Ice damming and freeze-thaw
The single biggest threat to a Sterling Heights roof is ice damming at the eaves. This part of Macomb County has a high concentration of ranch homes and split-levels built in the 1960s and 70s — low-pitched roofs with shallow attic spaces where ventilation is often undersized. That combination makes ice dams more likely and harder to stop without fixing both. When snow melts off a warm attic, refreezes at the colder eave, and backs water up under the shingles, you get leaks in your ceiling. 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.
