Roof with snow and icicles

For those residing in West Michigan, winter has definitely arrived. We've already experienced cold snaps, snowfall, and icy conditions, signifying that the colder half of the year is well underway. At the end of every autumn, there's a whole checklist of tasks that homeowners should be doing to ensure that their roofing system is fully ready and prepared for the arrival of winter weather.

West Michigan Roofing & Construction is a local roofing company with strong ties to West Michigan communities dating back to 1967. We know better than anyone the necessary roof maintenance that homeowners should be doing to ensure their roof remains structurally-sound and secure until the snow melts in the spring.

Clean Out Your Gutters Ahead of Time

After the last of the leaves have fallen, be sure to give your gutters a good clean out before freezing temperatures have a chance to settle in. If there are any leaves or other debris still clogging your gutters, the ice and snow will make it almost impossible for your gutters to function properly, and if water can't be drained away from your home sufficiently, leaks may start popping up.

If you notice a significant amount of debris on your roof itself, it's wise to give your roof a cleaning as well, otherwise all that dirt and grime will eventually end up in your gutters, creating the same problem.

Trim Any Overhanging Tree Branches

No later than October or early November, those residing in West Michigan should have any overhanging tree branches removed. If a tree limb extends over the top of your home, it could lead to roof damage if left untrimmed, especially heading into winter. Snow and ice can easily accumulate on tree branches, making them heavier and potentially leading to them resting on top of your roof all winter long.

Call in a professional arborist to cut down any problematic tree branches well before the winter weather starts rolling in. This is typically a great job for the summer months or fall.

Check for Water Leaks in Your Home

Any problems your Michigan roof is already experiencing can become exacerbated in the winter, so double-checking for water leaks is a necessary step in making sure your roofing system is ready to go. There are many signs to look for from inside your home that could indicate the presence of a roof leak, such as:

  • Brown or Yellow Stains on Your Ceiling and Walls
  • A Musty Smell Lingering in Your Attic
  • Feeling an Excess of Moisture in the Air
  • Structural Issues with Ceilings and Drywall
  • The Presence of Mold in Your Attic

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

The most surefire way to ensure your roofing system is ready to endure the harsh weather of winter is by scheduling a professional roof inspection beforehand. While there are many things we can catch by looking at our roofs from outside or even the interior of our homes, there are many things that the untrained eye can miss.

A roofing company will have access to thermal cameras, drones and other state-of-the-art equipment to help them catch even the slightest crack or puncture in your roofing system, and their years of experience make them much more reliable than the average homeowner when it comes to evaluating the integrity of a roof.

West Michigan Roofing has 5+ decades of experience and always makes use of top roofing brands like GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning so that our roof repairs and roof replacements are always constructed to last for decades, resist damage in extreme weather, and look beautiful all the while.

Get in touch with West Michigan Roofing today for a free estimate on our residential roofing services, and find out more about how we can help prepare your roof each year for the cold winter months!