A Lansing Winter Roof Guide
Lansing gets around 51 inches of snow in a typical season and a handful of nights at or below zero. That's enough to test any roof, especially at the eaves and around chimneys.
Request a rooferSnow load
Most roofs carry a normal Lansing snowfall without trouble. Wet, heavy snow after a thaw weighs much more than fluffy powder, so watch older and low-slope roofs after big storms.
Ice at the eaves
Icicles and a ridge of ice along the gutters mean heat is escaping into the attic. See ice dams for what to do.
Attic frost
On very cold nights, moisture from the house can freeze on the underside of the roof deck. When it thaws, it can drip like a leak.
Roof rakes, not ladders
Use a roof rake from the ground to pull snow off the lower edge. Climbing onto an icy roof is how people get hurt.
Chimneys and vents
Snow drifting around chimneys and vents can melt and refreeze in the flashing. Note any stains near them inside.
Gutters
Gutters full of ice can pull loose. Clean them in fall so they start the winter empty.
Spring check
After the thaw, look for missing shingles, bent gutters and new ceiling stains.
Get help
See roof repair.
Older and low-slope roofs
Porch roofs, additions and garages with low slopes hold snow longer and are more prone to ice damming. Keep an eye on them after big storms.
Power lines
When raking snow, keep the rake well away from power lines entering the house.
When to get a professional look
Steady drips during a thaw, sagging gutters and ice building on the same spot each winter are worth a professional look before next season.
More roofing guides
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