The weather in West Michigan can take a serious toll on your home—especially your roof. With four distinct seasons and extreme weather patterns, it’s important to understand both the short-term and long-term effects that weather can have. By knowing how different conditions impact your roof, you can make informed decisions about when to schedule an inspection, repair, or replacement.
Winter Weather
Low temperatures and heavy snowfall create the perfect recipe for ice dams. These occur when heat from inside your home melts snow on the roof. As the water runs down to the gutters, it can refreeze and build up. Ice dams usually form at the eaves and roof valleys. As they grow, your roof loses its ability to shed water, and leaks can follow. If accessible, rake 3–6 feet of snow from the eaves to help prevent ice damming. If major ice dams form, Summit Point Roofing is one of the few Grand Rapids contractors offering high-pressure steam removal—the safest way to protect your roof. Left untreated, ice build-up can cause leaks, damage your roof, and shorten its service life.
Spring Weather
“April showers bring May flowers”—but they can also bring roof leaks. Shingle systems are water-resistant, not waterproof. As roofs age, sealants and accessories break down, reducing water-shedding ability. Brown spots on ceilings are a common warning sign. Catching leaks early prevents thousands in interior damage. Even small leaks, if ignored, can grow into costly repairs or force a full replacement. Don’t overlook them.
Summer Weather
Summer is one of Michigan’s best seasons, but the heat can be tough on roofs. High temperatures and wide swings between hot days and cool nights cause shingles to expand, contract, and crack. Over time, UV inhibitors in shingles break down, loosening granules—the small protective coating on each shingle. Granule loss is the clearest indicator that your roof is nearing the end of its useful life.
Fall Weather
Fall brings brilliant colors—and falling leaves. Debris on the roof and in the gutters can block drainage, leading to leaks. Clearing leaves and other buildup is critical. Summit Point Roofing offers gutter cleaning, protection, and full replacement to help prevent water damage.
Severe Weather
Hail and wind are two of the most damaging forces your roof may face. Hail larger than a marble can compromise shingle integrity. West Michigan typically sees one or two hail events per year. Wind can also break seals, tear off shingles, and even damage roof structure. If you experience hail or wind damage, contact a licensed roofing company for a free inspection. Summit Point Roofing’s HAAG Certified Inspectors are trained to spot storm damage and guide you through the insurance claim process if needed.
