Hidden Roof Damage From Sept. 2 Storms Could Cause Winter Leaks

PLYMOUTH, Mich. — Wind damage from summer storms that swept Southeast Michigan may not be visible from the ground, and Billy's Roofing, a Plymouth-based roofing company, says homeowners have weeks, not months, to find it before winter. The National Weather Service reported downed tree limbs and power outages in Plymouth in early September, and its preliminary storm survey estimated straight-line winds of 60 to 70 mph across the region between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Missing shingles and downed limbs are easy to spot. Wind can also lift or crease shingles, loosen flashing, bend gutters, or break the seal beneath shingles without tearing them off. Once snow, ice, and repeated freezing and thawing begin, water can reach decking, insulation, ceilings, and walls through damage a homeowner never knew was there.

"Homeowners tend to notice the obvious damage after a storm, but it is often the smaller, hidden problems that become more serious during winter," said Katelyn Mills, roof inspector and project manager with Billy's Roofing. "Finding and repairing those issues now can help prevent water from entering the home once snow, ice and repeated freezing and thawing begin."

Ice dams are the main risk

When melting snow refreezes near the roof's edge, water backs up instead of draining and works beneath compromised shingles. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's MIReady program recommends keeping gutters and downspouts clear, since poor drainage can contribute to ice damming. Billy's Roofing advises clearing leaves and branches before the first snow.

What homeowners can check from the ground

• Missing, lifted, curled, or misaligned shingles
• Shingle pieces or roofing material in the yard
• Tree limbs that struck or scraped the roof
• Loose or damaged flashing
• Bent gutters or damaged fascia
• Heavy debris in gutters
• Shingle granules collecting near downspouts
• New water stains in attics or on ceilings

No one should climb onto a wet, steep, or damaged roof. Photograph concerns from the ground and request a professional inspection.

"A roof inspection does not automatically mean a homeowner needs a new roof or should file an insurance claim," Mills said. "Our role is to document what we find, explain whether the damage is isolated or widespread, and help the homeowner understand what, if anything, needs to be repaired."

Billy's Roofing does not determine insurance coverage. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services advises homeowners with storm damage to document the loss, take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage, and contact their insurance company or agent about coverage and the claims process.

Billy's Roofing offers free inspections. Call the Plymouth office at 734-945-5700 or visit the showroom at 1270 S. Main Street.

You can also schedule a free inspection by visiting their website at: billysroofing.com/roofing/plymouth-mi/.

Billy's Roofing is a family-run company founded in 1988 by Kenneth "Billy" Mills. It provides roof inspections, repairs, storm damage assessments, roof replacements, and gutter services from offices in Plymouth and Livonia.