November in Colorado can bring patio weather one afternoon and snow the next. Before the Thanksgiving groceries take over the kitchen and guests arrive, take a little time to get your home ready for colder days. Start with the spots you notice most when the temperature drops, like the draft by your favorite chair or the cold air sneaking in around the back door.
1. Check windows and doors for drafts
On a windy day, run your hand along the edges of closed windows and exterior doors. Pay special attention to patio doors, windows near seating areas, and rooms that always seem colder than the rest of the house.
- Make sure windows close fully and latch securely.
- Look for flattened weatherstripping and gaps beneath exterior doors.
- Clear debris from sliding door tracks so the panels close properly.
- Make a note of fogging that stays between the panes. That can point to a failed glass seal and is worth checking against your window warranty.
2. Give your heating system a head start
Check your furnace filter and replace it if it’s due. Move furniture, rugs, and holiday décor away from supply registers and return vents. If the heat is uneven or the furnace has started making an unusual sound, schedule service before guests arrive or the next cold snap sets in.
3. Clear leaves and check where water drains
Once most of the leaves have fallen, check your gutters and downspouts from the ground. Look for debris at the outlets and make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation. Take a walk after the next snow melts and look for puddles near the house or across walkways, where they can refreeze overnight.
4. Disconnect hoses and put away outdoor gear
Disconnect garden hoses, drain them, and store them for winter. If your sprinkler system still needs to be winterized, put it on the calendar. While you’re outside, tuck away patio cushions and move the snow shovel somewhere you can reach without crossing an icy driveway.
5. Walk around your home and check the siding and trim
Look for loose siding, peeling paint, cracked trim, and gaps around windows and doors. Check the lower edges of siding and the areas beneath windows, where staining or swelling can be easier to spot. Take photos of anything that needs attention so you can compare it after winter or share it with a contractor.
6. Get the entryway ready for snow and guests
Set out an absorbent doormat and a boot tray. Check that porch lights work and that the path from the driveway to the front door is easy to see after dark. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, clear a little extra space for wet boots, bulky coats, and everything guests carry in from the car.
Is that chilly spot worth a closer look?
If several windows are hard to operate, drafty even when latched, or fogged between the panes, it may be time to look at your repair or replacement options. New Windows for America helps homeowners across the Denver metro area and Colorado’s Front Range compare replacement windows, siding, and exterior doors. Our family-owned Brighton team offers factory-direct pricing and free, no-pressure estimates.
Ready to talk through what you’re noticing? Call 303-920-0175 or request a free estimate.
From all of us at New Windows for America, happy Thanksgiving. We’re grateful to the Colorado homeowners who invite us into their homes and trust us with the work.
