How To Prepare Your Colorado Cabin For The Winter

It might be warm now, but winter is coming, and it's time to think about how to prepare your cabin for Colorado's snow and cold. If your cabin isn't ready to brave the storm, it could incur substantial damage that's way more expensive to remedy than it would have been to prevent. Furthermore, most buyers looking at Colorado mountain cabins for sale don't want to make repairs. Keep reading for my top tips to prepare your Colorado cabin for the upcoming winter season.

Exterior Preparation

Start by reviewing the exterior of your cabin, since that will get the brunt of the weather. Here's a simple exterior cabin winterization checklist:

• Inspect the roof and gutters to ensure they are clear of debris and in good condition.

• Seal any gaps or cracks in the cabin's exterior walls and foundation.

• Drain and store any outdoor hoses, and shut off exterior faucets.

• Trim any tree branches that could fall on your cabin during heavy snow or wind.

Interior Preparation

Next, ensure the indoor systems are ready to handle the cold. Here's what you should do inside your cabin.

• Check your heating system to ensure it's in good working condition, and consider hiring a professional to service it.

• Inspect windows and doors to ensure they are properly sealed and insulated.

• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working.

• Prepare your plumbing system by draining all water lines and turning off the main water supply.

• Insulate pipes and install heat tape in areas that are prone to freezing.

Winter Maintenance

Once winter hits, there are several things you should do regularly to improve your cabin's longevity. First, whenever a snowstorm occurs, you should shovel snow away from your cabin's foundation to prevent it from melting and seeping into your basement or crawlspace. Furthermore, you can use a roof rake to remove excess snow from the roof to prevent damage from heavy snow accumulation. Throughout the winter, you should monitor your cabin's humidity levels, as excessive humidity can lead to mold growth and other issues.

Winter maintenance is especially critical if you intend to list your Colorado cabin for sale, whether this year or in the future. The better you care for your cabin, the more it will be worth when it comes time to sell. Moreover, if your cabin is a rental property and you don't live there full-time, check on it regularly, especially during storms or extreme weather events. 

Get Your Colorado Cabin Ready To Sell

Remember, buyers looking at Colorado log cabins for sale want to experience the cabin's atmosphere, not dwell on all the repairs they have to make. A little effort to winterize your cabin now could save you tens of thousands of dollars in the future.