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Surviving a Holts Summit Winter: Shingle Roof Edition
By Thomas McCormack, Owner of M5 Contracting
Hey neighbor,
I’m Thomas McCormack, the proud owner of M5 Contracting here in Holts Summit, Missouri. If you’re anything like me, winter’s more than just a season—it’s a whole checklist of things to prepare around the house. And trust me, after years of working on homes across Callaway County and the Jefferson City area, I can say with full confidence that your shingle roof deserves a top spot on that list.
Mid-Missouri winters are no joke. We’re talking ice storms, wind gusts strong enough to rattle your bones, and snow that likes to stick around way longer than it’s welcome. Your roof works overtime in these months—and it’s often silently suffering under the weight of it all. This blog is here to walk you through everything you need to know about protecting your asphalt shingle roof before, during, and after a Holts Summit winter. Whether you’ve just moved to the area or you’ve been here for decades, my goal is to help you feel confident and prepared.
Let’s break it down.
1. Know Your Enemy: Missouri Winter Weather & Shingle Roofs
Holts Summit might have some postcard-perfect snowfall days, but we also deal with:
- Freeze-thaw cycles that cause shingles to expand and contract repeatedly.
- Heavy snow accumulation, putting stress on the roof structure.
- Ice dams that can back water up under shingles and into your attic.
- High winds, especially during storms, that can rip off loose shingles.
- Freezing rain that turns everything into a slick, heavy mess.
Each of these factors contributes to the wear and tear of your shingle roof. While asphalt shingles are a popular and reliable roofing choice across Missouri, they do have their weak points—especially under extreme weather stress.
2. Inspect Before Winter—Not During It
One of the best ways to survive a Holts Summit winter is to prepare your roof before the first freeze hits. Here's what we recommend at M5 Contracting:
Visual Inspections
Walk around your home and look for:
- Curled, cracked, or missing shingles
- Granules piling up in your gutters
- Sagging rooflines or uneven patches
These are clear signs your roof may be vulnerable to water intrusion or structural failure under snow load.
Professional Roof Checkup
We offer free roofing inspections throughout Holts Summit, and I always tell clients: catch small issues before they become expensive winter disasters. A 30-minute check can save you thousands in repair costs down the road.
3. Ice Dams: The Silent Roof Killer
If you’ve ever noticed thick icicles forming along the edge of your roof, you might be dealing with ice damming.
Here’s how it works:
- Heat from your attic melts the snow on your roof.
- The meltwater flows down and refreezes near the colder eaves.
- A dam of ice forms, blocking additional meltwater.
- Water backs up under your shingles and into your home.
Prevention Tips
- Ventilation is key. Proper attic airflow keeps your roof at a uniform temperature.
- Add insulation. This keeps warm air where it belongs—inside your home.
- Install an ice and water shield. This underlayment adds protection in vulnerable areas like valleys and roof edges.
We use premium synthetic underlayment at M5 Contracting that far outperforms the old-school felt. It’s something I recommend to every homeowner, especially before winter.
4. The Freeze-Thaw Cycle: What It Does to Shingles
In Holts Summit, winter weather isn’t consistent. We’ll get a snowstorm, then a warm spell, then a refreeze. That constant cycle is brutal on asphalt shingles.
Why?
Because shingles are flexible to an extent—but not infinitely. The constant movement from expanding and contracting can cause:
- Cracks in the shingles
- Loosening of the adhesive seal between shingles
- Exposed nail heads that invite water intrusion
Over time, that leads to premature aging of your roof—even if it looks fine from a distance.
At M5, we install architectural-grade shingles that are built for Missouri’s seasonal extremes. They’re thicker, more durable, and offer better protection against wind uplift and cracking.
5. Snow Load and Structural Stress
Most roofs in Holts Summit are built to handle a typical Missouri snow load—but it’s not just about the weight of the snow.
What you should really worry about is:
- Ice accumulation, which weighs significantly more than snow.
