Fort Collins Home & Roof Maintenance Calendar

January

Deep winter

0 of 3 done

After heavy snow, use a roof rake from the ground on the lowest few feet of roof.
Why it matters
It helps stop ice dams forming at the eaves.
When to call a pro: Never climb onto an icy roof.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Why it matters
Furnaces run hard this month.
Look for icicles and ice along the eaves. See ice dams.
Why it matters
Heavy icicles are a sign of heat loss into the attic.
When to call a pro: Have a roofer check if water stains appear.

February

Snow and warm spells

0 of 3 done

Check the attic for frost on nail tips or damp insulation.
Why it matters
Moist air from the house can condense in the attic.
Change the furnace filter.
Clear snow away from dryer and furnace vents.
Why it matters
Blocked vents are a safety risk.

March

Snowiest stretch

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Keep the roof rake handy; spring storms can drop heavy, wet snow.
Why it matters
Wet snow is heavy on roofs and gutters.
Look for stains on ceilings near outside walls after snowmelt.
Why it matters
Ice dam leaks often show up now.
When to call a pro: A roofer can find and fix the source.
Check downspouts are clear so snowmelt can drain.

April

Spring thaw

0 of 3 done

Walk around the house and look at the roof with binoculars.
Why it matters
Winter wind and ice can lift shingles and flashing.
Clean gutters and check for sagging sections.
Why it matters
Ice and snow weight can bend hangers.
Book a roof inspection before hail season if your roof is older. See roof inspection.

May

Hail season starts

0 of 3 done

Photograph your roof, gutters and siding now, before storms.
Why it matters
Before-and-after photos help with any insurance claim.
Trim branches that overhang the roof.
Why it matters
Wind and hail bring branches down.
Service the air conditioner.

June

Storm season

0 of 3 done

After every hail storm, check gutters, vents and downspouts for dents. See spotting hail damage.
Why it matters
Dents on metal mean the roof was likely hit too.
When to call a pro: Have a roofer inspect up close.
Look for granules at the bottom of downspouts.
Why it matters
Granule loss is a sign of hail or age.
Keep a list of your insurer's claim time limits.

July

Hot, stormy afternoons

0 of 3 done

Check the attic is ventilated and not overheating.
Why it matters
Poor ventilation ages shingles faster.
If door-to-door roofers knock after a storm, read your contract rights first.
Why it matters
Colorado gives you 72 hours to cancel a roofing contract.
Clean the dryer vent and AC condenser.

August

Late summer

0 of 3 done

Look for cracked pipe boots and dried-out sealant around vents.
Why it matters
Strong sun at altitude breaks down rubber and sealants.
When to call a pro: A roofer can replace worn boots.
Check caulk around windows and skylights.
Plan any roof replacement before the first snow.
Why it matters
Roofing in cold weather is harder.

September

First snow possible

0 of 3 done

Book a furnace check.
Why it matters
Snow can arrive in early September.
Have roof repairs done before winter.
Why it matters
Small leaks get worse under snow and ice.
Check attic insulation depth.
Why it matters
Good insulation helps prevent ice dams.

October

Fall clean-up

0 of 3 done

Clean gutters after the leaves drop.
Why it matters
Clogged gutters help ice dams build.
Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor taps.
Buy a roof rake if you don't have one.

November

Winter arrives

0 of 3 done

Check the seal around the attic hatch and recessed lights.
Why it matters
Warm air leaking into the attic melts roof snow.
Look over the roof for any damage from fall winds.
Test the carbon monoxide alarms.

December

Coldest month

0 of 3 done

Watch for icicles and ice dams after snow.
Why it matters
December averages about 31°F in Fort Collins.
When to call a pro: Have a roofer look once it's safe to work.
Keep walkways clear of snow sliding off the roof.
Plan next year's roof projects.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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