Top 5 Ways Winter Storms Can Affect Your Roof & Home

7011813378 • December 5, 2022

Top 5 Ways Winter Storms Can Affect Your Roof & Home

It’s no secret that winter weather can take a toll on your roof and the exterior of your home, especially when you live in a region that sees snow, ice, and freezing winds during this time of year. But aside from the most obvious effects of winter storm damage, are you prepared to spot some of the lesser-known risks facing your home this season?

We’ve put together your go-to guide to protecting your home from winter weather, making it easy to be ready for just about anything Mother Nature might throw your way. From taking preventive measures against leaks to dealing with snow damage, we have you covered with everything you need to know for seasonal weather events - including how to navigate the unexpected.

Continue reading to learn more about how winter storms can affect your roof and home, as well as our essential tips for the coldest months of the year.

As the calendar turns to the winter months, many of us are busy with preparations for special seasonal occasions. But in addition to shopping for gifts and decking the halls, there’s another wintertime task that should be at the top of your list: preparing your home to weather winter storms.

Wintertime brings snow, ice, wind, and a constant cycle of freezing and thawing, all of which can wreak havoc on your roof and home’s exterior. This time of year, make sure you’re ready to recognize (and hopefully prevent) the various ways in which winter storms can affect your home:

1.Flashing leaks

Flashings are the slim strips of metal located along the front, ridges, and corners of your roof, as well as bordering any skylights and/or chimneys you may have. Unfortunately, it is common for flashings to be improperly installed; in other scenarios, they simply wear down over time. When flashing begins to pull away from the roofing material, it will lead to leaks - an issue that is especially common during winter.

What to do: Scheduling twice-yearly roof inspections is the best way to proactively spot and resolve problematic flashing so you don’t end up with leaks and water damage.

2.Strong winds

In Ohio, roof repairs are often directly related to damage caused by high wind speeds, particularly during winter. Strong winds can gradually loosen your roof’s shingles and even cause larger parts to come off.

What to do: If you ever notice missing shingles, shingles, or roof pieces on the ground, contact a roofing professional as soon as possible.

3. Falling tree limbs

Snow, ice, and wind can cause tree limbs to break and fall on your home, leading to roof damage and other exterior problems. In fact, a tree’s limbs don’t even have to break free to be an issue; if branches are scraping your roof during a storm, they can easily cause harm without you even realizing it.

What to do: Try to stay on top of tree maintenance (no matter what the season), trimming any branches that are within eight feet of your home.

4. Water damage

Water damage can strike at any time of year, but the freezing rain of winter can be especially problematic. If ice builds up in your home’s gutters, it can prevent the water from draining properly. Then, water can quickly accumulate, getting underneath your roof’s shingles and into your home’s interior structure.

Not only can a few inches of water compromise the integrity of your roof, but the moisture can create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew.

What to do: If you suspect water damage, contact a restoration specialist immediately.

5. Snow damage

Even in years when the snowfall in Ohio is relatively low, plenty of homeowners experience damage caused by snow. Your home is at a higher risk if its roof is flat or does not allow snow to effectively fall down the sides as it melts. The heat emanating from your warm, cozy home will melt snow fairly quickly, creating the potential for water to enter through cracks in the roof.

What to do: Avoid using snow shovels, rock salt, or calcium chloride to clear or melt snow on your roof, as these can lead to accidental damage and even possibly void your roof warranty. Contact a roofing professional for regular inspections to prevent leaks and anytime you see signs of possible snow damage.

Protect Your Home This Winter with Help from the Professionals

Whether your home has already experienced winter storm damage or you’re hoping to stay one step ahead of potential problems, having a professional on your side makes all the difference.


Particularly here in Ohio, wintertime weather can have serious effects on the integrity of your home’s exterior, sometimes causing issues that aren’t necessarily visible. And in many cases, a seemingly small problem can quickly snowball into major damage, leaving your family out in the cold. From roofing installation and repairs to storm damage restoration , Final Touch Construction & Remodeling provides a broad range of services for homeowners throughout the Cleveland area.

For more information about how to prevent winter storm damage, contact Final Touch Construction & Remodeling today. Or, request a free estimate online now!

