Preserving Des Moines’ Timeless Treasures
Des Moines is home to a remarkable collection of historic commercial buildings that give the city its charm. From the brick-lined streets of the East Village to the vintage storefronts along Court Avenue, these buildings tell stories of our city’s entrepreneurial past. Many were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, using materials and construction methods that predate modern insulation and building codes. While they stand as architectural landmarks, Iowa winters with their heavy snow, ice, and occasional high winds put them at risk. Protecting these properties calls for foresight, care, and expert restoration guidance.
The Unique Risks Historic Buildings Face in Des Moines: Old Bones, New Challenges
Historic buildings in Des Moines carry the charm of decades past, but that character comes with vulnerabilities. Time-tested materials, unique architectural features, and aging infrastructure all create special challenges when winter storms arrive. Understanding these risks is the first step in protecting these treasured structures.
Time-Tested Materials
Brick, mortar, and aged wood give these buildings their character, but water penetration and freezing cycles can chip away at their integrity. Over decades, even minor weather damage can accumulate, threatening the structure.
Insulation Gaps
Many historic buildings lack modern insulation. This leaves them vulnerable to temperature swings, ice dams, and water intrusion during heavy snow or rapid thaws.
Roofs with Personality
Des Moines’ historic rooftops often feature steep pitches, intricate cornices, and decorative gables. These architectural flourishes, while beautiful, are prone to ice buildup, high winds, and added stress on aging rafters.
Aging Infrastructure
Outdated plumbing, single-pane windows, and older roofing materials increase vulnerability to water entry and frozen pipes. These hidden weaknesses can turn a simple snowstorm into a serious repair project.
Stormy Tales: Common Weather-Related Damage to Historic Buildings
Winter storms in Des Moines leave stories written in ice, wind, and water. Recognizing the damage early can save both money and historic charm.
Ice Dams
Snow on the roof melts, refreezes, and creates ice dams at the eaves. Water can pool under shingles and seep inside, damaging walls, ceilings, and treasured interior details.
Roof Riddles
Strong winds and heavy ice can loosen or tear shingles, tiles, and slats. On historic buildings, replacing these materials often requires specialty work to match the original style.
Cracks in Time
Rapid temperature changes and moisture absorption can lead to cracking in brick, mortar, or even the foundation. Structural integrity is at stake when cracks go unchecked.
Frozen Pipes
Aging plumbing is highly susceptible to winter freezes. Burst pipes can flood interiors, threatening both business operations and the historic elements that make a building unique.
Window Woes
Single-pane glass and worn seals allow drafts, leaks, and cold air to sneak in during winter storms, affecting both comfort and energy bills.
How to Spot Weather Damage: Keep Your Historic Building Sharp
Staying ahead of winter storms means keeping a sharp eye on your building. Early detection of weather damage prevents small problems from snowballing into major repairs.
Ice Dams and Water Stains
Inspect rooflines and interior ceilings for ice dams or water stains. Early detection prevents major headaches.
Cracks and Settling
Look for cracks in brick, mortar, or foundation, especially at corners and near the base of the building.
Roof Wear and Tear
Loose or curling shingles, missing tiles, and worn flashing after a storm signal potential vulnerabilities.
Pipes Under Pressure
Check exposed plumbing for frost or leaks during deep cold snaps.
Window Integrity
Foggy, cracked, or poorly sealed windows indicate weather-related stress or aging materials needing attention.
Stormproofing Your Historic Gem: Proactive Steps
Protecting a historic building takes planning and care. The right precautions keep both structure and character safe from winter’s worst.
- Insulate Wisely: Modern insulation in attics and walls stabilizes temperatures, reducing ice dam formation and interior leaks.
- Roof TLC: Schedule inspections, clear debris, and repair damaged areas promptly. Roof upkeep keeps your building standing strong through winter’s worst.
- Gutter Care: Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup and ice formation that could harm roofs or walls.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Weatherstripping, caulking, and storm windows protect interiors from drafts, snow, and water intrusion.
- Pipe Protection: Insulate exposed pipes and consider heat tape in vulnerable areas to prevent freezing.
- Foundation Defense: Waterproof foundations and seal cracks to protect lower walls from stormwater penetration and ice-related pressure.
ServiceMaster by Rice - Des Moines: Your Weather Damage Allies
Even with proactive care, storm damage can happen. That’s where local experts step in to protect your building and its unique history.
- Historic Restoration Expertise: Restoring storm-damaged buildings while preserving their character is a specialty. The team knows how to handle the unique materials and construction methods of older properties.
- Roof Inspections and Repairs: Prevent ice dams, leaks, and structural stress with comprehensive roof assessments and timely fixes.
- Water Damage Solutions: From frozen pipe bursts to snowmelt leaks, water mitigation ensures interiors dry quickly and minimizes long-term damage.
- Emergency Response: Storm damage waits for no one. Rapid response secures properties and limits harm, keeping business operations as uninterrupted as possible.
- Preserving History: The team takes care to restore not just the structure, but also the charm and character that make historic Des Moines buildings stand out.
Protecting the Past, Securing the Future
Historic commercial buildings are more than structures—they’re stories, memories, and landmarks that define Des Moines. Iowa’s winters and stormy weather can challenge these treasures, but early action and expert restoration prevent small issues from escalating. ServiceMaster by Rice - Des Moines helps building owners protect and restore their historic properties, ensuring they remain part of the city’s vibrant landscape for generations to come.
Give us a call today.
