Heat, Roofs & Solar
Built for snow, not just for photos
Some homes up here are built right. Some just look beautiful and will cost you a lot to live in comfortably. Heat, the roof and power are where you tell the difference.
Heat
Forced air works harder at elevation, so you’ll see a mix:
- radiant floor heat (my favorite)
- wood or pellet stoves
- electric baseboards
- mini-splits, which also give you AC
- propane, even in solar homes
- natural gas in some lower-elevation towns
Roofs and snow load
Mountain snow puts real weight on a roof. I want to know the home was built for local snow load and that the roof’s been maintained. Ice dams along the eaves are a clue something’s off.
Metal roofs are the mountain standard for a reason. They shed snow, last for decades, resist fire and need almost no upkeep. That’s a big deal if you’re not here full-time.
Solar isn’t a doomsday thing
It’s a smart energy choice, especially at elevation where the sun is incredible. You’ll see three setups:
- Off-grid: solar and batteries, often with a propane generator as backup
- Hybrid: solar plus the grid plus propane
- Grid-tied with battery backup: like a Powerwall, so the lights stay on in a storm
If a home has solar, I’ll find out who installed it, whether it’s owned or financed, and whether it’s sized for how you’ll live. A financed system can affect your loan, so loop in your lender early.
Internet
Most places have good options. Idaho Springs has fiber in places, and Black Hawk and Central City are solid. Out on rural parcels, Starlink works well. I check what’s available at every address before you fall in love.
Who I call
| Who | What they do | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Summit Roofing and Gutters | Roofing | 303-618-4242 |
Solar: reach out to me for installer recommendations.