By Omer Okic, owner of Ultimate Exteriors · 28 years on Des Moines homesOriginally published September 2021 · Updated November 2026
Your roof lasts longest when you get it inspected regularly and after storms, fix small damage right away, keep gutters clean, trim overhanging trees and make sure the attic is well ventilated.
- Inspect after every big storm and every few years
- Replace missing or damaged shingles right away
- Keep gutters clear and trees trimmed back
- Good attic ventilation adds years to shingles
A roof is a big investment, and you want it to last decades. Most of what shortens a roof's life is preventable. Here's what makes the biggest difference for Iowa homes.
Get regular inspections
The easiest way to extend your roof's life is to catch problems while they're small. Have it inspected after any hail or high-wind storm, and every few years otherwise. Once a roof is about 15 years old, a yearly look is cheap insurance. Our roof inspections are free.
Fix missing and damaged shingles fast
A few missing or cracked shingles are a quick repair. Left alone, they let water reach the underlayment and decking, and Iowa's freeze-thaw cycles make the damage spread every winter.
Keep gutters clean
Clogged gutters back water up under the roof edge and feed ice dams. Clean them in late fall and spring, or add gutter guards. See our winter gutter tips.
Trim the trees
Overhanging branches scrape shingles in the wind, drop debris that holds moisture and give squirrels a highway to your roof. Keep branches trimmed back from the roof.
Deal with moss and debris
Moss and piles of leaves hold moisture against the shingles. Clear debris and treat moss gently; pressure washing strips granules and shortens shingle life.
Make sure the attic can breathe
Poor ventilation is one of the most common reasons roofs wear out early. Without enough intake at the soffits and exhaust at the ridge, the attic overheats in summer and traps moisture in winter. That bakes shingles from below and causes ice dams. See ice dams in Central Iowa.
Avoid common mistakes
Putting off repairs, DIY fixes with roofing tar and hiring the cheapest bid all shorten roof life. Read 5 costly roofing mistakes.
Quick answers
How long should a roof last in Iowa?
Most architectural asphalt roofs last about 20 to 30 years in Central Iowa. Hail, poor ventilation and ice dams can shorten that.
How often should I have my roof inspected?
After any major storm and every few years otherwise, or yearly once the roof is about 15 years old.
When was your roof last checked?
Book a free roof inspection and get photos and a straight answer on its condition.