Ice damming and freeze-thaw
The single biggest threat to a Dearborn Heights roof is ice damming at the eaves. The city’s older ranch homes and brick split-levels from the 1950s and 60s frequently have under-insulated attic bays and original ventilation that has not been updated since construction — the exact setup that lets warm attic air escape, melt roof snow, and refreeze at the cold eave overhang. Two things prevent ice dams: ice and water shield extending at least 24 inches inside the heated wall line (Michigan code minimum), and properly balanced attic ventilation. If you’ve had ice dam leaks before, ask us to inspect both.

