Homeowner Guides
Plain answers on what exterior work costs around Des Moines, what to choose for Iowa weather, and when to do it. Every house is different, so Luke looks at yours and gives you a free estimate.
What Moves the Price
Gutter Installation Cost in Des Moines (2026)
What new seamless gutters cost around Des Moines in 2026: published per-foot ranges, the line items that move the price, and how to get a free estimate.
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Gutter Guard Cost in Des Moines (2026)
Gutter guard cost in Des Moines for 2026: published per-foot ranges by guard type, Midwest survey numbers, national brand prices and what changes your quote.
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Siding Replacement Cost in Des Moines (2026)
What new siding costs in Des Moines in 2026: published averages by material, what moves the price, repair vs. re-side, and how to get a free written estimate.
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Window Replacement Cost in Des Moines (2026)
What replacement windows cost in Des Moines in 2026: per-window ranges by frame, style and glass, insert vs. full-frame, permits, resale and a free estimate.
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Entry Door Replacement Cost in 2026
What a new front door costs in 2026: published ranges for entry doors, prehung vs. slab, steel vs. fiberglass, storm and patio doors, and resale data.
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Seamless Gutters vs. Sectional Gutters: Which Is Right for Your Home?
For most Des Moines-area homes, seamless gutters are the stronger long-term choice: they only have joints at the corners and downspouts, and Angi puts their life at about 25 years against about 20 for standard aluminum sectional gutters. Sectional gutters cost less up front and can be patched one piece at a time, but every joint is a spot that can leak.
Read the guide5-Inch vs. 6-Inch Gutters: Which Size Does Your Home Need?
Most homes use 5-inch gutters and they handle an average roof well, but 6-inch gutters carry about 50% more water (HomeAdvisor) and pair with larger 3x4 downspouts, which matters on big, steep or valley-heavy roofs. The right size comes from your roof's drainage area, pitch and downspout layout, not a guess.
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Are Gutter Guards Worth It in Iowa?
For most Central Iowa homes with trees nearby, yes: in This Old House's 2025 survey, about 30% of guard owners said they no longer clean their gutters at all and 41% clean only once a year. Guards are not maintenance-free and they do not stop ice dams, so they pay off when your trees, roof and gutters line up.
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How Often Should You Clean Gutters in Iowa?
Plan on at least twice a year, in late spring and late fall, and up to four times a year if your house sits under pines or heavy tree cover (Angi, This Old House). In Iowa the timing matters as much as the count: clear maple seeds and cottonwood fluff early in the season, then do a full cleanout after the leaves drop and before hard freezes.
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7 Signs You Need New Gutters
You likely need new gutters when they sag or pull away, leak at the seams, overflow even when clean, or leave water marks and peeling paint below them, and Angi says gutters past about 20 years old are often better replaced than repaired. One loose hanger or a leaky end cap is a repair; several of these signs at once usually means replacement.
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Ice Dams and Gutters in Iowa: What Gutters Can and Cannot Fix
Gutters do not cause ice dams: heat leaking from the house warms the upper roof, the snow melts, and the water refreezes at the cold eave (University of Minnesota Extension). The lasting fix is attic air sealing and insulation, while strong, well-hung gutters and clear downspouts limit the damage when ice does build up.
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How Far Should Downspouts Drain From the House?
At least 4 feet beyond the wall, says University of Minnesota Extension, with the ground sloping away from the foundation at least 1 inch per foot for the first 6 feet. If water still pools or the basement gets wet, the answer is usually more downspouts, longer runs, or piping the water away underground.
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Aluminum vs. Copper vs. Steel Gutters
Aluminum vs. copper vs. steel gutters for Iowa homes: published 2026 costs, lifespans, gauges for snow, rust and patina, and how to pick the right metal.
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Gutter Repair or Replacement? How to Decide
Repair when the problem is local: a loose hanger, a leaky corner, a bent downspout or one sagging section on otherwise sound gutters. Replace when Angi's rules of thumb kick in: the repair would cost more than about half of new gutters, or the system is past about 20 years old.
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LP SmartSide vs. Vinyl Siding for Iowa Homes
Vinyl usually costs less to finish and never needs paint, while LP SmartSide engineered wood gives a real board look and stronger hail results in LP's own testing, but it needs paint over time. We install both, so the right pick comes down to budget, the look you want and how long you plan to stay.
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Signs You Need New Siding
You likely need new siding when panels are warped, cracked or pulling loose, when the wall behind feels soft or shows rot, when water stains show up inside, or when repairs would cost about half of a full re-side. One cracked panel after a storm usually means a repair, not a new house.
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Hail Damage to Siding and Gutters in Iowa
After hail, check your gutters, downspouts and the storm-facing walls first: dented aluminum, cracked or holed vinyl and chipped paint on wood or LP boards are the common signs. Then document everything, call your insurer and get written estimates from registered contractors, because Iowa law bars contractors from negotiating your claim or promising to rebate any part of a deductible.
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Signs You Need New Windows
You likely need new windows when there is fog between the panes, drafts around a closed sash, water stains at the sill, or sashes that stick or will not lock. Frost or condensation on the room side in an Iowa January is often a humidity issue instead, so it pays to know the difference before you buy.
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Double vs. Triple Pane Windows in Iowa
In Central Iowa, triple pane is usually the simplest way to meet ENERGY STAR's Northern zone standard, and the Department of Energy says it can improve window performance by 40 percent or more. A well-built double-pane window can still qualify and costs less, so the right choice depends on the rooms, your budget and how long you will stay.
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Window and Door Tax Credits in 2026: What Changed
No. The IRS says the federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit is not allowed for windows, doors or other property placed in service after December 31, 2025, and as of October 2026 the bill to restore it has not become law. Windows and doors installed by the end of 2025 can still be claimed on a 2025 return using Form 5695.
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Best Time of Year for Exterior Projects in Iowa
In Central Iowa, late spring through mid-fall is the best time for siding and any material that needs paint, and early fall is the classic time for gutter guards before the leaves drop. Fall is also the busiest season, so the smart move is to get your estimate in winter or early spring and hold a spot.
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How to Choose an Exterior Contractor in Iowa
Check that the contractor is registered with the state, get at least two written estimates, and make sure the contract lists the work, materials, price, dates and permits before you sign. After a storm, walk away from anyone who offers to handle your insurance claim or absorb your deductible, because Iowa law bars both.
Read the guideWant a Number for Your House?
A guide can only tell you what drives the cost. Luke comes out, measures, talks through what you want and gives you a free written estimate before any work starts.