How to Prevent Ice Dams Before Michigan Winter
Ice dam prevention for Michigan homes: why ice dams form, the attic fixes that stop them, an honest look at heat cables, and what to do if water gets in.
A roof inspection is a close look at every part of the roof that can let water in — shingles or membrane, flashing, vents, pipe boots, valleys, gutters and the attic underneath — with a plain report of what’s fine, what needs attention now, and what can wait. Done every few years, and after big storms, it’s the cheapest way to make a roof last its full life.
When to have your roof looked at
- Before winter. Michigan’s freeze–thaw cycles and ice dams find every weak spot. Fall is the time to fix them.
- After a storm. Hail and straight-line winds can damage a roof in ways you can’t see from the ground. See our storm damage checklist.
- Before you buy or sell a house. A home inspector looks at a lot of things; a roofer looks at the roof.
- When the roof hits 15 years. That’s when small maintenance starts to pay off most.
- After other trades have been up there. Satellite installers, HVAC techs, solar crews and chimney sweeps can loosen shingles and puncture membranes without knowing it.
What gets checked
| Area | What we look for |
|---|---|
| Shingles or membrane | Missing, lifted, cracked or curling shingles; worn granules; open seams, blisters or punctures on flat roofs |
| Flashing | Rust, gaps and failed sealant at chimneys, walls, skylights and dormers |
| Pipe boots and vents | Cracked rubber, loose collars, damaged vent caps |
| Valleys | Worn or loose material where two slopes meet |
| Gutters and drains | Clogs, sagging, water backing up under the roof edge; blocked drains and scuppers on flat roofs |
| Attic | Daylight, water stains, damp or frosty sheathing, ventilation and insulation |
| Roof edges | Rot at the fascia and drip edge, signs of ice damming |
Maintenance that pays for itself
Most of what an inspection turns up is quick to fix: resealing a flashing, replacing a cracked pipe boot, re-nailing a few lifted shingles, clearing a drain. Handled early, each is a short repair. Left alone, each is a water stain, then soft decking, then a much bigger bill. Our fall roof checklist lists what to do before winter.
For commercial buildings
Commercial roofs do best on a schedule: inspections in spring and fall plus after major storms, with a written report and photos each time. Many roof manufacturers expect documented maintenance to keep their warranty valid. See commercial roofing and what a commercial roof maintenance plan should include.
J&M Roofing inspects homes and commercial buildings throughout our service area. Schedule a free estimate and we’ll tell you what your roof needs — and what it doesn’t.
