Through the year
Front Range weather swings a lot from one year to the next. Read this as a general pattern, not a forecast.
- December to February
- Arctic cold snaps freeze pipes in garages, outside walls and unheated commercial vestibules. Fire sprinkler lines in cold areas are at risk. Plowed snow can bury sump discharge lines.
- March and April
- Heavy, wet spring snowstorms are common. Snowmelt saturates the soil around foundations and sump pits run harder. Ice can clog roof drains and gutters.
- May and June
- Thunderstorm and hail season picks up. Window wells fill, gutters overflow and hail cracks roofing, skylights and rooftop equipment on commercial buildings.
- July and August
- Afternoon downpours keep coming. Air conditioning condensate lines and drain pans on rooftop units and furnaces cause a lot of ceiling leaks.
- September and October
- Irrigation season ends. Blow out sprinkler systems and pull hoses off outdoor faucets before the first hard freeze, which can come early.
- November
- The first sustained cold arrives. Vacant units, vacation homes and closed shops should keep the heat on and have the water checked or shut off.
Seasonal tasks by property type
| Season | Single-family home | Condo or apartment | Commercial building |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Keep the garage door closed in cold snaps. Know where the main shutoff is | Report cold units or drafts near pipes. Keep the heat on when you're away | Check the heat in vestibules, loading docks and sprinkler riser rooms |
| Spring | Test the sump pump. Clear window wells and check downspouts | Report ceiling stains after storms. Check balcony drains | Clear roof drains and scuppers. Inspect rooftop units |
| Summer | Clear hail out of wells and gutters after storms | Check the AC condensate line in the closet | Inspect condensate pans. Check the roof after hail |
| Fall | Blow out irrigation, pull hoses, check the water heater | Confirm who winterizes the shared irrigation | Winterize irrigation and review the cold-weather plan for sprinklers |
Before you leave on a winter trip
- Set the thermostat high enough to keep the whole house above freezing
- Open the cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls
- For a long trip, consider shutting off the main valve and draining the lines
- Ask a neighbor to check the house during a cold snap
- Install a leak sensor or smart shutoff that alerts your phone
- Make sure the sump pump is plugged in and its discharge line is clear of snow
General information for Aurora, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.