Winter Is Coming: Is Your Roof Ready?
You know winter has arrived when the wind howls down Locust Street and snow blankets Sherman Hill faster than you can sip a mug of hot cocoa. For business owners, icy rooftops and snow-packed shingles are a serious seasonal concern. They can turn into ice dams, leaks, ice damage, and expensive repairs that nobody wants to deal with. Preparing now can avoid a lot of problems later, keeping your building cozy.
In this guide, we’ll dive into what Des Moines winters really do to roofs, the common headaches business owners face, and smart ways to keep your property safe and snug all season long.
Frost, Flurries, and Roof Stress in Des Moines
Winter in Des Moines is no joke. Snow, ice, and gusty winds combine to test even the sturdiest roofs. Knowing what to expect can help business owners stay one step ahead of damage.
When the Cold Bites, Roofs Feel It First
Des Moines averages 35 to 40 inches of snow a year, and temperatures in January and February often dip into the teens and low 20s. Add in the occasional gusts hitting 35 to 40 miles per hour, and you’ve got a perfect storm for snowdrifts and rooftop stress.
Then there’s the freeze-thaw cycle, the culprit behind ice dams. Snow melts during the day, refreezes at night, turning your roof into a slick obstacle course of ice and water traps. When water backs up under shingles, it can cause leaks, warped wood, and even mold growth if it lingers.
What’s Giving Des Moines Roofs a Hard Time
Business owners across the city, from Valley Junction to Downtown Des Moines, run into the same winter dilemmas:
- Ice dams are blocking the roof drainage
- Heavy snow accumulation is putting strain on the roof
- Water leaks are creeping into ceilings and walls
- Shingles, gutters, and eaves are working overtime
Even a small storm can escalate if the roof has not been prepped for the season.
Ice Dams Are Winter’s Sneaky Saboteurs
Ice dams are one of the trickiest winter threats. They form as snow piles up and can cause serious damage if left unchecked. Understanding what they are and how they affect your property helps you spot concerns early.
What Are Ice Dams?
Imagine a fresh layer of snow melts on your warm roof, but as it reaches the edges, the cold air refreezes it. That icy edge forms a dam, trapping water behind it. The water has nowhere to go but under your shingles, soaking insulation, ceilings, and walls. Over time, ice dams can lift shingles, damage flashing, and create serious problems.
How Ice Dams Harm Your Property
Ice dams can wreak havoc on gutters, fascia boards, and insulation. As water gets trapped behind the frozen ridge, it seeps into attics and walls. That’s where ice damage really starts to show, from cracked surfaces to weakened materials that can’t handle the weight or moisture. The dampness doesn’t disappear, either. It lingers, leading to structural complications over time. What starts as a bit of frozen buildup can turn a uneventful winter into a full-blown cleanup project.
Easy Steps to Keep Your Roof Safe This Winter
Taking proactive steps now can reduce the risk of ice dams, leaks, and other winter roof setbacks.
Regular Inspections
Before the first big snow, schedule a roof inspection. Professionals can spot missing shingles, damaged flashing, and weak spots that could let water sneak in. Clearing off leaves and debris gives your roof the fresh start it needs to handle freezing temps.
Proper Insulation and Ventilation
Warm air escaping from the attic? That’s the hidden cause of ice dams. Insulating attic spaces and allowing for proper ventilation keeps your roof cooler, preventing snow from melting and refreezing at the edges. It’s a small step with a big payoff.
Gutter TLC
Clean gutters are a game-changer. When melting snow drains freely, ice dams don’t get a chance to form. Gutter guards can be a helpful bonus, stopping leaves and debris from clogging the system and giving water a clear path off your roof.
Snow Removal Savvy
After a big storm, remove excess snow from the roof. Packed snow is heavier, freezes faster, and increases the chance of ice dams. For hard-to-reach or steep sections, hiring a professional is a safe bet. One slip on icy shingles can turn a routine chore into an ER visit.
Heat Cables to the Rescue
Roof de-icing cables are a clever solution. Installed along roof edges, they prevent snow and ice from refreezing and allow water to drain naturally. Not a miracle fix, but definitely a helpful tool in a Des Moines snow survival kit.
Keep an Eye on Your Attic
Check attics regularly for signs of leaks or moisture. Water stains, damp insulation, or warped wood? Those are red flags that your roof may need extra attention before winter sets in.
Frosty Roofs Meet Local Pros
When a blizzard blows through, getting help fast can save you from bigger troubles. ServiceMaster by Rice has the local expertise to help business owners navigate winter roof damage safely.
Helping Des Moines Businesses Defrost and Rebuild
From cozy coffee shops in Valley Junction to busy offices Downtown, ServiceMaster by Rice is the go-to crew for bouncing back after the cold season wreaks havoc. Ice dams, ice damage, leaks, soggy insulation, and mold are all part of what they handle. Their team jumps in, assesses the damage, and gets your property back in great shape fast.
Beat the Freeze Before It Begins
Prepping your roof before the snow flies is a smart move. ServiceMaster offers inspections, practical advice, and preventative tips to stay ahead of the cold. They help property owners spot weak spots, put safety measures in place, and face the Des Moines winter with confidence.
Keep Shingles Standing Strong
Snow, ice, and chilly temperatures may be inevitable in Des Moines, but a little roof prep now keeps shingles from surrendering to the freeze. Schedule inspections, fluff up insulation, clear those gutters, tackle snow strategically, and call in the pros. Your roof stays in good shape, and you dodge winter’s pricey surprises.
Get a Head Start on Winter Protection
Icy roofs and water damage don’t have to be your winter norm. Prepare now. A few smart preventative steps and a call to the right pros can keep your building safe all season long.
