Winter Readiness for Michigan Community Associations: Insights from Bloomfield Construction and Restoration

snow covered roof in winter storm

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Jeff Petrucci, President of Bloomfield Construction and Restoration, and John Lauchlan, Emergency Service Manager, recently sat down for an interview with CAI Michigan Magazine to discuss the biggest winter challenges facing community associations and how property managers can proactively protect buildings from water, fire, and storm damage.

From ice dams and storm-damaged roofs to frozen pipes and fire hazards, Michigan’s winter weather poses serious risks to residential and commercial properties. Without proper preparation, community associations may find themselves dealing with flooded basements, roof leaks, structural deterioration, and emergency restoration needs.

In this interview, Jeff and John share expert insights on winter preparedness, preventative maintenance, and the critical role of restoration services in protecting properties from costly damage.

🔹 For additional community association insights, visit CAI Michigan’s Community News

The Biggest Exterior Risks for Community Associations in Winter

Gutters and downspouts are one of the most overlooked but critical areas for winter preparation. Failing to clean gutters before winter leads to ice buildup, which can cause:

  • Heavy ice accumulation that pulls gutters away from fascia boards
  • Water backing up into walls and ceilings, causing structural damage
  • Basement flooding as melted snow and ice overflows and pools around foundations

Jeff warns, “Gutters should be completely cleared of leaves and debris in the fall. When water can’t drain properly, it leads to ice dams, leaks, and spring flooding issues.”

Storm damage is another common concern. High winds can loosen or tear off shingles, while large hail can fracture a roof’s waterproofing layer, leading to long-term issues. Drones are becoming the preferred method for conducting roof inspections, offering a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to traditional ladder inspections.

🔹 For more winter preparedness strategies, check out CAI Michigan’s Winter 2024 Community Association News

Snow Accumulation, Ice Dams, and Attic Inspections

While some property managers worry about excess snow accumulation, Jeff clarifies that snow on a roof is actually a good sign—it means the attic insulation is functioning properly. The real problem occurs when snow melts unevenly, leading to ice dams.

“If an association notices patches of snow melting when temperatures are still below freezing, there’s a heat loss issue,” Jeff explains. “That usually means poor attic insulation or improperly vented bath fans, both of which contribute to ice dams.”

How Ice Dams Cause Damage:

  •  Snow melts due to attic heat escaping
  • Water refreezes at the roof’s edge, forming a thick ice dam
  • Trapped water seeps under shingles, leading to leaks and interior water damage

To prevent ice dams, associations should prioritize attic inspections before winter begins. This ensures proper insulation, ventilation, and bath vent ducting, reducing the risk of mold growth, ceiling leaks, and costly repairs.

Flooding and Basement Water Damage in Michigan Winters

One of the most common emergency calls Bloomfield Construction and Restoration receives during winter is for flooded basements. Whether due to melting snow, ice dam leaks, or burst pipes, basement flooding can lead to:

  • Structural damage
  • Mold growth
  • Compromised foundation integrity

Property managers should be particularly cautious about frozen pipes, as Michigan’s sub-zero temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to emergency water removal and flood restoration services.

“The faster you extract water, the better chance you have of preventing long-term damage,” Jeff says. “That’s why Bloomfield Construction and Restoration offers 24/7 emergency water removal services for community associations in need of immediate assistance.”

Fire Damage Risks in Michigan’s Cold Season

While water damage is a primary concern, fire risks also increase significantly during the winter months. John Lauchlan, who specializes in fire restoration, emphasizes the importance of proactive fire safety measures, especially in multi-unit buildings.

Fire Hazards for Community Associations in Winter:

  • Blocked heating vents leading to overheating
  • Improper use of space heaters
  • Dry air increasing flammability of materials
  • Malfunctioning electrical systems due to increased usage

“One of the biggest mistakes associations make is neglecting routine fire system maintenance,” John explains. “Fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and extinguishers should all be checked before winter to ensure they’re fully operational in case of an emergency.”

For properties that do experience fire-related damage, fast response times are critical. Bloomfield Construction and Restoration provides fire damage restoration Michigan services to help associations recover quickly, including:

  • Smoke and soot removal
  • Structural repairs
  • Water damage restoration from firefighting efforts

Common Post-Winter Repairs & How to Avoid Them

Once the snow melts, many associations discover damage that wasn’t apparent during winter. Jeff notes that the most frequent post-winter repairs include:

  • Leaks from ice dams causing ceiling stains and insulation damage
  • Shingles loosened or torn off during winter storms
  • Water intrusion into basements from poor drainage

How can associations avoid these costly repairs? Jeff suggests staying ahead of the damage with proactive winter preparation and partnering with a reliable fire and water restoration company for inspections and emergency services when needed.

Why Community Associations Trust Bloomfield Construction and Restoration

For over 30 years, Bloomfield Construction and Restoration has been Michigan’s go-to disaster restoration services provider. They specialize in storm damage repair, insurance restoration services, and emergency fire and water restoration.

  •  24/7 emergency storm damage restoration
  •  Flood restoration services and emergency water removal
  •  Fire damage restoration service and insurance claim support
  •  Roofing and attic inspections to prevent long-term damage

Michigan winters can be unpredictable, but having a trusted team on call makes all the difference. Whether you need fast emergency response or proactive winter maintenance, Bloomfield Construction and Restoration is the premier choice for protecting community properties.

Take Action Before Winter Strikes

Don’t wait for ice dams, burst pipes, or fire hazards to cause costly damage. Prepare your community today with expert inspections and proactive maintenance.

Contact Bloomfield Construction and Restoration now for winter readiness assessments and emergency restoration services!

For more community association insights, visit CAI Michigan’s Community News.