Your roof acts as an umbrella, protecting you and your family, so it’s important to keep it in top shape year-round. Falling tree limbs, old damage, and improperly maintained roofs create a danger for you during storm season.

Roof damage is one of the most common and expensive problems homeowners face in Metro Detroit.

From falling tree limbs and clogged gutters to ice dams, storm damage, and roof leaks, even small roofing issues can quickly turn into costly repairs if left untreated.

Fortunately, proactive roof maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your roof and help prevent major structural damage.

How Can You Protect Your Roof From Damage?

The best way to protect your roof is to inspect it regularly, keep gutters and drainage areas clear, trim vulnerable tree branches, address damaged shingles and flashing promptly, and maintain proper attic insulation and ventilation.

Michigan roofs face wind, hail, snow, ice, falling branches, temperature changes, animals, and moisture throughout the year. Small problems such as a loose shingle or blocked gutter can become more expensive when they are ignored.

Here are ten ways to prepare your roof for anything Mother Nature can throw at it.

Trim damaged or overhanging tree branches
Keep gutters and downspouts clear
Remove roof debris safely
Address moss and algae appropriately
Inspect the roof in spring and fall
Reduce the risk of ice dams
Repair damaged and missing shingles
Inspect flashing and roof penetrations
Seal pest entry points correctly
Check the attic for moisture and ventilation problems

1. Check Trees Close to Your House

Trees are a beautiful feature in the yard, but if they are too close to the house, they pose several risks to your roof. Ice, winds, and disease make tree limbs weak. Broken limbs are one of the leading causes of shingle damage.

Trees give squirrels and other small critters access to your roof. Although some of these animals are cute in nature, they can also cause damage to your shingles.

Leaves falling on your home are inevitable, but excess leaves can create small dams on your roof and clog the gutters. The closer the trees are to your home, the more problems you’ll have.

Look for branches that:

Hang directly over the roof
Rub against shingles
Appear dead or diseased
Drop large amounts of debris into roof valleys
Give critters easy access to the roof

2. Clean and Repair Your Gutters

Gutters not only protect your roof — they protect your home’s foundation, as well. Their purpose is to reroute water off the roof and away from the home. If the gutters are damaged or clogged, then the water could pool under the shingles. Pooled water can cause damage under the protected shingles and cause rot, mold, and structural damage to the roof.

3. Remove Roof Debris

Fallen limbs, leaves, and other miscellaneous debris all pose various hazards to your roof. Not only can they harm shingles, create pools of water, and clog gutters, but they can also remove the granules from the shingles, reducing their lifespan.

The asphalt granules resist water and protect your roof from harmful UV and infrared rays caused by the sun. When they’re damaged, they can’t do their jobs properly!

4. Remove Moss and Algae

The black and green discoloration on your roof is most likely caused by moss, mildew, mold, or some other lichen. These plants block the natural protection gained from the roof. If left long enough, they can cause rotting damage to the shingles and underlayment.

Since moss is constantly wet, it attracts insects. Gnats and other small insects will lay their eggs in moss and continue to grow in numbers so it’s best to remove the moss before the insects get carried away.

5. Schedule Biannual Roof Inspections

It’s a good idea to have a professional look at your roof during the spring and fall months. You need to make sure your roof is ready to handle the icy winters and check for damage after they occur.

The change from cold to hot should not be a problem for a well-maintained roof, but consider the possible costs if damage does occur.

Expect a professional to inspect the following:

Sagging
Rot
Gaps
Critter infestations
Signs of wear and tear
Shingle damage
Gutter damage

Professionals will also look for weakened areas caused by poor installation. Not all roof inspectors are up to the task. Some sacrifice quality in the name of getting the job finished quicker.

It’s always good to have a second contractor look at the previous work to verify that it’s holding up as it should. At Four Seasons Kanga Roof, we offer the Kanga Kare Club maintenance program to provide total peace of mind and ensure the roof is being maintained.

