Preparing Your Home for an Ohio Winter: Roofing, Siding, and Window Tips from Bo Lacey Construction

After a winter like this, a proactive inspection isn’t optional—it’s smart homeownership.

This past winter was one of the harshest we’ve seen in years.

Across Ohio, snow sat on rooftops for weeks. Temperatures stayed below freezing for extended stretches. We experienced repeated freeze-thaw cycles that put tremendous stress on homes.

Now that the snow has melted, we’re seeing a major increase in calls from homeowners dealing with winter-related damage.

At Bo Lacey Construction, many of the problems we’re inspecting started months ago — and some are still hidden.

If you own a home in Ohio, now is the time to inspect your property.

When snow melts on your roof and refreezes at the colder eaves, it creates a ridge of ice. That ice traps additional melting water and forces it back underneath your shingles.

• Water stains on ceilings near exterior walls
• Peeling paint at the top of walls
• Shingles that appear lifted or “humped”
• Sagging or loose gutters
• Soft or rotting fascia boards

Even if you never saw water actively dripping inside, damage may have occurred beneath the surface.

Heavy snow and ice sitting in gutters for extended periods adds significant weight. Combined with ice expansion, we’re seeing:

• Gutters pulling away from homes
• Loose fasteners
• Rotted fascia behind gutters
• Improper drainage around foundations

When gutters fail, water no longer moves away from your home properly. That can lead to:

• Foundation cracking or settling
• Basement moisture
• Exterior wood rot
• Landscaping erosion

Small issues can quickly turn into structural repairs if left unaddressed.

This is the issue many homeowners never see. Harsh winters can create attic moisture and mold — even if you never saw interior water damage. Here’s why:

• Ice can clog roof ventilation
• Prolonged snow cover restricts airflow
• Meltwater can soak through roof decking into the attic
• Insulation becomes damp without visible ceiling damage

When ventilation is blocked and moisture lingers, mold can begin forming on the underside of the roof sheathing.

You may never see it from inside your home — but it can still impact your structure and air quality. That’s why an attic inspection is just as important as checking ceilings.

After a winter like this, we recommend:

• Look for sagging or detached gutters
• Check for lifted or missing shingles
• Inspect fascia and soffits
• Look for siding staining or discoloration

• Inspect ceilings near exterior walls
• Look in upper-level closets
• Check attic access for musty smells or damp insulation

Some damage isn’t visible from the ground. Catching problems early can prevent costly repairs later.

We’ve seen it too many times:

• Minor fascia repairs turn into full gutter replacements
• Small roof issues become decking replacement projects
• Hidden attic moisture turns into mold remediation
• Improper drainage contributes to foundation issues

Harsh Ohio winters accelerate wear on your home. Addressing issues now could save thousands later.

At Bo Lacey Construction, we specialize in roofing, siding, and gutter systems designed specifically for Ohio weather.

If you’re unsure whether your home suffered winter damage, we’re happy to take a look. Even if everything checks out, peace of mind is worth it. After a winter like this one, a proactive inspection isn’t optional — it’s smart homeownership.