By Omer Okic, owner of Ultimate Exteriors · 28 years on Des Moines homesOriginally published November 2021 · Updated November 2026
After a winter storm, check your roof from the ground, photograph any damage, look for leaks inside, stop active leaks with a temporary fix and call a local roofer for an inspection before filing a claim.
- Don't climb onto an icy or damaged roof
- Photograph damage from several angles, with dates
- Check the attic and ceilings for leaks
- Choose a local, registered roofer, not a storm chaser
Iowa winters bring high winds, ice storms and heavy, wet snow. Any of them can damage a roof. If you think a storm got yours, here's what to do.
Look from the ground
Once the storm passes, walk around the house and look up. Don't climb on a snowy or icy roof. Check for:
- Missing, lifted or creased shingles
- Fallen branches on the roof
- Gutters bent or pulled away by ice
- Big ice dams and icicles along the eaves
- Damaged vents, flashing or chimney caps
Document everything
Take photos from several angles all the way around the house. Upstairs windows can give you a better view of parts of the roof. Note the date of the storm. These photos help a lot if you file an insurance claim.
Check inside
Look at ceilings and the tops of walls for new water spots, and check the attic for wet insulation, frost or drips. Melting snow can find its way in days after the storm.
Prevent more damage
If water is coming in, move belongings, catch drips and call a roofer about an emergency tarp. Don't go on the roof yourself in winter conditions.
Call a local roofer, then your insurer
Have a roofer inspect the damage before you file, so you know whether it's worth a claim. If it is, your insurer will usually send an adjuster, and your roofer can be there. Our storm damage and insurance guide walks through the process.
Watch out for storm chasers
After big storms, out-of-town crews knock on doors. Choose a local contractor registered in Iowa with insurance and reviews you can check, who will still be here for warranty calls. A reputable roofer will never offer to pay or waive your deductible; it's against Iowa law.
Quick answers
Should I file an insurance claim for winter storm roof damage?
Get an inspection first. If there's real wind, ice or hail damage, a claim may make sense. If the damage is minor or below your deductible, a repair may be simpler.
Can a roof be repaired in winter?
Many repairs and emergency tarping can be done on suitable winter days. Full replacements are best in mild weather but can be done when conditions allow.
Storm get your roof?
Book a free roof inspection. We'll document the damage with photos and tell you straight whether it's worth a claim.