By Final Touch Construction July 10, 2025
Summer in Northeast Ohio brings sunshine, warm breezes—and the perfect time to tackle those essential exterior home improvement projects. Your roof, gutters, and siding work overtime protecting your home from harsh winters and stormy springs. Now’s the time to give them the attention they deserve before fall weather rolls in. At Final Touch Construction , we’ve been helping Northeast Ohio homeowners protect their investments for years. Here’s our expert guide on where to focus your efforts this summer: ๐ŸŒž Roof TLC: Protect What Covers It All After months of snow, ice, and heavy rains, your roof deserves a check-up. Summer heat can also cause shingles to expand, crack, or curl. โœ… Inspect for Missing or Damaged Shingles Look for areas where shingles are loose, missing, or cracked. Addressing these early can prevent costly leaks. โœ… Check for Flashing and Ventilation Issues Proper ventilation is key to keeping your attic cool and your energy bills low during hot summer months. โœ… Schedule a Professional Inspection Sometimes, the warning signs aren’t obvious. Let the pros at Final Touch Construction assess your roof’s condition before problems worsen. ๐ŸŒง๏ธ Gutter Maintenance: Keep the Rain Flowing Away Summer thunderstorms can drop a lot of water in a short time. If your gutters aren’t ready, you could be facing foundation problems or water-damaged siding. โœ… Clear Out Debris Leaves, twigs, and last year’s grime can clog your gutters and downspouts. โœ… Check for Leaks and Proper Drainage Make sure water is flowing away from your home and not pooling near your foundation. โœ… Consider Gutter Guards Reduce future clogs with professionally installed gutter guards that keep leaves out but let water in. ๐Ÿก Siding Refresh: Boost Curb Appeal and Protection Your siding is your home’s first line of defense against Northeast Ohio’s unpredictable weather. โœ… Inspect for Cracks or Warping Summer is the ideal time to replace damaged panels and protect your home from moisture intrusion. โœ… Power Wash for a Fresh Look A professional cleaning removes built-up dirt, mold, and mildew, making your home look like new. โœ… Upgrade for Efficiency Consider modern siding options that improve insulation and reduce energy costs year-round. Ready to Tackle Your Summer Projects? Don’t let small issues turn into big headaches. At Final Touch Construction , we’re here to help you protect and beautify your home, whether it’s a quick fix or a full exterior makeover. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Schedule your free estimate today! Let’s make sure your home is summer-ready—and beyond.
By Brought to you by your local roofing experts at Final Touch Construction July 10, 2025
Hi there! I’m your friendly neighborhood roof shingle. You probably don’t think much about me unless something goes wrong, but let me tell you, life up here on your roof is no vacation—especially in the summer. Picture this: it’s July in Northeast Ohio. Birds are chirping, sprinklers are whirring, and I’m baking like a cookie on a baking sheet. You folks down below might be lounging in air conditioning or sipping lemonade on your patio, but up here? I’m battling blazing sunshine, scorching temperatures, and the occasional rogue squirrel using me as a landing pad. My Daily Summer Struggles: โ˜€๏ธ Morning Wake-Up Call: I start the day cool and collected, enjoying the sunrise over Lake Erie. But as the morning sun climbs higher, I can feel the heat building... and building... and building. ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Midday Meltdown: By noon, my surface temperature can soar over 150°F! You think YOU’RE hot mowing the lawn? Try sitting still on a rooftop, absorbing every ounce of sun. I work hard to protect your home by reflecting UV rays and keeping rain and storms at bay. But man, it’s exhausting. ๐ŸŒฉ๏ธ Storm Squad: Let’s not forget those sudden summer thunderstorms that roll in out of nowhere. One minute I’m sweating, the next I’m bracing for pounding rain and whipping winds. I can’t complain too much—it’s my job to take the heat (and the hail), after all. ๐ŸŒ™ Cooling Off (Sort Of): At night, it finally cools down, but here’s the kicker—those constant temperature swings between blazing heat and chilly nights can wear me down over time. Cracks, warps, and loosened granules... it’s rough out here. My Summer Wish List: (Hint: Final Touch Construction can help with all of this!) ๐Ÿ” A Roof Inspection: A quick check-up from the pros at Final Touch Construction makes sure I’m still in tip-top shape. Their team will spot any cracked or curling shingles like me and replace them before the next storm hits. Schedule your free roof inspection today! ๐Ÿงน A Clean-Up Crew: Debris like branches and leaves trap moisture and heat. Give me a break—call Final Touch Construction to remove debris safely and keep your roof performing its best. ๐Ÿ’ฆ Gutter Love: Clogged gutters? Not my problem... until they overflow and water backs up under me. The experts at Final Touch Construction can clean and repair your gutters to keep water flowing where it should. [Ask about gutter services!] ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Future Friends: If I ever do retire, please replace me with high-quality, weather-resistant shingles installed by Final Touch Construction , the company Northeast Ohio homeowners trust for craftsmanship and care. Get a roofing quote now! So next time you step outside and squint up at your roof, maybe give me a little wave of appreciation. I’ve got your back (and your attic) all summer long. Stay cool out there, Your Roof Shingle ๐Ÿ”จ Protect your home this summer with Final Touch Construction . โœ”๏ธ Free Roof Inspections โœ”๏ธ Expert Repairs & Replacements โœ”๏ธ Trusted by Northeast Ohio homeowners Contact us today to get started!
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