When the leaves start to fall and the temperatures drop, Des Moines homeowners know what’s coming next: another harsh Iowa winter. With heavy snow, ice, and bitter winds just around the corner, your roof is about to face months of stress. That’s why autumn is one of the most important times of the year to inspect your roof and address any damage.

At Robison Construction, we’ve helped hundreds of Iowa families prepare their homes for winter by catching roofing problems early. In this guide, we’ll share the top 5 signs your roof needs repair before winter, why they matter in the Midwest climate, and how you can protect your home and family from costly surprises.

Why Winter Roof Preparation Is So Important

Iowa winters are no joke. Snow and ice can weigh hundreds of pounds on your roof, while freeze-thaw cycles pry open even the smallest cracks. According to the Insurance Information Institute, winter storms are the third-largest cause of catastrophic losses for U.S. homeowners, accounting for over $3 billion in damage annually.

In Des Moines, roofs that enter the season with pre-existing weaknesses often don’t make it to spring without costly issues. What might seem like a minor leak or a few missing shingles in October can turn into significant water damage by February. Preparing your roof now saves time, money, and stress later.

Sign #1: Missing, Cracked, or Curling Shingles

One of the easiest warning signs to spot is shingle damage. Asphalt shingles — the most common roofing material in Iowa — are designed to protect your home by shedding water and shielding against wind. When shingles go missing or start to curl, your roof is left exposed.

Why It Matters Before Winter

Missing shingles give snow and ice a direct path to the roof deck.
Curling shingles are more likely to break off in strong winter winds.
Cracked shingles allow moisture to seep through, which freezes and expands during Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Homeowner Testimony

“Last fall, I noticed a few shingles missing on the back of our house. I didn’t think much of it until a winter storm blew through, and we ended up with a leak in the attic. Robison Construction came out right away, replaced the damaged shingles, and made sure everything was sealed before the next snowfall. They truly saved us from bigger problems.” – Mike T., Des Moines

What to Do
Walk around your home and look for patches of missing shingles, or check the yard for shingle fragments. If you see signs of damage, schedule an inspection before the first snow.

Sign #2: Leaks or Water Stains Inside Your Home

If you notice water stains on your ceiling, bubbling paint, or damp insulation in the attic, it’s a clear indicator your roof isn’t doing its job. Even the smallest leak can wreak havoc once winter sets in.

Why It Matters Before Winter

Cold weather makes leaks worse because ice dams push water under shingles.
Water inside your home leads to mold growth, which spreads quickly in the warm, damp environment of your attic.
Left unchecked, moisture can damage insulation, weaken drywall, and rot wooden beams.

What to Do
Check ceilings and attics regularly in the fall. If you see even faint staining, call a roofing professional immediately — winter weather only magnifies the problem.

Sign #3: Damaged or Clogged Gutters

Gutters are your roof’s drainage system, directing water and melting snow away from your home. When they’re damaged or clogged with leaves, water has nowhere to go — except back under your shingles.

Why It Matters Before Winter

Blocked gutters cause water to freeze at the roof’s edge, forming ice dams.
Ice dams push melting snow back under shingles, causing leaks.
Excess weight from ice-filled gutters can pull them away from the house, damaging siding and fascia boards.

What to Do
Clean your gutters thoroughly before the first snow. If you see sagging or notice sections pulling away from the roofline, it’s time for repair or replacement.

Sign #4: Sagging Rooflines or Structural Weakness

Take a step back from your home and look at your roofline. Does it appear straight and sturdy, or do you notice dips and sagging? A sagging roofline signals structural weakness — and that’s a serious issue heading into winter.

Why It Matters Before Winter

Snow can weigh 20 pounds per cubic foot, putting hundreds of pounds of pressure on your roof.
A sagging roof is more likely to collapse under heavy snow loads.
Structural issues worsen quickly in the freeze-thaw cycles of the Midwest.

What to Do
Call a roofing contractor immediately if you notice sagging. This isn’t just cosmetic — it’s a safety hazard for your family and property.

Sign #5: Worn or Exposed Flashing

Flashing is the thin metal material installed around chimneys, vents, and valleys to direct water away from vulnerable areas. Over time, flashing can rust, crack, or pull away.

Why It Matters Before Winter

Compromised flashing is one of the most common sources of winter leaks.
When snow and ice melt, water funnels directly into weak flashing points.
Cold weather makes temporary fixes ineffective; professional repair is the only reliable option.

What to Do
Inspect areas where the roof meets walls, chimneys, or skylights. If flashing looks bent, rusty, or loose, it should be repaired before the first freeze.

Other Red Flags to Watch For

While the five signs above are the most critical, there are other warning signs you shouldn’t ignore:

Excessive granules in gutters (indicates shingles are deteriorating).
Mold or mildew growth on shingles.
Drafts or cold spots inside your home (often linked to attic ventilation issues).

Why Proactive Roof Repair Saves Money

Too many homeowners wait until a leak becomes obvious before calling a roofer. By then, the damage is often widespread.

Preventative repairs may cost a few hundred dollars.
Emergency winter repairs often run into thousands.
Full roof replacements in Des Moines average between $10,000 and $15,000, depending on size and materials.

By acting in the fall, you give yourself the best chance to avoid costly mid-winter repairs and keep your family safe and warm.

Why Choose Robison Construction

At Robison Construction, we don’t just repair roofs — we protect homes. Our team has years of experience working with Iowa homeowners, and we understand the unique challenges that come with Midwest winters.

Here’s why Des Moines homeowners trust us:

Expertise: We install GAF Timberline HDZ and UHDZ shingles, designed to withstand snow, wind, and ice.
Trustworthiness: We’ll give you an honest assessment — if your roof doesn’t need replacing, we’ll tell you.
Community Roots: As a locally owned and operated company, we treat every home as if it were our own.

Final Thoughts

Winter in Des Moines brings snow, ice, and freezing winds that can push any roof to its limits. By looking for these five critical warning signs — missing shingles, leaks, clogged gutters, sagging rooflines, and worn flashing — you can protect your home and wallet from costly damage.

Don’t wait until the snow flies to address roof issues. The best time to prepare your home for winter is now.

Call to Action

Is your roof ready for winter? Let Robison Construction help. Contact us today for a free inspection and quote. Visit robison-construction.com and protect your home from Iowa’s toughest season.