How Colorado’s Weather Impacts Your Building—And What We Do to Prepare for It

Julian Garber
Nov 20
4 min read

If you’ve lived in Colorado for more than five minutes, you already know—we get it all: heavy snow, high winds, intense sun, hail, and everything in between. And if you’re building a pole barn, garage, livestock shelter, or barndominium shell, those weather conditions matter more than most people realize.

At VWC Construction, we don’t build cookie-cutter structures—we build for real Colorado weather, right here in Southern Colorado. From the open plains of Pueblo West to the elevation of Westcliffe, we make sure your building is engineered to last through all four seasons.

Here’s how Colorado’s climate affects your building—and what we do to prepare for it.

Wind: A Constant Threat in Open Areas

Whether you're building in Aguilar, Walsenburg, or anywhere out on the plains, wind is a real concern. High gusts can tear off siding, shift poorly anchored posts, or even collapse underbuilt structures.

What we do:

Use engineered trusses designed for your specific wind zone
Anchor posts deep with proper footing or concrete pier systems
Reinforce sidewalls, gables, and door frames
Recommend shed or roof orientations that reduce wind exposure

We don’t just "hope it holds"—we build it to resist.

Pole Barn with Lean-To built in Trinidad, CO

Snow Load: Not All Roofs Are Equal

In mountain areas or higher elevations like Cotopaxi, Trinidad, or Westcliffe, snow accumulation puts thousands of pounds of pressure on a roof. Buildings that aren't engineered for snow load can sag, crack, or worse—collapse.

What we do:

Ensure every building is designed with county-specific snow load requirements
Use truss designs that prevent deflection or sagging
Recommend roof pitches that encourage snow to slide off
Offer optional lean-tos or porches with structural snow support

If you don’t know your required snow load—we’ll check with your county and build to exceed it.

Sun & Heat: A Hidden Long-Term Problem

Colorado may be cold in winter, but the UV exposure at elevation is intense. Without proper materials and ventilation, barns and garages can become hotboxes in the summer—and cheap metal can fade or warp quickly.

What we do:

Use UV-resistant steel panels for siding and roofing
Offer vented ridge caps and gable vents for proper airflow
Recommend spray foam or batt insulation to regulate interior temps
Help you plan shade with lean-tos, porches, or building orientation

We’ll walk you through how your building will perform in both January and July.

Drainage: More Water = More Problems

From spring runoff to sudden downpours, improper drainage can wreak havoc on your barn or garage foundation—especially in areas like La Veta, Penrose, or rural lots with sloped terrain.

What we do:

Partner with Excavate Colorado to handle professional site prep and grading
Ensure building pads are properly compacted and sloped
Offer gutter solutions and overhangs where appropriate
Help plan for flood zones or swales if needed

Drainage may not be the most exciting part of the build—but it’s one of the most important.

Building Pad being prepped by Excavate CO in Cotopaxi CO

Wildfire Zones: Safety Matters

If you're in a wildfire-prone area (like parts of Huerfano County or Custer County), you may need to consider fire-resistant materials and clear zones.

What we do:

Recommend metal siding and roofing to reduce fire risk
Follow all local WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) guidelines where required
Help you plan defensible space around your building
Coordinate with your local planning office for safety compliance

Locally Sourced, Colorado Tough

When we say we build for Colorado, we mean it—right down to the materials we use. Every building we put up is crafted using high-quality components sourced from local Colorado businesses we know and trust.

Our engineered trusses are built just up the road at Valley Truss in Westcliffe, CO
Our steel panels and trim are custom rolled in Penrose by Legacy Metal Center
Lumber, hardware, and framing materials are all sourced through local supply yards that understand the terrain and climate we’re building in

By keeping our supply chain local, we support other family-run businesses, reduce delays, and ensure our materials are made to handle Colorado weather—not just look good on paper.

You're not just getting a barn—you’re getting something built by local hands, with local materials, for local land.

Barndominium being framed up in Saguache, CO

Built for Colorado. Built by Locals. Backed by Integrity.

We’re not some out-of-state kit company. We’re your neighbors—building every barn, garage, and livestock shelter with real people, real pride, and real durability.

From your first site walk with Julian or Dustin to the final trim-out, VWC Construction designs every structure with local codes, weather, and terrain in mind—and with materials made right here in Southern Colorado.

“Every building we put up is one we’d be proud to build on our own land. If it can’t stand up to Colorado weather, it’s not good enough for us—or you.”— Julian Garber, Owner