Spring in Colorado is a bit of a rollercoaster. One day you’re enjoying a 60-degree afternoon in Denver, and the next, a late-season blizzard is dropping eight inches of heavy, wet snow on your roof. For homeowners in the Front Range and beyond, this transition from the deep freeze to the spring thaw is the most critical time of year for home maintenance.
As the snow melts and the ground begins to shift, your home faces unique pressures: from expansive soils to heavy runoff. At Plum Tree Home Inspections, we’ve seen how a few small checks in March and April can save you thousands of dollars in repairs by June.
Whether you’re in Colorado Springs, Boulder, or right here in the Denver Metro area, here are the top five things you should check to keep your home healthy this season.
1. Clean Those Gutters and Extend Your Downspouts
The heavy snow we get in Colorado doesn't just sit there; it turns into a massive amount of water the second the sun comes out. If your gutters are clogged with leftover fall leaves or winter grit from your shingles, that water has nowhere to go but over the side.
When water spills over the gutters, it pools directly against your foundation. In Colorado, we deal with expansive soils, which means the dirt around your house acts like a sponge. When it gets too wet, it expands and puts immense pressure on your foundation walls.
Pro Tip: Make sure your downspouts aren't just dumping water next to the house. Use extensions to carry that meltwater at least 5 to 6 feet away from the foundation. It’s one of the simplest ways to prevent basement seepage and foundation cracks.
2. Inspect Your Roof for Winter Wear and Tear
Our roofs take a beating. Between the weight of heavy snow loads and the inevitable spring hail storms, your shingles are on the front lines.
Once the snow has cleared, take a look at your roof (from the ground with binoculars is safest!). Look for:
- Missing or cracked shingles: High winds often peel these back.
- Granule loss: If you see "bald" spots on your shingles or piles of sand-like granules at the bottom of your downspouts, your roof is reaching the end of its life.
- Damaged flashing: Check around chimneys and vents. The freeze-thaw cycle can cause metal flashing to pull away, creating a perfect entry point for water.
Given Colorado's reputation for hail, catching these issues early can help you navigate insurance claims before the peak of storm season.
3. Test Your Exterior Spigots and Sprinkler Systems
We’ve all been there: you think you drained the pipes, but a tiny bit of water stayed in the exterior spigot all winter. When that water froze, it expanded and cracked the pipe inside your wall. You won't know there's a problem until you turn the water on for the first time in the spring and suddenly have a flood in your basement or crawlspace.
The Test: Put your thumb over the spigot opening and turn the water on slightly. If you can easily hold the pressure back, there’s likely a leak inside the pipe.
As for your sprinklers, wait until the threat of a deep freeze has passed (usually mid-May in Denver) before fully charging the system. Check each zone for geysers or soggy spots that indicate a cracked line from the winter frost.
4. Give Your Sump Pump a "Test Drive"
If you have a basement in Colorado, your sump pump is your best friend during the spring thaw. As the water table rises from melting snow and spring rains, the pump's job is to kick that water out before it ends up on your carpet.
Don't wait for a storm to find out if it works. Pour a five-gallon bucket of water into the sump pit. The float should rise, the pump should kick on, and the water should disappear quickly. If it makes a grinding noise or doesn't move the water, it’s time for a replacement. Remember, a new sump pump is a few hundred dollars; a flooded basement is tens of thousands.
5. Check the Attic for Moisture and Ventilation
Your attic needs to breathe. During the winter, if your attic isn't properly ventilated, warm air from your house meets the cold underside of your roof, creating condensation. This "attic rain" can lead to mold growth and damaged insulation.
Go up there with a flashlight and look for:
- Damp insulation: It should feel dry and fluffy.
- Dark staining or mold: Check the wooden rafters and the underside of the roof deck.
- Blocked soffit vents: Sometimes insulation gets pushed over the vents, cutting off the airflow your house needs to stay dry.
Good ventilation doesn't just prevent mold; it also helps prevent ice dams from forming on your roof in the first place.
Beyond the Basics: Sewer Scopes and Radon
While you're doing your spring cleaning, don't forget the things you can't see. Colorado is a "hot spot" for two specific issues that every homeowner should be aware of:
- Radon: Colorado has some of the highest radon levels in the country. This odorless, colorless gas can seep into your home through the soil. Spring is a great time to test your levels, especially if you’ve been sealed up tight all winter.
- Sewer Scopes: As the ground thaws and shifts, older sewer lines (common in neighborhoods like Arvada, Lakewood, and older parts of Denver) can crack or become clogged with tree roots looking for water. A quick sewer scope can give you peace of mind that your main line is clear.
Why Choose Plum Tree Home Inspections?
At Plum Tree Home Inspections, we believe in helping you make informed decisions without the "scare tactics." Our owner, Joshua Bradley, is a highly qualified InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector (ID: NACHI26021022).
When we walk through a home, we aren't just looking for problems: we're looking to educate you on how your home works and how to maintain it for the long haul.
Peace of Mind Guaranteed
We understand that a home is your biggest investment. That’s why we stand behind our work with the $25,000 InterNACHI Honor Guarantee. If we miss a covered item during your inspection, InterNACHI will pay to repair or replace it.
Transparent Pricing
Whether you're buying a new home in Aurora or selling your long-time family home in Thornton, we keep our pricing simple. A standard single-family home inspection in Colorado typically ranges from $450 to $600, depending on the size and complexity of the property.
Ready to Get Your Home Spring-Ready?
Maintenance is the key to longevity. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the transition to spring, or if you’re in the middle of a real estate transaction and need a professional eye, we’re here to help. We pride ourselves on being "realtor-friendly": providing clear, concise reports that help keep the closing process moving smoothly.
Thank you for trusting us with your home. If you have any questions about these tips or want to schedule a maintenance inspection, don't hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support you long after the inspection is over.
Plum Tree Home Inspections
📍 1500 N Grant St Suite R, Denver, CO 80203
📞 +17205712498
🌐 www.plumtreeinspections.casa
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