How to Winterize Your Home in the Mountains

Living in Crested Butte, Colorado, at 8,885 feet above sea level, winter is more than just a season—it’s a way of life. While locals and visitors look forward to skiing, snowboarding, and the town's festive atmosphere, the extreme weather can be tough on homes. With heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and high-altitude conditions, preparing your home for winter is critical to avoid costly damage and keep it comfortable. Below is a checklist of essential maintenance tips to get your Crested Butte property ready for winter before the snow starts piling up.

1. Maximize Your Heating System Efficiency

At this altitude, efficient heating is a must, as winter temps frequently drop into the negatives:

• Furnace Tune-Up: Schedule a professional inspection of your furnace or boiler to ensure it can handle Crested Butte’s prolonged cold snaps.
• Humidifier Check: Dry air is more intense at higher elevations. If you use a humidifier, clean and test it to maintain proper indoor air moisture levels.
• Backup Heat Source: Consider a backup heat source, like a wood stove or space heater, in case issues arise with your primary heat source.

2. Seal Drafty Windows and Doors

With windy conditions and subzero temperatures common in Crested Butte, keeping cold air out is key:

• High-Performance Caulking: Use caulk rated for extreme cold to seal gaps around windows and doors. Standard caulking can crack in the cold.
• Double Glazed Windows: If you don’t already have them, consider installing double-glazed windows to provide extra insulation against the cold.
• Heavy Curtains: Opt for insulated curtains to block out drafts and keep warmth in during long winter nights.

3. Winterize Your Roof for Heavy Snowfall

Crested Butte averages over 200 inches of snow annually, making roof maintenance critical to prevent leaks or collapse:

• Snow Load Check: Have a professional assess your roof’s snow load capacity. Older homes may need reinforcements to handle the heavy weight.
• Ice Dam Prevention: Ensure proper roof insulation and ventilation to prevent ice dams, which can cause water to back up and leak into your home. Clear gutters and downspouts to allow proper drainage when snow melts.
• Snow Guards: Install snow guards on metal roofs to prevent snow slides that can damage property or harm people below.

4. Insulate and Protect Pipes

At Crested Butte’s altitude, temperatures can plunge dramatically, so it’s important to prevent frozen pipes:

• Pipe Insulation: Wrap exposed pipes in heated areas like basements and attics with high-quality foam insulation designed for subzero conditions.
• Heat Tape: Install heat tape on vulnerable pipes, such as those running along exterior walls or in crawl spaces.
• Shut Off Outdoor Faucets: Drain and shut off outdoor water faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

5. Maintain Your Fireplace and Chimney

Mountain winters in Crested Butte are perfect for cozying up by the fire, but make sure your fireplace is ready for constant use:

• Chimney Sweep: High-altitude air can cause a quicker buildup of creosote, so have your chimney cleaned to avoid fire hazards.
• Cap the Chimney: Install a chimney cap to prevent snow and ice from entering, which can cause water damage and draft issues.
• Wood Stockpile: Stock up on firewood—if winter storms hit hard, you’ll appreciate having extra dry wood on hand.

6. Prune Trees and Clear Brush

Snow-laden branches can snap under the weight of snow, threatening your home and power lines:

• Prune Overhanging Trees: Trim any trees that could drop heavy branches on your roof, driveway, or power lines. Crested Butte gets heavy, wet snow that can easily bring down weak branches.
• Clear Brush: Maintain a defensible space around your property, particularly if you live in a more forested area. Winter winds combined with heavy snow can lead to unexpected hazards.

7. Store Outdoor Gear and Furniture

Winter weather can be hard on your outdoor items, and at high elevations, even more so:

• Bring in Furniture: Store outdoor furniture, grills, and garden accessories in a shed or garage to protect them from snow and freezing temperatures.
• Secure Outdoor Equipment: If you have snowmobiles or skiing gear, make sure it's securely stored, so it’s ready for use once the snow starts to fall.

Living in Crested Butte, where winter is long and intense, requires some extra care when preparing your home for the season. By following this checklist, you’ll help protect your property from extreme weather conditions all season long. Winter in the Rockies is beautiful, and with the right preparations, your home will be ready to weather anything the season brings.

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