Why a calendar beats waiting for symptoms

Front Range weather swings hard between seasons: dry, cold winters with occasional heavy snow, wet spring storms, a long irrigation season and intense summer thunderstorms. Each season brings its own way for water to reach a house. In a large home with many rooms, systems and outbuildings, it is easy to miss the one place where that water is collecting.

Spreading checks across the year keeps the work manageable. None of the items below takes long on its own, and most are things a homeowner, house manager or regular maintenance contractor can do on a routine visit.

Through the year

Adjust the timing to your own property; Front Range weather swings widely from one year to the next.

January to February
Watch for window condensation and lower humidifier settings in cold snaps. After heavy snow, check eaves for ice dams and attic sheathing for frost.
March
Spring snows are often wet and heavy; clear snow away from window wells and foundation walls as it melts. Check sump pumps.
April
Before irrigation startup, have the system inspected for winter damage. Look at downspout extensions and grading.
May to June
Run each sprinkler zone and confirm no heads spray the house or window wells. Inspect roofs and gutters after hail.
July to August
Summer storms can be intense; check basements after heavy rain. Watch indoor humidity in basements and wine rooms with air conditioning running.
September
Clean gutters as leaves begin to fall. Service the furnace and humidifier, replacing the water panel.
October to November
Blow out irrigation lines and disconnect hoses. Close the humidifier bypass damper to its winter setting. Prepare outbuildings for winter.
December
Before holiday travel, shut off water to unused fixtures, check leak sensors and arrange regular walk-throughs.

Year-round habits

  • Check under sinks and around the water heater monthly.
  • Glance at ceilings below bathrooms and laundry rooms when walking through.
  • Keep a hygrometer in the basement and in any wine room, and note readings.
  • Run bath fans during and after showers.
  • Replace HVAC filters on schedule for every system in the house.

Common questions

Which single check prevents the most problems?
Watching the sprinklers run in late spring is hard to beat for a large irrigated lot, because misaimed heads and beds that slope toward the house cause so much seasonal basement dampness.

General information for Cherry Hills Village, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.