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“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.

Top 3 Roofing Scams in Milwaukee and How to Avoid Them

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You know to be on the lookout for shady salespeople, commission-hungry investment advisors, and even your coworker who always seems to try to make you look bad in front of your boss. But what is one of the biggest home improvement scams that even the savviest of consumers aren’t always immune from? Roofing scams.

Roofing scammers try to con homeowners in Milwaukee all the time, so it’s important to know what to look for.

Before you fork over potentially thousands of dollars for a fraud, read on to learn where you can find roofers you can trust.

Stop Scam Concept on Open Hand.

1. The “I’ll Pay Your Deductible” Con

The Golden Rule of roofing scams—if it’s too good to be true, it probably is—rings true here.

Some people will offer to pay any kind of deductible your home ownership insurance policy requires you to meet. This is a solid foundation for insurance fraud.

First of all, this is absolutely illegal. Additionally, guess who gets to keep the difference when the roofing scammer submits a much higher invoice to the insurance company than is necessary?

2. The “We Just Happened to Be in the Neighborhood” Con

Next up on our list of roof scams? When questionably qualified roofers knock on your door brandishing a professional-looking roofing business card and try to fight their way in.

Good roofing companies don’t need to go door-to-door to get clients. These scammers especially love to prey on the elderly and to operate in neighborhoods that have been hit badly by a storm.

Don’t fall for it.

In some cases, these scammers will bring a picture of an especially beat-up roof and try to tell you it’s a picture of your roof. (Spoiler alert: It’s not.) The best thing you can do in this situation? Slam the door. Then call your neighbors to let them know that scammers are afoot.

3. The “We Only Take Cash” Con

First, the roofer gave you an estimate over the phone, before they’d even actually taken a look at your roof. That should have been enough of a sign that you were dealing with a con artist. However, if they’ve somehow made it out to your house, prepare for things to get worse.

This is likely when they’ll drop the bombshell that they only accept cash payments. Not to mention, they require a seriously steep down payment—that of course, they want in cash, too.

Remember: A trusted roofer would go out of their way to avoid a cash payment because they want to establish a paper trail of proper behavior.

Avoid These Common Roofing Scams

So, what can you do in order to avoid some of the most common roofing scams on this list? We suggest:

  1. Work with trusted, experienced, and insured professional roofing contractors who are willing to give you references and testimonials if needed. Ask family and friends for advice.
  2. Always have someone with you when you’re meeting a roofer for the first time, in case you’ve got a scammer who will try to get you to cave if you’re on your own.

If you need reliable and quality roofing work done, don’t get scammed. Work with us instead. Over the Top Roofing and Construction offers professional roofing in Milwaukee and the surrounding communities.

How Does a Chimney Work and Why Does it Need Maintenance?

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The first chimney we know about dates back to the 12th century. Before that, people placed fire pits in the middle of their dwellings.

Back then, homeowners didn’t really understand how their chimneys worked or why taking care of them was so important. So, even though there was a hole in the roof, the homes were constantly filled with smoke and there was always the danger of the house going up in flames.

Luckily, those days are long gone. But it’s still a good idea to learn how a chimney works so you can better understand what kind of maintenance yours needs.

Smoke billows from a chimney from a house with an old roof

The Science Behind Chimneys

A chimney works due to principles of airflow. Hot air rises because it is not as dense as cold air. Instead of venting hot air up and out of your home, chimneys remove hot gasses from your house’s heating system. This rising hot gas leads to a difference in pressure. This is called a draft. The draft pulls in combustion air into your furnace and pushes out exhaust gas.

A chimney has both internal and external parts and so, is subject to weather, which can cause damages.

Common Chimney Problems

Understanding how does a chimney work isn’t as easy as it seems. And it’s a complex system that is often overlooked by homeowners. But failure to maintain a chimney can be dangerous.

Here are some of the most common chimney problems of which homeowners should.

Blockages

Debris such as bird nests can block your chimney flue. Even small blockages can prevent your chimney from working effectively. These blockages should be removed to restore your chimney to full functionality.

Creosote Buildup

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, the gasses from the fire cause a buildup that is called creosote. This buildup is combustible and corrosive. A large buildup could even start a fire in your chimney.

One of the easiest ways to remove this buildup is with special logs that you burn in your fireplace. However, this is not a substitute for a yearly professional inspection and cleaning. You should let the experts take care of your chimney inspection and repair.

Cracks and Holes in the Flue

Wood fires can over time cause tiny holes and fissures in your flue. As a result, dangerous gasses could enter your home.

You should have a chimney expert look at your flue each year. They can make repairs as needed to prevent further problems. If untreated, expensive structural repairs will be inevitable.

Damage to Chimney Crown and Cap

Both the crown and cap of a chimney are out in the elements. Their role is to keep debris and rain out of your flue.

If these items become damaged, they may not be able to do their job, which can result in further repairs. In the winter, water in the chimney could cause a leak in the attic as the mortar joints freeze and crack apart.

All chimneys need to be sealed every 8-10 years to prevent water from getting in.

How Does a Chimney Work? Ask No More!

We hope you now can confidently answer the question, “How does a chimney work?” But remember: Just because you understand how it works doesn’t mean you can service it yourself. Always consult certified technicians to treat any problems with your chimney.

If you make a habit of inspecting your chimney and having a professional perform regular maintenance, you will get many years of use out of it.

If your chimney needs servicing, contact us. At Over the Top Roofing and Construction, we offer chimney repair and maintenance, as well as professional roofing in Milwaukee and the surrounding communities.

5 Ways Blocked Gutters Can Cause Damage to Your Home

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Most homeowners don’t spend much time thinking about their gutters. But ignoring blocked gutters can cause serious problems you likely won’t notice until after the damage is done. That’s especially true here in Milwaukee, where rains often cause flooding.

