How Denver's 2025 record-breaking snowfall impacts your windows

Denver is no stranger to snow, but this year’s winter has been something else entirely. The city has already received over 43 inches of snow as of March 5, which is well above the usual inches of snowfall for this time of year. In fact, this winter marked the highest snowfall amounts in the last five years, breaking the previous record by several inches. For many residents, the snow has brought a scenic charm to the city. But at the same time, it has created real challenges for homeowners.

In this article, we will explain what’s been happening with Denver’s weather conditions this winter, how all that snow affects your windows, and what steps you can take to protect your home. If you’ve noticed drafty windows, condensation, or grime buildup this season, there’s a good reason why. Let’s take a closer look.

Denver’s historic snowfall: what happened this year

This winter, Denver experienced a significant snow event that caught many people’s attention. In total, the city has seen over 43.5 inches of snow so far, compared to the usual 37 inches of snowfall by this time in the season. What’s more, several of these storms brought wet snow, making it heavier and harder on homes and infrastructure.

The combination of heavy snowfall and fluctuating temperatures has made this season unique. Some storms left behind several inches in a short time, while others stretched over a longer period of snow, leaving streets, rooftops, and window ledges covered for days. Add to that stretches of bitter cold in between storms, and you get conditions that can strain buildings in unexpected ways.

For homeowners, these shifts mean more than just shoveling the driveway. Every pile of deep snow resting against your house puts weight and moisture pressure on the structure, and that includes your windows. Ice buildup, water seepage, and expanding seals become real concerns when snow keeps falling and temperatures stay low.

How snow and cold temperatures damage your windows

You might not think about your windows when the snow piles up, but they are one of the most affected parts of your home during a strong winter season. The combination of heavy snow, freezing rain, and constant shifts in temperature can quietly wear down your windows without you noticing at first.

One of the biggest problems comes from thermal expansion and contraction. When the sun comes out after a storm, the snow on your windows starts to melt. As the temperature drops again, the moisture freezes. This back-and-forth causes window seals to expand and contract repeatedly, weakening them over time. Eventually, this leads to cracks, broken seals, or condensation trapped between panes.

Another issue is moisture buildup. Liquid precipitation from melting snow seeps into small gaps around your windows. When the temperature drops again, that moisture can freeze and expand, forcing cracks wider or warping window frames. You may notice cold drafts, foggy glass, or difficulty opening and closing your windows as a result.

There’s also the problem of dirt and grime. As the snow melts, it pulls debris, salt, and mineral deposits onto your windows. These substances can leave streaks, stains, and even small scratches on the glass surface if not cleaned promptly. When left unchecked, this buildup becomes more difficult to remove and can affect the clarity of your windows.

What homeowners can do to protect and maintain their windows after heavy snowfall

After a winter like this, it’s worth taking some simple steps to make sure your windows are still in good shape. Denver’s intense weather conditions can speed up wear and tear, but you can limit the damage with a little attention.

Start with a visual inspection. Walk around your home and look closely at your windows. Pay attention to any condensation inside the glass, which is often a sign of a broken seal. Check for visible cracks in the glass or around the frame. Run your hand around the edges of the window to feel for cold air sneaking through.

Next, clean off any grime and dirt left behind by the melting snow. This will help prevent mineral deposits from etching the glass. If you notice salt stains or streaks that won’t go away with a basic wipe, it may be time to use specialized cleaning solutions or call a professional for help.

You should also look at the window tracks and sills. Heavy snow and ice can leave debris trapped in these areas, which affects how well your windows open and close. Clearing out these tracks reduces strain on the window hardware and keeps everything moving smoothly.

It’s also wise to check the caulking and weather stripping around each window. Denver’s long days without snow are a great time to reseal any gaps and improve insulation before the next storm hits.

For older windows or ones that have suffered through several seasons of heavy snowfall, you may notice permanent fogging between the panes or significant drafts that you can’t fix on your own. In these cases, the damage might be beyond basic maintenance.

When to consider professional window cleaning and inspection

Most window care can be handled with a bit of effort after each storm. But sometimes, the impact of a rough winter requires a professional eye. Here are some situations where it makes sense to reach out for help:

• If your windows have persistent fogging between the panes, even on dry days.
• If there are visible cracks, warping, or significant dirt buildup that regular cleaning can’t remove.
• If you live in an area that received the most inches of snowfall this year and haven’t had your windows inspected in a long time.
• If your home was exposed to prolonged periods of wet snow and you suspect water damage around the frames.
• If you simply want to ensure your windows are structurally sound after this intense period of snow.

That's how you steer clear of snow

Taking small steps after each storm, like checking for drafts, cleaning off grime, and inspecting window seals, can make a big difference. But if the snow has lingered on your sills for weeks, or you’ve noticed persistent condensation or damage, it might be time to get a professional opinion.

At the end of the day, clear, efficient windows help protect your home from Denver’s shifting weather conditions. If you need help evaluating or restoring your windows after this record-breaking winter, reach out to our team at Professional Window Cleaning. We’re here when you need an extra set of eyes to keep your windows clean, safe, and ready for the seasons ahead.