The Window Closes in November
Grand Rapids normally gets 77.6 inches of snow a season. Almost none of it falls in October, and freezing nights start that month. By December the snow is coming in earnest, and it keeps coming through March.
That is why the work on this page runs in the order it does: find and fix the weak spots while the roof is clear, then manage the snow and ice once it is on the roof. Roofs in our Northern Michigan service area face heavier snow country still.
- Oct0.3
- Nov7.1
- Dec20.8
- Jan22.6
- Feb17.2
- Mar7.6
- Apr2.0
Season total 77.6 in. Source: NWS Grand Rapids, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (NCEI).
From the Last Warm Days to the Spring Thaw
- Fall, before the snow
Pre-Winter Roof Inspection
Haag Certified inspectors on the roof and in the attic: flashing, valleys, pipe boots, and the eaves where ice dams start, with a written report and photos. Icicles or ice dams every winter are reason enough to book one.
Request an Estimate - Spring and fall visits
Fall Roof Maintenance
Most roofs do best with a visit once or twice a year, spring and fall. Pipe boots, flashing, sealant, ventilation and drainage are checked and fixed before they leak, with a written summary of what we found.
Request an Estimate - Before the first snow
Your Fall Roof Checklist
What you can check yourself from the ground and the attic each fall, and when a task means walking the roof and should be left to a crew.
- Fix the cause before winter
Attic Ventilation & Ice-Dam Prevention
Ice dams start in the attic, not on the shingles. Balanced soffit-to-ridge ventilation keeps the roof deck cold, and ice and water shield coverage is worth confirming before next winter.
Request an Estimate - Repairs run year-round
Repairs & Replacements
Lifted flashing, cracked pipe boots and missing shingles are cheaper to fix before snow load and freeze-thaw find them. Repairs run year-round; replacements happen at our discretion on dry days above freezing, and winter jobs run longer.
Request an Estimate - Before winter
Commercial & Flat Roofs
Seams, drains and flashings checked before they're leaks. Commercial maintenance programs are twice-a-year inspections, documented, with a written report you can hand to ownership or the property manager.
Request an Estimate - December through March
Roof Snow & Ice Removal
Snow and ice removal from roofs, and only roofs, all winter, using methods that don't damage the shingles. Ice dams and heavy snow load are the number one cause of winter roof leaks in West Michigan.
Request an Estimate - Any month, around the clock
Winter Leaks & Ice-Dam Emergencies
Water coming in during a thaw? Don't wait for spring. The phone is watched around the clock, and we're usually on site within 24 hours, weather and safety permitting.
Call (616) 840-1927 - After wind and ice storms
Winter Storm Damage & Insurance Claims
Haag Certified inspection, documentation, and insurance claim support when a storm takes more than shingles.
Request an Estimate
Tell Us What the Roof Needs This Season
Pick the closest service and describe what you're seeing in the message. Estimates are free, on-site and in writing.
Water coming in right now? Skip the form and call or text.
Fall & Winter Roofing Questions
When should I have my roof inspected before winter?
In the fall, before the snow. Do your own visual check every spring and fall, and have a professional inspection at least once a year, ideally fall before snow or spring after a hard winter. In Grand Rapids, October normally sees almost no snow (0.3 inches) while November averages 7.1 inches, so fall is the window to find a problem while the roof is still clear.
Do you still do roofing work in winter?
Yes. Repairs run year-round, replacements happen at our discretion on dry days above freezing, winter jobs just run about three times longer, and leaks and storm damage get a response any month.
Do you remove snow from roofs in winter?
Yes, roofs only, all winter, across our service area. Our general rule: once roughly 6 to 8 inches has accumulated, the two-week forecast holds below 35 daily, and more snow is coming, it's time. Call or text and we'll get it scheduled.
Should I try to remove an ice dam myself?
No. Chipping at ice with tools damages shingles, roof salt corrodes metal and shortens roof life, and climbing an icy roof is dangerous. If a dam is leaking, call us. We do snow and ice removal from roofs, and we'll plan the permanent fix at the same time.
Snowfall and freeze figures: National Weather Service Grand Rapids, 1991–2020 Grand Rapids Climate Normal (NCEI), from the office's climate page. Normals describe an average season, not a forecast.