6. Have Ice Dams Removed Immediately

The heat you use to keep the internal temperature of your home comfortable rises and exits out the roof. Depending on how well ventilated your attic space is, where your heating ducts lie, and how your home is insulated, the heat exiting through the roof may be substantial.

When cold weather hits, the heat turns frozen particles into water. The water doesn’t get very far before it freezes again. This off-and-on process can cause ice dams. As more water builds up, the dams can become quite large.

Ice dams have the potential to fall and damage something or someone. They also allow water particles to pool and get under the shingles.

Remember, water follows the path of least resistance and tries to locate weakened areas into the home.

7. Repair Damaged Shingles

The little white granules in your gutters or on the ground are from your shingles. The more prevalent the granules are, the more damage there is to the shingles. If the gutters are clogged with granules, then it may be time to replace your roof.

Contact a roofing contractor if you notice:

Missing shingles
Lifted or curled edges
Exposed fasteners
A visible roof sag
New leaks or ceiling stains

Talk to a professional about repairs as soon as they are noticed. Waiting on repairs could cause further damage to the roof (and to your bank account!) and require replacing the roof instead.

8. Reseal Flashing and Problem Areas

Flashing is a thin metal material installed around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys. It is designed to direct water toward the gutter system. Winds, debris, and time can reduce the effectiveness of your flashing. These areas may need to be resealed or nailed to keep them working properly.

Chimneys, exhaust vents, and skylights are particularly susceptible to loose flashing. However, depending on the shape of your roof, valleys can also pose an issue.

9. Consider Pest Control

Pests are some of the largest problems for roofs. Squirrels, mice, bats, rats, birds, raccoons, and other critters are looking for a safe place to live. The warmth of your home makes it ideal for these pests. They will do whatever is necessary to get inside.

These animals come in a variety of sizes and can often squeeze into areas smaller than their bodies, so the smallest hole or damaged area is susceptible to mice. Once one critter gets inside, it will begin to chew its way through the roof to get into the attic and walls.

Areas under the roof overhang are a common home for bird and bee nests, both of which can cause varying amounts of damage to your roof and home.

After you speak with a pest control specialist, talk to a roofing contractor for repairs. Pest control specialists are great at removing the critters, and they may offer to seal up the access point, but they are not professionals in roofing. Talk to someone who knows the true extent of the damage and who’ll fix it right.

10. Inspect the Attic

The attic is the under part of the roof. It is an easy area to spot small holes and major structural damage to your roof. Look for things like:

Dark stains
Wet or compressed insulation
Musty odors
Condensation
Mold
Daylight
Signs of animals

If you are hiring a roofing contractor for your roof inspections, they will take a look at your attic as well. A roofing contractor will look for water stains, which could indicate a leak. Leaks can travel down beams and into your walls.

Professionals know what to look for. One of the key issues is pests. Pests will leave droppings and rip apart insulation.

While in your attic, the roofing contractor may also discuss insulation upgrades, such as radiant barrier insulation. Insulation upgrades will help make your heating and cooling system more efficient and aid in the reduction of ice dams on your roof.

Signs Your Roof May Already Be Damaged

Even if you use all ten tips, existing damage could be causing large, expensive issues. Common warning signs include:

Missing shingles
Water stains on ceilings
Mold or mildew growth
Sagging roof areas
Granules in gutters
Recurring leaks
Damaged flashing
Higher energy bills

If you notice these issues on your roof, schedule a professional roof inspection with a professional roofing company like Kanga Roof to help prevent more expensive repairs.

Protect Your Home By Protecting Your Roof

No matter what it is, Four Seasons Kanga Roof can handle all of your roofing needs. We are experts in roofing repair, gutter installations, insulation installation, and more. We also offer our home maintenance program called the Kanga Kare Club that will handle all of your annual maintenance needs while extending the life of your roofing system. There is no one better to handle any roofing issues you run into.

Call the experts at Kanga Roof today to make sure your roof is ready for the weather coming tomorrow.

Falling Limbs and More: 10 Ways to Protect Your Roof from Damage