Hidden Storm Damage Could Turn Into Winter Leaks for Homeowners

PLYMOUTH, Mich. - EntSun -- PLYMOUTH, Mich. — Roof damage from Sept. 2 storms that hit Southeast Michigan may not be visible from the ground. Billy's Roofing says homeowners have weeks, not months, to find it before winter arrives.

Winter turns small roof problems into interior leaks. Once snow, ice, and repeated freezing and thawing begin, water can reach decking, insulation, ceilings, and walls, causing damage a homeowner may not even know exists.

The National Weather Service reported downed limbs and power outages after severe thunderstorms hit Wayne County, with straight-line winds estimated at 60 to 70 mph between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., per its preliminary storm survey.

Beyond missing shingles and downed limbs, wind can also lift or crease shingles, loosen flashing, bend gutters, or break the seal beneath shingles without tearing them off.

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"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.

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.

Homeowners can check from the ground for:

• 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

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."

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

Visit Billy's Roofing in Plymouth to schedule a free inspection, call the office at 734-945-5700, or visit https://billysroofing.com/roofing/plymouth-mi/. The Plymouth showroom at 1270 S. Main St. is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with Saturdays by appointment.

About Billy's Roofing

Billy's Roofing is a family-run roofing company founded by Kenneth "Billy" Mills in 1988. The company has completed more than 1,600 roofing projects and holds a 4.9-star rating across 269 customer reviews. Billy's Roofing provides roof inspections, repairs, storm damage assessments, roof replacements, and gutter services from offices in Plymouth and Livonia, Mich.