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Adding Skylights to Your Home

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Spring is here and adding a skylight can breathe new life into your home. Skylights make a great addition that leaves an everlasting impression. While they’re far from being a new innovation, skylights are still stylish. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of installing skylights in your home.

What are Skylights?

A skylight is a window in a roof or ceiling. They are super versatile and can be installed in living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. However, a skylight isn’t simply a glass plated window. There are many different types of skylights with their own purpose.

Fixed Skylight

Fixed skylights are windows in ceilings and roofs that can’t be opened. These skylights are great for letting a little more light shine through.

Ventilated Skylight

Ventilated skylights are able to open and close. According to a post from Go Smart Bricks, they are ideal for bathrooms and bedrooms, which may need extra ventilation.

Tubular Skylight

A tubular skylight is a good alternative to fixed and ventilated skylights. This type of skylight is essentially a large tube that looks like a telescope. Windows and Sidings recommend installing tubular skylights in bedrooms, closets, or any room that doesn’t have windows.

Skylights are very unique in their design and their ability to brighten up rooms. Therefore, there are many benefits to installing skylights in your home.

The Benefits of Installing Skylights

Increases Your Home’s Resale Value

Skylights are “greener” home additions that can help boost your home’s resale value. According to an article from Consumer Affairs, the natural light that comes through is a good mood booster that buyers are looking for. Furthermore, homeowners who invest in skylights may save money on their monthly energy bill.

A Great Way to Reduce Energy Costs

Homeowners who install a skylight may see a reduction in their energy bills. Skylights can let natural light in and help reduce the need for heat and lighting. However, it’s highly disputed whether or not it reduces your home’s energy use.

Having more windows in your homes means more potential for heat/air loss. But, as the United States Department of Energy points out, “Manufacturers use various glazing technologies to reduce these impacts, including heat-absorbing tints, insulated glazing, and low-emissivity (low-e) coatings.” Making sure your skylights are properly installed will minimize energy loss.

Above all, skylights are a great way to redefine a room’s look.

Making Rooms Breathable and Look Bigger

It’s no secret that natural light reveals true beauty. According to a post from Flynn Roofing Co., adding a skylight can make rooms look bigger, which may help up your resale value! Additionally, adding ventilated skylights can let more air flow in, which is helpful in places that are exposed to excessive moisture.

Now that you know the types of skylights and their benefits, you can learn more about installing one today by contacting local roofing professionals. Over the Top Roofing specializes in roofing and construction work and can get you on the way to installing skylights in your home today.

Choosing Insulation for Your Wisconsin Home

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You should feel comfortable in your home no matter what season. Insulating your home will provide you with a  comfortable living space and make your home more welcoming. If you are trying to re-insulate your home, here’s what you should know about choosing the right type of insulation.

What Does it Mean to Insulate Your Home?

Insulation is essentially adding materials that will help regulate the temperature in your home. They help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Keeping your home well-insulated provides you with a comfortable living space and saves you money on your energy bills. Knowing a homes R-Value helps homeowners in choosing insulation and how much they need.

What is R-Value?

R-Value measures how much resistance insulation has to heat flow. This map from the U.S Department of Energy helps homeowners figure out how much insulation they need based on climate. Wisconsin residents should use insulation rated R49 to R60 for attics. R38 to R49 for 3-4 inches of existing insulation and R25 to R30 for floors.

Insulation comes in different forms and materials. However, each of them carry their own advantages and disadvantages.

Blown-In Insulation

Blown-in insulation is free-form and made from cellulose and fiberglass. This insulation works best in tight, hard to reach places. There are many different brands to choose from, but Over the Top Roofing recommends Atticat’s Expanding Blown-In System for best results.

There are a couple of things to consider with blown-in insulation. Blown-in insulation is not water resistant and can get moldy. You should only install blown-in insulation in dry areas. A post from Modernize urges homeowners to also remove all existing insulation to ensure the new insulation does its job. Homeowners looking for insulation that needs to be cut may benefit in choosing insulation rolls and batts.

Rolled Insulation and Batts

This type of insulation normally comes rolled up and is a popular choice for most homeowners. Insulation rolls and batts are very durable, easy to cut and transport. One thing to consider with batt and rolled insulation is that you should take careful measurements before installing. When in doubt, it’s always a safe bet to consult a professional. 

Insulation Boards

These styrofoam boards work best when installed behind walls and under floors. These boards are unique because of their lightweight, durability, and resistance to water. However, they’re not particularly strong, so take good care of the boards when it comes time to install them.

Installing insulation is not an easy task. Therefore, homeowners should call on professionals for help.

Installing Insulation on Your Own

Homeowners who are re-insulating their home should consult a professional before attempting to take on the job themselves. A professional can assess your current insulation for mold, and asbestos, which can spread if you disrupt the source. See our blog post on leaving insulation work to experts, and visit Over the Top Roofing for your insulation needs.

