How do I know if snow got into my attic?

After a windy storm, look near gable and soffit vents for drifts or wet spots on the insulation. Snow that melts there may show up as ceiling spots a day or two later.

Should I add a pressure-reducing valve if I do not have one?

If your measured pressure is high, a plumber can explain whether one is needed and where it should go. Adding one usually means adding a thermal expansion tank too.

Are west-facing windows a leak risk?

Strong sun and wind age caulk and seals faster. Check the exterior caulk around tall windows and patio doors each summer, and look for staining at interior sills.

Who handles storm runoff from a neighbor's lot?

Start with a conversation with the neighbor, then the association if drainage swales are shared. Larger drainage issues may involve the county.

Westridge, Highlands Ranch: Hillside Lots, Wind and Pressure

What the slope does

Water systems are designed so that homes at the top of a zone get enough pressure. Homes lower on the same slope receive more. That is why pressure-reducing valves are common in hilly subdivisions, and why a worn one can quietly push household pressure up. High pressure shortens the life of hoses, connectors and fill valves.

Exposure is the other factor. Houses on ridgelines and western slopes catch stronger wind. Wind drives snow into attic vents and under siding, and it piles drifts against the downwind side of the house, where melting snow then sits against the foundation and window wells. Vaulted rooms with tall west-facing glass are common in homes of this period and see heavy sun and wind.

Westridge risks and what to check

Risk	Why here	Check
High water pressure	Lower homes on a slope	Gauge reading at a hose bib with nothing running
Wind-driven snow in attics	Exposed ridgelines	Attic after a windy snowstorm for snow or wet insulation
Drifts against the foundation	Snow piles on downwind sides	Window wells and wall bases during melt
Ice dams on shaded slopes	Varied roof lines and vaults	North and east eaves after snow
Storm runoff from uphill lots	Water follows the slope	Swales and grading between houses

After a windy snowstorm

Look in the attic with a flashlight for snow on insulation near vents
Check ceilings below for spots in the next day or two
Clear drifts away from window wells before they melt
Watch the downwind side of the house for water at the foundation

Contacts to know

Permits: Douglas County Building Division
Water service: Your water and sanitation district; confirm which one serves your address
Exterior changes: Highlands Ranch Community Association and any sub-association

Map of Westridge. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

How do I know if snow got into my attic?: After a windy storm, look near gable and soffit vents for drifts or wet spots on the insulation. Snow that melts there may show up as ceiling spots a day or two later.
Should I add a pressure-reducing valve if I do not have one?: If your measured pressure is high, a plumber can explain whether one is needed and where it should go. Adding one usually means adding a thermal expansion tank too.
Are west-facing windows a leak risk?: Strong sun and wind age caulk and seals faster. Check the exterior caulk around tall windows and patio doors each summer, and look for staining at interior sills.
Who handles storm runoff from a neighbor's lot?: Start with a conversation with the neighbor, then the association if drainage swales are shared. Larger drainage issues may involve the county.

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