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With winter right around the corner, it’s important to make sure your home is ready to handle everything Mother Nature has in store! We’ll try to help by outlining some of the most important things Michigan homeowners should do to ensure that their roof, siding, insulation, and gutters are ready to withstand winter weather and keep residents comfortable until spring weather returns.
The Schoenherr Roofing Winter Checklist: 7 Things Homeowners Need to Do
There are a number of things you’ll want to inspect before cold weather arrives in Michigan. However, start by taking the following seven steps to ensure your roof, gutters, and siding are ready for Old Man Winter.
1. Inspect Your Roof for Visible Damage
Start by taking a walk around your property and looking up at your roof (stay on the ground — rooftop inspections are best left to professionals). Note any problems like:
- Missing or curled shingles
- Smooth shingles
- Sagging areas
- Uneven surfaces
- Loose flashing around chimneys or vents
These are all signs your roof might be vulnerable once winter weather sets in. If anything looks questionable, contact a roofing professional immediately to prevent further damage from occurring and help keep the repair costs as low as possible.
Pro tip: A good pair of binoculars can help you see small details more clearly, while still remaining safe on the ground.
2. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which trap melting snow and force water back under your shingles, leading to leaks and other kinds of damage. It’s a pretty common issue here in Michigan, and it often leads to costly repairs, so clogged gutters are not something you’ll want to ignore.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do yourself to keep your gutters draining properly, such as:
- Clearing out leaves, pine needles, and debris.
- Making sure water flows freely from the roof to the ground.
- Check that downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation.
Pro tip: If you have a large number of trees over your roof (or one really big tree), you may want to consider installing gutter guards to keep out the leaves and pine straw.
3. Check Attic Ventilation and Insulation
Your attic plays a crucial role in regulating roof temperature. Poor ventilation and insulation can lead to excessive moisture, mold growth, and even higher energy bills. They can also cause ice dams to form on your roof.
To prevent these kinds of problems, make sure your attic:
- Has clear airflow from soffits to ridge vents
- Contains adequate insulation to prevent heat loss
- Doesn’t show signs of condensation or mildew
Pro tip: Believe it or not, your attic should be cold in the winter rather than warm to prevent ice dams. If you notice warm air lingering or uneven snow melt on your roof, it’s time to take a closer look.
4. Trim Overhanging Branches
Strong winds, heavy snow, and ice are all threats to your trees, and they can sometimes cause limbs to snap. And because falling branches can lead to punctured shingles, dislodged gutters, or damaged siding, you’ll want to address any limbs hanging over your house before winter sets in.
Be sure to do the following during mid- to late-fall:
- Have all dead limbs near your house removed.
- Remove any overhanging branches within 6 to 10 feet of your roofline.
- Have an arborist inspect any nearby trees in questionable health.
These simple steps can help you avoid the need for emergency roof repairs during the coldest months.
Pro Tip: Proactive tree maintenance can not only help protect your roof from falling branches, but it can also help keep your gutters free of leaves, pine needles, acorns, and other debris.
5. Check for Signs of Leaks Inside Your Home
Roof problems occasionally show up inside your house before they cause any obvious external signs of trouble. So, be sure to walk through your home and inspect the ceilings and upper walls for signs of an active leak before winter weather arrives.
A few of the things you’ll want to look for include:
- Water stains or discoloration
- Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
- Musty odors in the attic
These could all indicate a slow leak, which snow and ice will only make worse.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check the ceilings and walls in the lower levels of your home; sometimes, moisture can sneak down to your basement before it causes any visible signs.
6. Inspect Your Siding for Cracks, Gaps, or Rot
Winter doesn’t just test your roof — it can also inflict a lot of wear and tear on your home’s siding. In fact, cold temperatures, moisture, and wind can expose weaknesses, leading to bigger problems down the line. So, be sure to inspect your home before winter arrives and make sure you don’t see:
- Visible cracks, holes, or warping
- Soft spots or areas of wood rot near the bottom of your siding
- Gaps in your seams and joints
If your siding is damaged or deteriorating, snow and ice can make it worse. These things may even allow moisture to reach the framing behind your walls, so take prompt action if you see any issues.
Pro tip: Pay special attention to siding near downspouts or where snow piles up. These areas are more prone to hidden damage.
7. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Even if everything looks fine to you, it’s always a good idea to have a professional look over your house before winter weather puts your home’s exterior to the test. A trained home exterior expert can spot potential issues you may have missed, allowing you to take action before they lead to major problems.
During an inspection, a home exterior professional will:
- Check the condition of your shingles
- Inspect the flashing and vents on your roof
- Look inside and outside for signs of leaks
- Verify that your gutters and drainage system are working properly
- Assess the ventilation and insulation in your attic
A quick checkup now could save you thousands in springtime repairs.
Pro tip: Don’t wait too long to schedule your professional inspection, as you’ll want to have time to take care of any repairs or maintenance issues present before cold temperatures arrive.
Trust Schoenherr Roofing for Your Home’s Exterior Needs
If you notice a problem with your gutters, siding, or roof, it’s important to take action now, before winter arrives. But the home exterior experts at Schoenherr Roofing are standing by and ready to help. No matter what kind of problem you’re currently facing, we can help provide the reliable service and high-quality repairs you need.
We’ve been serving Michigan businesses and homeowners since 1995, and we’d love to provide the home exterior services you need. Contact us today to receive your free, on-site estimate or discuss your concerns with a professional.
