Winter-Proof Your Equity: The Essential November Checklist for Your Front Range Home

By Jen Langhals, Broker Associate | LPT Realty

November in the Denver Metro and Foothills means it's time to shift your focus from fall foliage to freezing pipes. For homeowners, protecting your property from the harsh Colorado winter is one of the most critical maintenance steps you can take—it safeguards your home's systems and preserves your hard-earned equity.

This comprehensive checklist ensures your home is cozy, safe, and winter-proof.

1. Protect Your Plumbing:

The "Must-Do" Freeze Prevention

Water damage from frozen pipes is one of the most common and expensive insurance claims in winter.

Don't skip these steps:

• Blow Out Your Sprinkler System: This is non-negotiable in Colorado. Water left in your irrigation lines will freeze, expand, and shatter the pipes, leading to a catastrophic repair bill next spring. Hire a professional to use an air compressor to clear the lines completely.

  
  

• Disconnect and Drain Exterior Hoses: Disconnect all hoses from outdoor spigots (hose bibs). Find the interior shut-off valve for those exterior spigots and turn the water off. Leave the exterior spigots open after shutting the water off inside to allow any remaining water to drain out. This prevents freezing water from cracking the pipes inside your wall.

  
  

• Insulate Exposed Pipes: Check pipes in unheated areas like your basement, crawlspaces, or garage. Wrap them with foam pipe insulation (often called pipe sleeves or foam insulation wrap) to provide a simple, affordable layer of protection.

2. Guard Against Ice and Water Damage (Roof & Gutters)

The freeze-thaw cycle is brutal on our roofs and drainage systems. Prevent serious structural issues with these checks:

• Clean Out Gutters Completely: Before the first heavy snow, ensure your gutters are free of leaves, pine needles, and debris. Clogged gutters prevent water from draining properly, which leads to heavy ice buildup. This trapped ice can form ice dams along the roof's edge, forcing melting snow back underneath your shingles and into your attic or walls.

  
  

• Inspect Your Roofline: From the ground (or safely from a stable ladder), look for missing or damaged shingles. Fall winds can loosen them, and a damaged shingle is an entry point for water when snow melts.

  
  

• Trim Dangerous Tree Branches: Heavy, wet snow and high winds can cause dead or weak tree branches to snap. Trim back any branches that hang over your roof or are close enough to fall and damage your home.

3. Ensure Efficiency and Safety (HVAC & Seals)

An efficient home is an affordable home. These steps save you money on utility bills and establish your home's readiness if you plan to sell.

• Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up: Have a professional HVAC technician inspect and service your furnace. This ensures the system is running safely (checking for carbon monoxide leaks) and efficiently (saving you money on your gas bill).

  
  

• Change Air Filters: Replace your furnace filters regularly (typically every 30-90 days, depending on the filter and use). A clean filter improves air quality and allows your furnace to work more efficiently, extending its lifespan.

  
  

• Seal Air Leaks: Test your windows and doors for drafts. You can use simple weatherstripping or inexpensive caulk to seal small gaps around frames. Sealing these air leaks is one of the quickest, lowest-cost ways to reduce your winter heating expenses.

⭐ Your Local Real Estate Resource

Whether you are preparing your home for winter or getting it ready for a spring sale, I'm here to support you beyond the transaction.

If you find yourself in need of any maintenance or repair services this season, I’ve worked with many trusted, local professionals across the Front Range. Message me for recommended technicians!

Jen Langhals Broker Associate | LPT Realty | Herzog Properties, Licensed Realtor in Colorado

Jen Langhals is a Broker Associate with LPT Realty | Herzog Properties and a licensed Colorado Realtor.

She specializes in affordable homes along the Front Range and Foothills of Denver. As a Certified Mountain Home Specialist, Jen is committed to providing a client-first approach and serving as your dedicated real estate resource, from contract to closing and beyond.