When the Cornfields Shake—Hold onto Your Roof
Summers in Iowa City aren’t all farmers markets, festivals, and Hawkeye pride. When those big summer storms roll through, they can pack a serious punch.
High winds, driving rain, sudden hailstorms, and even the occasional lightning strike can wreak havoc on your commercial property. For business owners, the roof is often the first line of defense—and unfortunately, one of the first places to feel the full force.
That’s why it’s critical to take storm season seriously. With a bit of foresight, a few smart upgrades, and a reliable partner, you can tackle roof damage repair head-on and avoid expensive surprises down the road.
Let’s dig into what these storms bring and how you can stormproof like a seasoned pro.
Storm Season Showdown: What Iowa Roofs Face Every Summer
High winds, heavy rain, sudden hail, and the occasional lightning strike can turn a normal day into a major disruption. For commercial properties, that means potential leaks, roof damage, and costly downtime.
Before we dive into fixes and action plans, here’s what you’re up against:
High Winds
Iowa City’s open landscapes can turn storm winds into full-blown gusts that rip shingles off roofs, toss debris like confetti, and topple rooftop equipment. HVAC units, signage, and even skylights are fair game for wind damage.
Heavy Rainfall
Summer storms often linger, dumping inches of rain in short bursts. All that water can find its way inside if your roof or drainage system isn’t up to the task. Leaks, soaked insulation, and water stains are costly, too.
Hailstorms
Hail in Iowa can arrive suddenly and leave a trail of dents, cracks, and shattered glass in its wake. Metal roofing, skylights, and soft-roof membranes can take a serious beating, weakening your building’s integrity.
Lightning Strikes
Aside from the “did that just happen?!” shock factor, lightning can cause fires, damage electrical systems, and shut down business operations. When it strikes, it’s big.
Summer Storm Survival: Roof Prep Tips That Really Work
Now that we’ve sized up the storm squad, let’s talk strategy.
You don’t need to bubble wrap your entire building, but a few smart moves can save you a fortune in roof damage repair. Think of this as your storm season playbook: a mix of common sense, expert advice, and just enough preparation to stay one step ahead of Iowa City’s wild summer weather.
Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
Iowa summers have no time for guesswork. A thorough inspection by a commercial roofing pro can reveal loose shingles, cracked flashing, or drainage issues before the storm clouds roll in.
Reinforce Roofing Materials
Impact-resistant shingles or TPO roofing systems are designed to withstand high winds and hail, making repairs less likely and less intense.
Maintain Drainage Systems
Clogged or sagging gutters send rainwater straight to where you don’t want it, pooling on your roof or spilling over into your foundation. Clear them out and check downspouts before every big storm.
Secure Roof Equipment
Strapped-down HVAC units and anchored satellite dishes stand a better chance during high winds. Don’t give the storm something to grab onto. Secure it all.
How to Toughen Up Windows, Doors & Siding
Alright, we’ve covered the roof. Show the rest of your building some attention.
Windows, doors, siding… they might seem tough, but summer storms like to find weak spots. There are a few easy ways to stormproof the outside of your building, so it stands strong no matter what blows through Iowa City.
Install Storm Shutters or Impact Glass
These upgrades are like sunglasses for your building, blocking storm threats and boosting curb appeal. A win-win.
Reinforce Doors
Double-check that exterior doors have heavy-duty hinges and wind-rated hardware. A door that blows open mid-storm can flood an entire wing of your building.
Inspect and Repair Siding
Loose siding panels are an open invitation for rain and wind. Walk around your building and look for cracks, gaps, or signs of wear, especially before peak storm season.
Water Management 101: Mastering Drainage
Even if your roof holds up like a champ, all that rain still has to go somewhere. If your drainage game is off, you could end up with soggy carpets, warped floors, and some serious structural problems.
Try these quick fixes to guide water where it belongs:
Grade the Landscape
Water should always flow away from your building, not toward it. If you notice puddling near the foundation after a storm, it’s time for a little bit of landscaping magic.
Install and Maintain Sump Pumps
Basement or lower-level flooding is a common complaint after Iowa’s summer storms. A reliable sump pump is your MVP down there.
Use Sandbags or Water Barriers
If your business sits in a flood-prone zone, temporary water barriers or sandbags can provide a buffer during a storm watch.
Emergency Plans That Keep the Chaos Outside
Your building’s ready, but what about your team?
Having a solid plan in place can make all the difference. No scrambling or last-minute panic.
Get your storm game plan locked in by:
Assign roles and responsibilities so everyone knows what to do when the sky turns dark. Who grabs the emergency kit? Who secures the entrances?
Keeping an Emergency Kit On-Site
Include flashlights, batteries, backup chargers, first-aid supplies, and bottled water. Bonus points for walkie-talkies and hard copies of emergency contacts.
Developing a Communication Plan
Text chains, email alerts, or intercom systems can help your team stay informed and safe during and after a storm.
What to Do If Storm Damage Occurs
Even with all the prep in the world, Iowa storms can still leave their mark. If your building runs into trouble, don’t worry. Acting fast can be what keeps a minor issue from becoming a major mess.
Follow these steps after the storm to protect your property:
Conduct a Post-Storm Assessment
After the storm passes, check for roof damage, leaks, broken windows, and signs of water inside. Walk your property carefully and don’t assume it’s all fine just because the lights are still on.
Document the Damage
Snap clear photos and videos of every impacted area. You’ll thank yourself later when dealing with insurance claims.
Call the Experts for Roof Damage Repair
The sooner you get pros on-site, the faster your building can be stabilized and restored.
When Iowa Storms Hit Hard, ServiceMaster Hits Back Harder
Storms may roll in suddenly, but so do we. At ServiceMaster by Rice in Iowa City, we specialize in roof damage repair, water mitigation, and structural restoration for local businesses. We know what summer storm season is like in this city, and we’re here 24/7 when disaster strikes.
From the rooftops of downtown office buildings to the warehouses in the South District and retail spots near Coral Ridge Mall, we’ve seen it all. Our team uses advanced drying systems, thermal imaging, and expert repairs to get your business back in action—fast.
The Storm May Pass—But We’re Just Getting Started
Summer storms in Iowa City are a force to be reckoned with, but your business doesn’t have to be a casualty. By prepping your roof, reinforcing your building, and planning ahead, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your team safe.
And if storm damage shows up, know that ServiceMaster by Rice in Iowa City, IA is standing by with expert roof damage repair and restoration services you can count on.
Call us today to schedule a property inspection or storm recovery service. We’ve got your roof covered—literally.