 

 

 

Chimney Fires: How to Protect Your Wisconsin Home

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No matter where you live, a fire can start where you least expect it. The National Fire Protection Agency estimates that United States fire departments responded to 355,440 house fires from 2015 to 2016. However, your chimney can also cause a house fire. Here’s what you need to know about chimney fires and protecting your Wisconsin home.

How Common are Chimney Fires?

Chimney fires sounds strange when you say it out loud. However, they are more common than you think. According to statistics from the Chimney Safety Institute of America, there was an average of 22,300 chimney fires between 2012 and 2014.  Knowing the signs can help save you and your home. The Chimney Safety Institute of America says that homeowners should look out for popping noises, dense smoke, and a “hot smell.”

Common Causes of Chimney Fires

Fires from chimneys are often the result of improper care and maintenance. Here are some of the common causes of these fires:

Creosote

The number one cause of chimney fires is creosote. Creosote is a black, tarry substance that occurs due to incomplete burning. When creosote builds up, it prevents fumes from fully exhausting and prevents chimneys from controlling a fire. Besides causing a fire, the incomplete burning causes the exhaustion of fumes that are harmful to humans, leading to a buildup of soot.

Soot

Soot is another by-product of incomplete burning that looks like  black stains. This by-product occurs when homeowners burn untreated wood, plastics, or don’t completely burn wood. Soot is especially dangerous since it can exhaust carcinogenic gases. Breathing in carcinogens often leads to respiratory illness.

Improper Maintenance

Calling the chimney sweeper can help prevent fires. The job of chimney sweepers is to clean soot and make sure your chimney is functioning properly. Homeowners should have their chimney swept at least once a year.

Knowing is half the battle, and when it comes to these fires, knowing how to prevent them is everything.

Preventing Chimney Fires

There are a number of things you can do in order to prevent these fires and producing carcinogenic gases:

  1. Get an annual chimney inspection. Inspectors will be able to tell you if your chimney needs maintenance, or whether creosote has built up.
  2. Use a chimney liner. Also called a flue liner, this will help contain combustion.
  3. Build small fires with dry wood. Wet wood can attribute to creosote build up and bigger fires create more smoke.

Final Word on Chimney Fires

Performing maintenance, and knowing the signs of a chimney fire is essential for homeowners. If you recently had a chimney fire or you need maintenance done, Over the Top specializes in rebuilds and restoration of chimneys!

 

Roof Maintenance Tips to Get Through Winter in Wisconsin

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Nothing says winter in Wisconsin like a fresh coat of snow covering rooftops. While snow can be beautiful, too much of it can be a hassle to get rid of. The headache of getting rid of snow can worsen if you put it off over time. It’s important that you maintain your roof and gutters in the winter time to avoid potential leaks and structural damage. Here are five roof maintenance tips that will get you through the cold and wet months during winter in Wisconsin.

1. You May Want to Get Your Home Inspected

Ideally, you’d get your roof inspected before the cold weather comes. Having an inspection done on your roof, chimney and gutter system will stop a problem in it’s tracks. However, things happen that may prevent you from calling an expert. Professionals can easily spot existing problems and give you advice on your concerns as the weather turns by showing you the best methods and tools for roof maintenance.

2. Get the Right Tools for Removing Ice and Snow

Hopping on your roof and shoveling off snow is never a good option, even in the most desperate times. Many hardware stores sell snow rakes, which are designed for getting snow off of your roof from below. Having the right tools will ensure your personal safety and the structural integrity of your roof. While de-icing your roof isn’t always needed, it can prevent damage from ice and water.

3. Act Fast on Ice Dams and Leaks

If you saw our last blog post on ice dams, then you’ll know how important it is to take care of them right away. Ice dams form when the snow on your roof melts and then freezes again, causing a build up on your roof and gutters. Ice dams left untreated can cause leaks in your roof. Changes in the weather and in your home can attribute to the formation of ice dams.

4. Keep an Eye on the Weather

Knowing the weekly forecast can help prevent a headache of snow removal. If the weather calls for freezing rain or varied temperatures, you can easily plan to tackle it head-on. Being ahead of the weather means ensuring you are making your home ready for whatever mother nature brings. But as the temperature drops, you’re going to want your home to be as warm and cozy as possible.

5. Keep Your Home Well Insulated

Keeping your home well insulated in the weather will make it cozier and built to last the colder months. By checking the condition of your home’s ventilation system, you can ensure that heat is being distributed throughout the home. Did you know that heat from your home often causes your roof to melt snow and cause ice dams? Adding plastic to windows, maintaining the ventilation system and fixing your windows can ensure your home stays warm and your roof intact.

Getting You and Your Home Through The Winter in Wisconsin

Roof problems are never good, especially in the cold months. Having the right tools, paying attention to the weather and your home, and seeking assistance from professionals can help make winter a smooth ride. If you need assistance with fixing your roof before winter or need work done right away, call on Over the Top Roofing to help you get through.

