Month by month

January and February
Check windows on the coldest mornings for condensation. Check the attic for frost on nails and sheathing. Keep humidifiers modest.
March
Heavy wet snows are common. Clear snow away from the foundation and window wells, and check the basement after melts.
April
Clean gutters, extend downspouts, and look for settled soil along the foundation before spring storms.
May
Before turning on sprinklers, check heads near the house and aim them away from walls and window wells.
June
Check the crawlspace as irrigation and outdoor humidity rise. Look for sweating ducts once the air conditioning starts.
July and August
Afternoon thunderstorms can be intense. After a big storm, check window wells, the basement and the crawlspace hatch area.
September
Compare basement and crawlspace conditions now with spring. Note any seasonal dampness tied to irrigation.
October
Winterize sprinklers and outdoor faucets. Disconnect hoses so frost-free hose bibs can drain.
November and December
Check that bath fans vent outdoors and that the dryer vent is clear. Watch for drafts that cool pipes in exterior walls.

Targets worth knowing

Indoor humidity
Generally below 60 percent, ideally 30 to 50 percent
Winter humidity
Lower on very cold days to limit window condensation
Downspout discharge
Several feet from the foundation, onto ground that slopes away
Wet materials
Dry within 24 to 48 hours to limit mold growth

Tools to keep on hand

  • Two inexpensive hygrometers, one for the basement and one upstairs
  • A flashlight and phone for crawlspace photos
  • Downspout extensions or splash blocks
  • A shop vacuum that handles water
  • Leak sensors under sinks and at the water heater and washer
  • A note of where the main water shutoff is

Why the calendar looks like this

Wheat Ridge sits on the dry plains just east of the foothills, and most of the year the air works in a homeowner's favor. Problems come in pulses: wet spring snows that melt against foundations, short and violent summer storms, months of sprinkler water on large lawns, and cold snaps that make indoor moisture condense.

Doing the right check at the right time catches most of those pulses before they become mold. A few minutes after each big storm, and a crawlspace look at the start and end of summer, are worth more than an annual deep clean.

Common questions

Do I need a dehumidifier in Wheat Ridge?
Many homes never need one upstairs. Basements and crawlspaces are different: if a hygrometer there stays above about 60 percent in summer, a dehumidifier sized for the space is often worth it.

General information for Wheat Ridge, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.