Although roofs can last up to 30 years, they require maintenance and can become damaged over time. Roof repair issues can occur due to wear and tear, storm damage, or neglect. Evenhouse Roofing in Davenport, IA, wants our customers to know how to spot common roof problems and when to seek professional roofers for repairs. Taking care of repairs quickly will protect your roof and home from further damage and help extend their lifespan.
The Most Common Iowa Roof Problems
Iowa’s climate often brings severe weather, including tornados, thunderstorms, and blizzards. These weather extremes can damage roofs. Knowing the common types of damage and how to spot them will help you protect your home. Once you notice signs of roof problems, relying on professional roofers to repair the damage is essential.
Wind Damage
Iowa experiences high winds throughout the year, particularly in April. Thunderstorms and blizzards often bring high winds, which can cause devastating roof damage.
High winds are particularly damaging to shingles. They can cause lifting, curling, and tearing. Extremely high winds can also rip the shingles from roofs, exposing the decking below. When the underlayment lifts, leaks often occur, allowing water to seep into the decking and inside your home.
After storms or periods of high wind, check your roof for signs of missing shingles or damage. Prompt repairs will restore your roof’s protectiveness.
Hail Damage
Hail is common in Iowa, especially during April, May, and June, with June seeing the most reports. Parts of Iowa have seen hail as large as 5.5 inches. Iowa hail storms produce devastating roof damage.
Hailstones can cause dents that weaken shingles, and large hailstones can crack or break apart shingles. Your roof could experience profound granule loss, leading to reduced protection.
You should be able to view hail damage from the ground, especially in the event of large stones over two inches. Hail can damage all kinds of roofing materials, including tiles and metal.
Ice Dams
Iowa winters are brutal, with temperatures dropping well below zero and average lows in the teens. Snow can cause ice dams, which can put your roof in danger.
Ice dams form when snow melts during the day and refreezes at night. As the melted snow flows down the slope of your roof, it refreezes towards the gutter ends.
Ice dams prevent melted snow from escaping your roof. Water then backs up behind the dam and can enter your attic. Our roofers at Evenhouse Roofing often see ice dam damage in homes without proper attic insulation and working gutters. You should check your attic frequently during the winter to ensure no leaks. We can replace your attic insulation and provide adequate ventilation to help prevent ice dams.
Heavy Snow Loads
As your roof ages, it becomes weaker. With the addition of heavy snow, your roof can suffer damage from the weight. Removing heavy snow from your roof is critical to protect against potential damage and collapses.
Look for dips in your roof and listen for creaking, groaning, and popping sounds during and after a snow storm. These signs mean your roof is under tremendous strain and needs immediate attention. Our roofers will perform a roof inspection to uncover the damage. If the weight of snow causes the deck to become compromised, you will need a roof replacement.
Gutter Damage
Gutters are essential for roofs in Iowa because they usher water away from your roof and foundation. Gutters can last 25 years or longer but require proper maintenance. You should clean your gutters at least twice a year and seek an inspection as part of your annual roof maintenance.
Clogged gutters can cause water to pool on your roof, leading to leaks. Gutters are more likely to become damaged with age and neglect, but storms can also lead to problems. High winds can sometimes rip gutters from your roof line, leading to a need for replacement.
Expert Roof Repair in Iowa
Roof damage can occur because of various weather events, including high winds, hail, and heavy snow. Pay attention to the signs of roof damage to know when to seek professional repairs. Do not put off roof repairs because the issues will only worsen over time. Eventually, you could need a complete roof replacement if you do not take care of minor issues now.
Evenhouse Roofing is a full-service roofing company, serving the needs of Davenport residents since 2015. We offer various roofing services, including installation, maintenance, and roof repairs. Our roofers also provide gutter repair, storm damage services, and roof design. We proudly offer residential and commercial roofing services.
Contact our expert roofers at Evenhouse Roofing when you need roofing services in Iowa.