- Uneven snow melt, which can cause moisture to linger in roof valleys.
- Blocked gutters, which trap snowmelt and create standing water.
All of this adds stress to the roof structure and can lead to:
- Bowing roof decking
- Leaks in ceiling corners
- Water-stained insulation or drywall
- Damaged soffits and fascia boards
If you notice popping sounds in your attic during winter, that’s your roof structure shifting from temperature or pressure changes. Don’t ignore it—call a local roofer (like us!) to assess.
6. Gutter Maintenance = Roof Protection
Gutters aren’t technically part of your roof—but they’re one of the biggest protectors of it during winter.
Clogged gutters lead to:
- Overflowing water onto siding and foundations
- Ice buildup at roof edges
- Backups that rot out your roof decking
Holts Summit Gutter Tip:
Install gutter guards before winter. It saves you from having to clear frozen leaf mush mid-season and helps prevent ice damming. M5 Contracting installs seamless gutters and top-quality guards that are tailor-made for our local homes.
7. Emergency Roof Repairs in Winter: What’s Possible
Yes, we can perform emergency repairs in winter—but it’s not ideal.
Shingles don’t seal properly in freezing temps, and materials become brittle. So while we can patch leaks or re-secure loose flashing, a full replacement or major overhaul is usually best done in spring.
That said, our crews are available 24/7 for urgent roofing calls across Holts Summit. If you see interior leaks, sudden ceiling stains, or roof damage from fallen branches—don’t wait. We’ll do a temporary repair and return when the weather allows for a full fix.
8. Should You Replace Your Roof Before Winter?
Great question—and one I hear a lot in late summer and early fall.
Here’s when I usually say yes:
- Your roof is more than 15–20 years old.
- You’ve had persistent leaks.
- You’re missing multiple shingles or have visible sagging.
- Granule loss is extensive, and the shingles look bald.
- You’ve had multiple repairs in recent years.
In these cases, you’ll likely spend less on a full roof replacement now than on patch jobs and interior damage later. Plus, you’ll enjoy better energy efficiency, home value, and peace of mind.
We offer flexible financing for Holts Summit homeowners and work directly with insurance companies for storm-related replacements.
9. Energy Efficiency: Don’t Let Heat Escape Through the Roof
A poorly insulated roof can raise your heating bill dramatically during a Holts Summit winter. But it’s not just about the money—it’s also about the strain on your roof.
Warm air escaping from the attic causes uneven melting, ice dams, and unnecessary roof stress. Make sure your attic insulation meets current R-value standards (we recommend at least R-49 for Missouri).
Need help evaluating? M5 Contracting can inspect your attic space and recommend upgrades before cold weather hits.
10. Final Winter Prep Checklist for Holts Summit Roofs
Here’s your winter-ready list for shingle roof care:
✅ Schedule a fall inspection with a trusted local roofer
✅ Clear your gutters and downspouts of all debris
✅ Install or inspect gutter guards
✅ Add attic insulation if needed
✅ Seal all roof penetrations (vents, chimneys, etc.)
✅ Repair or replace damaged shingles
✅ Trim overhanging branches near the roofline
✅ Have emergency contact info for your local roofer handy
(Go ahead and save +1 833-424-5767 in your phone!)
Wrapping Up — Let’s Make This Winter a Worry-Free One
Living in Holts Summit, we know how beautiful—and brutal—Missouri winters can be. And when it comes to shingle roofs, a little preparation now can save you from big problems later.
If you’re not sure where your roof stands or want a second opinion before winter hits, my team and I at M5 Contracting are always happy to help. We’re local, we care about our community, and we’ll always give you honest advice—whether you need a quick fix or a full replacement.
So if you’re ready to winter-proof your roof, or just want to chat about your options, give us a call at +1 833-424-5767. No pressure—just friendly advice from your neighborhood roofer.
Stay warm and safe out there,
Thomas McCormack
Owner,
M5 Contracting
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