Roofing in Urbandale: long eaves, low slopes and mature trees
Eastern Urbandale is mostly mid-century: ranches and split-levels under big maples and oaks. Western Urbandale, out past the I-35/80 corridor, is newer. The two halves need different things from a roof.
The streets near Douglas Avenue and the older parts of town were built when a low-pitched roof with wide overhangs was the fashion. It looks good, and it's harder on shingles than a steep roof: water moves slowly, leaves collect, and those long eaves are exactly where ice dams form in January.
| Part of town | Typical house | What we usually find |
|---|---|---|
| Older east side | 1950s–70s ranch or split-level | Ice-dam leaks at the eaves, under-ventilated attics, two layers of shingles, worn valleys under trees |
| Newer west side | 1990s–2020s two-story | Original roofs coming due, hail on big slopes, valley wear |
On mid-century houses, a replacement is the chance to fix what's been wrong since the house was built: we strip both layers if there are two, replace soft decking, run ice and water shield well up the eaves, and add the soffit and ridge ventilation the attic never had. That combination is what stops January ice from turning into a stain on the living-room ceiling.
Under the mature trees, we also recommend checking the valleys and gutters every fall. Urbandale is home to Living History Farms, and plenty of its yards look nearly as wooded; leaves and maple seeds pack valleys fast.
Urbandale roofing questions
Why does my ranch leak only in winter?
Almost always an ice dam: snow melts over the warm attic, refreezes at the cold eave and backs water under the shingles. See our ice dam guide.
Can you remove two layers of shingles?
Yes, and we do on every replacement, so we can inspect and repair the deck.
Do you need an Urbandale permit?
Replacements need one from the City of Urbandale; we handle it.
