers. If you have older sheds or detached garages, check their roof condition and bracing before heavy snow arrives. When in doubt about structural capacity, consult a licensed roofing or structural contractor.
Heating, fuel, and electrical systems
Furnace or boiler service
Have a licensed technician inspect, clean, and test your system for efficiency and safety. Confirm combustion venting is clear. Replace filters on schedule through the season.
Chimney and pellet stove
Schedule an annual inspection and cleaning to remove creosote and check the flue and chase. This reduces fire risk and improves performance.
Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms
Install CO detectors near sleeping areas and on each level. Test monthly and replace batteries. For more on indoor air and CO, see the EPA’s indoor air quality guidance.
Pipe freeze prevention
Insulate exposed plumbing runs in crawlspaces, garages, attics, and along exterior walls. Use heat tape on known cold spots that are properly installed according to manufacturer instructions. Know the location of the main water shutoff and label it for quick access.
Well and pump house care
Insulate the wellhead and pump house. Ensure the pump house has reliable heat and power. Protect pressure tanks from freezing and confirm that pipes are insulated.
Propane or heating oil
Check tank levels early, schedule deliveries, and clear snow access paths to prevent delays. Secure regulator lines and protect exposed components from ice or falling snow.
Generator readiness
Exercise your generator before storms. Verify fuel supply, test the transfer switch, and operate it outdoors with proper clearance to avoid CO buildup. You can review generator and winter safety basics through FEMA’s winter preparedness tips.
Plumbing and interior steps
If you live in the home full-time
- Keep the thermostat at a consistent setting, especially at night and when away.
- Professionals commonly recommend a baseline around 55°F if you are out for short trips.
- Run water through seldom-used fixtures occasionally and check under sinks on exterior walls after cold snaps.
If you are a seasonal or vacation owner
You have two main strategies:
- Full winterization: Drain the domestic water system and add RV or marine antifreeze to traps. This works best if you cannot ensure frequent checks. Hire a qualified pro or follow a detailed procedure.
- Heat-maintain with checks: Keep heat on at a modest setting and arrange a local caretaker to inspect after storms and verify no leaks or heating failures.
Balance the cost of heating and caretaker visits against the risk and cost of freeze damage. If you plan periodic winter visits, heat-maintain can be convenient. If you leave for months with no local support, full winterization can be safer.
Property access and storm safety
Driveways and walkways
Line your driveway with reflective stakes so plow drivers avoid culverts and landscaping. Confirm your snow removal contract and equipment readiness. Keep a path clear to fuel tanks and the main entry.
Roof snow management
Use a roof rake from the ground to relieve heavy buildup on eaves. Hire professionals for steep, high, or complex roofs. Stay off icy roofs to avoid injury and damage.
Emergency kit and communications
Build a winter kit: water, nonperishable food, warm blankets, battery radio, flashlight, spare batteries, first-aid kit, ice melt, and a shovel. Make a contact list for neighbors, caretakers, and utility providers. In remote areas, consider satellite messaging as a backup. Check NWS winter safety guidance for storm alerts and preparation tips.
Outbuildings, irrigation, and septic
Irrigation systems
Blow out or drain irrigation and backflow devices per manufacturer guidelines before hard freezes. Store hoses and seasonal fixtures.
Septic systems
Have a licensed septic pro inspect access covers and advise on pre-winter pumping if needed. Keep heavy snow piles away from the septic field to avoid compaction and access issues.
Garages and sheds
Insulate and weatherstrip as feasible. Store chemicals and fuels safely. Raise boxes and moisture-sensitive items off the floor.
Snow storage planning
Designate areas for plowed snow that do not block sight lines or push meltwater toward the foundation. Keep snow away from septic systems, propane tanks, and utility boxes.
Suggested timeline for Teller County
Early fall (August to September)
- Book HVAC, chimney, and roof inspections.
- Trim trees and clear gutters.
- Arrange snow-removal services and mark driveway edges.
- Test your generator and confirm fuel plans; order propane early.
- Schedule irrigation blowouts.
Mid fall (September to October)
- Insulate pipes and well houses; install faucet covers.
- Seal drafts and add attic insulation if needed.
- Choose your seasonal-home strategy and secure caretaker services if you will be away.
Late fall (October to November)
- Shut off and drain irrigation; detach and store hoses.
- Finalize emergency contacts and supplies.
- Move outdoor furniture and delicate items to storage.
Winter
- Monitor forecasts, maintain heating, and check for ice dams after storms.
- Safely remove excess snow from decks and eaves.
Post-winter (March to April)
- Inspect for winter damage, especially around roofs, gutters, and foundations.
- Redirect meltwater away from the home and schedule spring repairs.
Insurance, permits, and costs
Review your homeowner’s policy for coverage on frozen pipes, roof collapse from snow loads, and sewer backup. Take dated photos of pre-winter conditions and keep receipts for service. Some repairs or structural changes may require permits through local authorities. Proactive maintenance almost always costs less than emergency fixes during a cold snap.
For broader preparedness and energy resources, explore FEMA’s winter guidance and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver pages. If you are improving defensible space or pruning trees, the Colorado State Forest Service’s wildfire mitigation resources are helpful. For carbon monoxide safety and indoor air information, use the EPA’s indoor air quality hub.
Ready to protect your Florissant home before deep winter sets in? If you want local contractor referrals, seasonal-home guidance, or a pre-listing winter prep plan, reach out. Schedule a Consultation with Unknown Company and get a personalized winterization roadmap that fits your home and goals.
FAQs
When should I start winterizing a Florissant home?
- Begin in late summer to early fall and aim to finish exterior and mechanical tasks by October, given early storms are common at elevation.
What thermostat setting protects pipes in a vacant home?
- Many pros recommend around 55°F, but check your layout and any vulnerable pipe runs; raise the setpoint if pipes run through cold spaces.
Is full winterization better than keeping heat on?
- If you cannot ensure regular checks, fully winterizing is safest; if you will visit or have a caretaker, a heat-maintain strategy can work well.
How can I prevent ice dams on my roof?
- Improve attic insulation and ventilation, keep gutters clear, and add heat cables on chronic problem areas as advised by a roofing pro.
Who handles driveway plowing in Teller County?
- Public roads are maintained by the county or local districts, but private driveways are the owner’s responsibility; set up plow service in advance.
What should be in a winter storm kit for a mountain home?
- Include water, nonperishable food, warm blankets, a battery radio, flashlight, spare batteries, a shovel, ice melt, and a first-aid kit.
