Which facing is ideal? (Denver: houses, garage door, suburbs)

[bluesalad]

I've heard that certain facing (house) is to avoid due to snow not melting on the drive way. Anyone know what facing is more ideal for residential houses in Denver? thanks.
(I probably can figure this out, but I'm not good at directional things)

[Charles]

Originally Posted by bluesalad

I've heard that certain facing (house) is to avoid due to snow not melting on the drive way. Anyone know what facing is more ideal for residential houses in Denver? thanks.
(I probably can figure this out, but I'm not good at directional things)

South facing driveways are exposed to more sunlight in winter in the northern hemisphere than are northern facing driveways. Denver is in the northern hemisphere.

[gpraceman]

Well, if you want to shovel less snow, then either a south or southwest exposure would be best. Our driveway faces southwest, which means it gets lots of afternoon sun, when temps are more at their peak. With a southeast facing drive, you do get some sun, but it is morning sun, while temps are still low from the morning.

However, if you are a gardner, you'd rather have a back yard that faces south, so it's a toss up.

Whatever side(s) of your house faces southerly will have snow more quickly melt away and the northerly facing side(s) will have snow that hangs around longer and will be more icy.

[tfox]

"South-facing" also assumes that you have a front-facing garage and driveway. Many houses in Denver (especially), and in some of the older suburbs often have rear-facing garages (i.e., alley facing). Detatched garages are almost always rear-facing. So, in that case, you might prefer north "facing" so you'll have sunlight in both your back yard and outside your garage door.

[suzco]

Also consider, a southern exposure will be hotter in the summer, and may affect your comfort (and utility bills). And some people choose to orient their homes around a view, so that may also affect the decision of what is "ideal."

But for sure, if you have a north facing driveway, you won't get as much help from the sun to keep it ice and snow free in the winter as your neighbors with south or southwestern facing driveways do.

[bluesalad]

You all are great! exactly the explaination I wanted to hear. thanks!!!

[Katiana]

If you have a south facing house, you willhave a north facing kitchen (usually). The kitchen will be a little cooler in the summer.

[oberon]

Speaking of heat exposure, west facing windows seriously increase the heat load in the house in the summer.. but they also help heat in the winter and often have a nice view.

[Noahma]

if the lot you are looking at has good mountain views, place the house (or look for one already built) facing south east. you will get the southern exposure for melting snow quickly, but you will also have a view corridor to look twards the mountains

[gpraceman]

Originally Posted by Noahma

if the lot you are looking at has good mountain views, place the house (or look for one already built) facing south east. you will get the southern exposure for melting snow quickly, but you will also have a view corridor to look twards the mountains

I believe you meant southwest, towards the mountains.