The aspens have turned, the first snow has dusted the San Juans, and winter is not far behind. At more than 9,000 feet, Silverton winters arrive early and stay long, so the weeks before the first big storm are the best time to get your home ready. Whether you live here year-round or visit your mountain home a few times a season, this checklist will help you avoid the most common (and most expensive) winter problems.
1. Protect Your Pipes From Freezing
Frozen and burst pipes are one of the costliest winter repairs in the mountains. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, shut off and drain exterior spigots, and insulate any pipes that run through crawl spaces, garages or exterior walls. If your home will sit empty for stretches of time, keep the heat set to a safe minimum and know where your main water shut-off is located.
2. Check the Roof and Plan for Snow Load
Heavy snow can put real weight on a roof. Before winter, look for loose or damaged roofing, clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and pine needles, and make sure snow can shed safely away from doors, decks and walkways. If you are unsure how your roof handles snow, a local roofer can inspect it and advise whether you need regular snow removal through the season.
3. Service Your Heating System and Chimney
Your furnace or boiler will work hard from now until spring. Schedule a service, replace filters, and test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. If you heat with wood, have your chimney or stovepipe inspected and cleaned, and stock dry firewood under cover before the snow piles up.
4. Seal Out Drafts
Small gaps around windows and doors let warm air escape and cold air in. Replace worn weatherstripping, add door sweeps, and caulk gaps around window frames. These are inexpensive fixes that make a noticeable difference in comfort and heating bills over a long Silverton winter.
5. Arrange Snow Removal Early
Local snow removal services fill their schedules quickly once winter starts. Line up plowing for your driveway and shoveling for walkways and decks now, especially if you will be away for part of the season. Keep a good snow shovel, ice melt and a roof rake on hand for the storms in between.
6. Prepare a Second Home for Time Away
If your Silverton home is a second home, a little preparation goes a long way. Ask a trusted neighbor or property manager to check on the house regularly, consider a smart thermostat or temperature alert so you know if the heat fails, and leave cabinet doors under sinks open on exterior walls so warm air can reach the pipes. Before you leave, empty the refrigerator of anything that could spoil if the power goes out.
7. Stock Up for Storm Days
Winter storms can close roads and knock out power for a time. Keep flashlights, batteries, a supply of water and non-perishable food, and any medications you need. A well-stocked pantry makes a snowy day at home much more enjoyable.
A Little Preparation Now, a Cozy Winter Ahead
Taking care of these tasks in the fall protects your home, your budget and your peace of mind, so you can enjoy what makes winter in Silverton special: quiet snowy mornings, Kendall Mountain just a few blocks away, and a town that feels like home all year long.
Thinking about buying or selling a home in Silverton or San Juan County? The Silverton Realty team knows mountain homes and the local market inside and out. Send us a message anytime. We are always glad to help.
