Real Estate
When the first real snow hits the Vail Valley, it’s already too late to start thinking about winter prep.
A quick checklist before the temperatures drop can mean the difference between a cozy mountain getaway and an emergency call for frozen pipes or roof leaks. Whether your home is in Vail, Avon, Minturn, Edwards, Wolcott, Eagle, Gypsum, or Aspen, a little planning goes a long way.
1. Pipes and Plumbing: Don’t Let a Freeze Sneak Up on You
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Insulate any exposed pipes in basements, garages, and crawlspaces.
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Check heat tape on vulnerable lines—especially under decks and near exterior walls.
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Close, drain, and cap outdoor hose bibs.
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Make sure your water shut-off valve works and is clearly labeled for caretakers or tenants.
DRS note: Each winter, DRS handles dozens of pipe-freeze calls across Eagle County. We can inspect your plumbing and install leak sensors that send real-time alerts when temperatures drop below freezing.
2. Gutters and Roof: Prevent Ice Dams Before They Form
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Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to keep meltwater flowing.
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Verify that downspouts drain away from the foundation—especially in areas with steep grades like Minturn and East Vail.
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Inspect the roof for missing shingles, cracked flashing, or damaged heat tape.
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Consider a quick attic check for proper insulation and airflow—uneven snow melt often points to poor ventilation.
DRS note: In homes from Aspen to Edwards, we often find hidden attic moisture and ice dam damage after the first thaw. Our team can perform moisture scans and identify issues before they become costly repairs.
3. Insulation and Drafts: Keep Warm Air In, Cold Air Out
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Add weatherstripping around doors and windows to stop heat loss.
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Seal gaps in attics, crawlspaces, and around recessed lights.
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Check insulation in garages or mechanical rooms with plumbing lines.
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Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down into living spaces.
DRS note: A quick thermal inspection from DRS can show exactly where your home is losing heat—helping you lower energy bills and avoid condensation or mold growth in problem areas.
4. Heating and Humidity: Stay Balanced
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Schedule a furnace tune-up and replace filters.
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Set thermostats to a minimum of 55°F if you’ll be away.
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Maintain humidity levels between 30–40% to prevent both dryness and mold.
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Open interior doors and cabinets on exterior walls to allow air circulation.
DRS note: Homes in Avon and Eagle with radiant or hydronic systems often need air bleeding or glycol checks before the coldest months. DRS can coordinate these checks with your HVAC provider or caretaker.
5. Around the Exterior: Snow Load and Drainage
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Trim back trees and branches near the roofline.
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Make sure snow can shed safely—especially above decks, hot tubs, and walkways.
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Confirm that ground slopes away from the foundation to prevent meltwater intrusion.
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Inspect retaining walls, window wells, and sump pumps for proper drainage.
DRS note: In areas like Wolcott and Gypsum, where snowmelt drains downhill fast, foundation seepage and crawlspace moisture are common.
Real Estate
The DRS Difference: Winter-Ready Peace of Mind
From Aspen to Eagle, DRS helps homeowners protect their mountain properties before the storms roll in. Small issues now can become major damage later—but with professional inspections and documentation, you can head into winter worry-free.
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Certified technicians who understand mountain plumbing, roofing, and drainage systems
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Full pre-winter inspection reports with photos and moisture readings
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Transparent, local service trusted by property managers across the valley
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Fast turnaround to get you ready before the next cold front hits
How to Get Started
Book a pre-winter home check with DRS. We’ll inspect your pipes, roof, and insulation, then provide a same-day action plan tailored to your property.
Protect your home before the first big storm—contact DRS today to schedule your winter readiness inspection.