How an Ice Dam Can Affect Your Wisconsin Home

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Wisconsin’s climate can be tricky to navigate in the winter, where snowfalls and deep thaws happen weekly. And changes in climate can cause unexpected problems, such as when ice dams form on the roof.

Learn what an ice dam is, how it starts, and how to get rid of it to prevent damage to your home.

What Are Ice Dams? How Do They Happen?

Ice dams are masses of ice that form on your roof and in your gutters. An ice dam forms when water from melting snow freezes. It then forms a mass of ice that starts out small but can grow immensely when the temperature fluctuates.

According to research from the University of Minnesota, ice dams form mainly due to heat loss from your house or exhaust systems. And although they’re common, ice dams should never be taken lightly, as they can cause tremendous damage to your gutters and roof.

How Do Ice Dams Affect My Home?

When left untreated, an ice dam can really do a number on your home’s roof and drainage system. For instance:

  • According to a blog post from Nationwide Insurance, ice dams can cause your roof shingles to lift up, allowing water to seep into your home.
  • They can also affect your home’s drainage system since the mass of ice clogs your gutters, which can lead to flooding in and around your home.

While you can’t control the weather, there are both short- and long-term methods to prevent ice dams from forming.

Solving and Preventing Ice Dams on Your Roof

Sometimes a problem with your roof can catch you off guard. Here are a few short-term solutions to fixing an ice dam:

  1. Since heat from your home may be the most likely cause of ice dam formations, you can flip the script by cooling your roof down. According to a post from This Old House, you can slow down the rate that snow melts by blowing cold air through the roof. If there is water coming out of cracks in your roof, you can blow cold air into any crack or opening to freeze leaking water.
  2. Applying calcium chloride on your roof will melt snow and ice on your roof without any additional damage.

There are also a few preventative measures you can take to reduce the chance of ice dams forming. These include:

  1. Regularly removing snow from your roof. Rakes are exceptionally helpful for this.
  2. Performing maintenance on your gutter system before winter arrives. Regular maintenance on your gutters can be beneficial in preventing other gutter problems too.
  3. Calling on a roofing and gutters expert to perform an inspection. Pros have a lot of experience, so they can often help you spot a problem before it even happens. By having a roofing professional assess your roof and drainage system, they can better advise you on how you can prevent damage from snow and ice.

Get More Information

Here in Wisconsin, ice dams can cause considerable damage to your roof and drainage system. If you are a homeowner and have concerns about your roof’s condition, it may be best to contact a professional.

For expert advise on your roof, call Over the Top Roofing to schedule an appointment. We service the greater Milwaukee area and Menomonee Falls.

“Where’s That Draft Coming From?” Signs Your Windows Need Work

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Have you ever gone to sleep and woke up feeling like you left the window open overnight? Even if your windows are closed and the heat is cranked up, you may feel a draft coming in. As frustrating as it is, drafts can be an easy fix when you can narrow down the source.

From your window frames to the glass itself, here are some signs your windows need work.

Window Seal Failure

Between the double and triple panes in a window, gas fills the void to provide a sealant to ensure quality insulation. When that sealant breaks, there’s a higher chance of cold air seeping into your home and shaking you to the bone. This can happen from poor window installation, materials wearing down and changes in the weather. If you suspect any of these to be the cause, it may be time to call a professional to get it fixed. Your windows may not be up to date if you live in an older home, so it may be time to upgrade.

Cracked and Old Glass

If you live in an older home, you’re most likely going to have single-pane windows. Single-pane windows are extremely fragile, which means they may be likely to crack or break with impact or temperature changes. If you have cracked windows, drafts can seep through, causing a chilly setting to a room. The most cost-efficient solutions would be to replace single-pane with double-pane windows or to apply plastic to your windows.

Damage to Your Window Frames

Temperature changes can put a damper on your mood but can cause a bigger problem for your window frames. As the weather transitions from warm to cold, this can cause the joints and caulking in frames to separate.

According to The Craftsman Blog, if you can see light coming through or can fit a quarter in the crack, then you should fill it. Large cracks that spread throughout the frames should be inspected by a professional. However, one should keep in mind that as the weather goes from cold to warm, the cracks may close.

Keeping your house insulated is one way you can help cut down on temperature fluctuations in your home. If you’re in the greater Milwaukee area, see how Over the Top can help insulate your home.

Drafts Coming Through the Plastic on Your Windows

Insulating your home with plastic on the windows can save you money and help keep you warm. But after all that hard work, you still shiver when you walk around your home. What gives? You may not have applied the plastic right. Applying plastic insulation on windows requires both attention and detail when applying.

According to a blog from Daily News-Miner, applying plastic to windows can reduce 50% of heat loss from drafty windows. But remember that if the plastic is too loose or becomes undone along the corners, cold air is more likely to seep through.

When You Need to Call a Professional

Working with windows calls for a lot of care and attention to detail. If you’ve looked into all the possibilities discussed in this post and still feel a draft, it may be time to consult a professional. Over the Top Roofing and Construction offers professional window and insulation work in Milwaukee and the surrounding communities.