Kalamazoo Rental Roof Sheet

Southwest Michigan roofs face lake-effect snow, heavy fall leaf drop and spring and summer storms. Many Kalamazoo rentals are older houses near campus with gutters that fill fast and attics that run warm. This sheet goes season by season so tenants know what to notice.

Fall

• Gutters overflowing in rain, or plants growing in them
• Leaves piling up where two roof slopes meet
• Branches resting on the roof
• Owners can use the fall roof checklist

Winter

• Heavy snow loads after a lake-effect band; listen for creaking and look for new ceiling cracks
• Ice ridges and big icicles along the eaves
• Water spots near the tops of walls during thaws
• See lake-effect snow and your roof

Spring and summer

• After storms, look for shingles on the ground
• Check upstairs ceilings for new stains
• See checking your roof after a Michigan storm

Report the same day

• Any drip from a ceiling, light or vent
• A sagging or bulging ceiling
• A limb on the roof
• Ice-melt water inside

Shared-house tip

Agree on one person to report problems to the landlord, and take photos when you do. Leaks that "someone else" was going to mention cause the most damage.

Stay safe

• Don't go on the roof or use ladders in snow and ice
• Don't try to knock down large icicles over doors; report them

When a leak starts

1. Catch the water and move electronics and furniture.
2. Turn off the breaker for any wet light fixture.
3. Take photos, then report it straight away.

For landlords

Season-by-season reminders catch gutter and ice problems early. For repairs, see ice dams, gutters and roof leak repair.