Avoid Water Damage This Winter: How to Prepare Your Mountain Home

Winter in Colorado’s Western Slope and Roaring Fork Valley is beautiful, no question about it. But if you’ve lived here long enough, you know the season can be tough on your home. Between freezing temps, heavy snowfall, and those surprise thaws that turn everything into a slushy mess, your property can take a real beating.

The good news? A little prep work now can save you from some seriously expensive headaches later. We’re talking about water damage from frozen pipes, ice dams, and all the sneaky ways moisture finds its way inside when you least expect it.

So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s walk through what you need to do before the snow really starts piling up.

Why Mountain Homes Are Especially Vulnerable to Winter Water Damage

If you’re reading this from Aspen, Glenwood Springs, or anywhere along the Roaring Fork Valley, you already know our winters don’t mess around. Mountain homes face unique challenges that make them more prone to winter water damage.

Higher elevations mean colder temps that last longer. Homes built on slopes can have tricky drainage issues. And many properties here are vacation homes that sit empty for weeks at a time. A pipe that bursts while you’re away can cause thousands of dollars in damage before you even know it happened.

Your Winter Prep Checklist: Protect Your Home Before the First Freeze

Here’s your step-by-step checklist to help you avoid water damage this winter.

Inspect and Insulate Your Pipes

This is the big one. Frozen pipes are the number one cause of winter water damage in our area.

What to do:

• Check all exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages
• Wrap them with foam pipe insulation or heat tape
• Pay extra attention to pipes along exterior walls or in unheated areas
• Don’t forget outdoor spigots, disconnect hoses and shut off exterior water lines

If you’re not sure which pipes are at risk, it’s worth having a professional take a look.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, which lead to water sneaking under your roof and into your walls. Not fun.

What to do:

• Clear out all leaves, pine needles, and debris
• Make sure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your foundation
• Check for any sagging or damaged sections that need repair

Check Your Roof and Seal Entry Points

Your roof takes the brunt of winter weather, and drafty windows and doors can let in moisture and melting snow.

What to do:

• Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles
• Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
• Make sure attic insulation is adequate to prevent ice dams (the Department of Energy has great guidance on proper insulation)
• Inspect weatherstripping around windows and doors
• Use caulk to seal gaps around frames and jambs

A little maintenance now can prevent major water damage down the road. And if moisture does find its way in, it can create the perfect environment for mold. (Here’s more on how to prevent mold growth.)

Test Your Sump Pump

If you have a basement, your sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding during spring thaws or mid-winter melts.

What to do:

• Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and make sure the pump kicks on
• Check the discharge line to ensure it’s not frozen or blocked
• Consider a battery backup in case of power outages

Sump pump failures are one of the most common causes of basement flooding. Need more tips? Check out our post on 5 tips to prevent home water damage.

Maintain Proper Heating in Your Home

Even if you’re heading out of town, don’t turn your heat off completely.

What to do:

• Keep your thermostat at a minimum of 55°F, even when you’re away
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes
• Consider draining your water system if leaving for extended periods
• Install a smart thermostat so you can monitor temps remotely

A frozen home is a damaged home. Trust us, the heating bill is way cheaper than the repair bill.

Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is

In an emergency, every second counts. You need to know exactly where your main water shutoff valve is and how to use it.

What to do:

• Locate your main shutoff valve, usually in the basement or near the water meter
• Test it to make sure it turns freely
• Show everyone in your household where it is

If disaster strikes, knowing how to stop water damage in 7 emergency steps can make all the difference.

What to Do If Water Damage Happens Anyway

Even with the best prep work, sometimes things happen. A surprise cold snap or unexpected equipment failure can still lead to water damage.

If you find yourself dealing with a leak, burst pipe, or flooding this winter, don’t panic. Shut off the water source immediately, turn off electricity to affected areas, remove standing water if it’s safe, and call a professional restoration team right away. Ready.gov offers an excellent flood preparedness guide to help you stay prepared year-round.

At RemediH2O, we’re available 24/7 for emergencies. We’ve spent over 25 years helping homeowners across the Western Slope and Roaring Fork Valley recover from water damage quickly and completely. We work directly with your insurance company to make the process stress-free.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Winter prep might not be the most exciting way to spend a Saturday, but it’s one of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner. A few hours now can save you weeks of stress and thousands of dollars.

So take a weekend, grab your checklist, and get it done. Your future self will thank you when everyone else is calling in the pros to deal with frozen pipes and you’re cozied up by the fire without a worry in the world.

And hey, if you need any help along the way, or if something does go wrong this winter, we’re just a phone call away. Stay safe out there.

Frequently Asked Questions