Ice damming and freeze-thaw
The single biggest threat to a Westland roof is ice damming at the eaves. 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. Westland’s ranch homes from the 1950s and 1960s often came with minimal attic ventilation that was undersized by today’s standards. Two things prevent ice dams: ice and water shield extending at least 24 inches inside the heated wall line, and properly balanced attic ventilation. If you’ve had repeat leaks at the same spot, both issues usually need attention at the same time.
