How to Tell If Your Roof Is Ready for Winter: Ohio Homeowner’s Checklist

Ohio winters can shift from mild to freezing overnight, and your roof needs to be strong enough to handle every temperature swing. Small issues that go unnoticed in the fall can become costly problems once snow and ice settle in. Many Ohio homeowners turn to Kaczmar Builders this time of year to make sure their roof is ready for the season, and these are the same things we recommend every homeowner check.

1. Look for Missing, Curled, or Damaged Shingles

Your shingles protect your roof from winter moisture and ice. If you see shingles that are lifting, cracked, or missing granules, cold wind can lift them and allow water underneath. Kaczmar Builders frequently sees leaks in winter that began with one small, compromised shingle—something fixable before the snow arrives.

2. Check for Excess Granules in Your Gutters

When you clean your gutters, look for loose granules. They look like coarse sand, and finding a lot of them means your shingles are aging or deteriorating faster than they should. This becomes a winter problem because weakened shingles crack easily during freeze/thaw cycles. Many homeowners schedule a quick inspection with Kaczmar Builders at this stage to avoid unexpected mid-winter repairs.

3. Inspect Gutters & Downspouts for Clogs

Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and freeze at the edges of your roof, which leads to ice dams. Your gutters should be fully cleared, tightly secured, and draining away from your home. This is one of the simplest ways to prevent winter roof damage, and it’s something Kaczmar Builders checks during our seasonal inspections.

4. Look for Signs of Poor Attic Ventilation

A warm attic is a warning sign. Proper ventilation keeps your attic cool so snow stays frozen instead of melting and refreezing at the gutters. Look for:

• Moisture on rafters

• A musty smell

• Frost inside the attic

• Rusty nails in decking

Ventilation issues are one of the top causes of winter roofing problems in Ohio, and Kaczmar Builders often corrects these during routine maintenance.

5. Schedule a Professional Pre-Winter Roof Inspection

Even if everything looks fine from the ground, a trained roofer can spot hidden issues—loose flashing, soft decking, small leaks, or shingles that are lifting at the edges. Many homeowners schedule a pre-winter inspection with Kaczmar Builders to make sure their roof is prepared for harsh weather and to prevent emergency calls during January storms.