Gutters are such a simple part of home maintenance that they often get overlooked. But rain and wind can cause leaves and branches to clog the gutters so that water cannot properly drain out. This then causes water to build up and over flow.

Let’s take a look at a few of the most common problems that result when this happens.

Lots of autumn leaves on a roof

5 Ways Blocked Gutters Can Cause Damage to Your Home

Blocked gutters are more than a nuisance. In fact, they can cause serious damage to your home. Discover what damage they can cause and how to avoid it.

1. Damage to Your Landscaping and Foundations

Both your landscaping and foundation can suffer when excess water leaks from a blocked gutter. You might not think it, but too much water is bad for trees and bushes. It’s like watering them with a fire hose rather than a garden hose.

A clean gutter allows water to flow out the downspout to be properly channeled away from the house. When this doesn’t happen as designed, the excess water can cause your foundation to shift, sink, or crack.

2. Roof Damage

When water doesn’t flow properly through the gutter at the edge of the roof, the roof’s surface and the underlining materials can become damaged. And once enough damage has been done, your roof will likely need to be replaced.

3. Damage to Doors, Windows, and Walls

Water spilling from blocked gutters eventually causes damage to many parts of your home that aren’t designed to have this much contact with water.

Your patio can flood, causing damage to brickwork and furniture. Walls can begin to sag, warp, and weaken. And the doors and windows can begin to leak, allowing water to seep into the interior of your home.

4. Mold and Mildew Damage

A lot of the damage that is caused by the overflow of water from clogged guttering often goes unnoticed because it’s hidden behind walls or around door and window seals.

Moisture trapped in these areas leads to the growth of mold and mildew. This is not only unsightly and smelly, it’s also a health hazard. Worse yet, getting rid of mold can be an expensive undertaking, and not dealing with it quickly can lead to even more extensive material damage and health issues down the road.

5. Pest Infestations

Standing, stagnant water attracts insects like mosquitoes. This is because they love to lay eggs in damp and decaying environments.

The swampy conditions produced by excess water from clogged gutters also lure unwanted critters, such as termites, carpenter ants, and other pests that destroy wood.

Keep in mind that these pests breed quickly and cause significant property damage when not dealt with swiftly.

The Importance of Cleaning Your Gutters in Milwaukee

As we’ve seen, the damage caused by blocked gutters can be both expensive to repair and have a negative impact on your health. Not sure what you can do to keep them clear and free of damage? Click here to see five gutter maintenance tips every Milwaukee homeowner should know.

But learning how to unclog gutters isn’t your only option. Hire a professional to do it for you and you’ll save yourself time and energy. It might seem expensive, but it is actually money well spent. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

 

5 Gutter Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

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When most Milwaukee homeowners think of home maintenance, they think of re-roofing a home or perhaps giving their house a beautiful new coat of paint. Yet so many of us neglect one of the most important aspects of our home—the gutters. Failure to keep up with regular gutter maintenance can result in a whole mess of problems that can add up quite fast.

Don’t wait for clogged gutters to ruin your day. Instead, make sure you keep your gutters working well by following these five tips for gutter maintenance.

gutter clogged with debris

1. Keep Your Ladder Steady at All Times

When it comes to gutter maintenance tips, this is easily the most important piece of advice we can offer: Always make sure your ladder is secure.

Before you begin your ascent, ensure that the base of the ladder is steady. This keeps the ladder from swaying, so you can climb safely.

Most ladders have hooks on the top rung which connect straight to your gutters. If your ladder doesn’t have hooks, bungee cords work just as well.

2. Correct Your Gutter’s Slope

Ideally, your gutters should have a slight decline every 1/4 inch or so leading directly to the pipe. Should you see any standing water in your gutters, there’s a high likelihood that the slope needs adjusting.

To do so, measure the span of your gutters and multiply by 1/16. The resulting number is your ideal drop. Now, remove any fasteners or rivets, and then adjust as necessary until any standing water flows freely.

3. Use a Garden Hose to Check for Leaks

Once you’re finished with your initial debris removal, you’ll want to take a garden hose and let water trickle through your gutters. This will help you see if you missed any spots. It can also help you determine if any hidden debris is damming up the water.

4. Sealing Leaks Is Easier Than You May Think

Should you discover any unfortunate leaks in your gutters, don’t worry—they’re quite easy to seal up.

All you need is a bit of caulk, which can be found at any local hardware store. Simply place the caulk over the hole and allow it to dry. Some caulks can take up to a full 24 hours to dry, so make sure there isn’t any rain in the forecast.

5. Don’t Forget to Check the Drainpipes

Your gutter’s drainpipes are an essential (yet often neglected) part of the gutter system. Obstructions in the drainpipes can cause your entire system to back up and overflow.

A plumber’s auger is all you need to clear any debris clogging your drainpipe. Snake the auger up to the pipe until you can easily pull any debris out of it. You’ll know you’ve cleared the blockage when water can easily flow away from your home.

Use These Gutter Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Gutters Clean and Functioning

If you’re still unsure about how to properly maintain your gutters, or you just want a clean, superior job, be sure to get in touch today for a free estimate.

Our courteous and professional staff will help ensure that your gutters remain leak-free and clean, so you can better enjoy your home. Services available throughout Milwaukee and Menomonee Falls.

Driveway Maintenance: 4 Simple Steps That Will Dramatically Extend Your Driveway’s Life

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How many homeowners reading this post would say that they take good care of their homes?

If you clean the gutters, get your roof checked out after every long winter, and spend time mowing and fertilizing your lawn, you may think that you’re doing every home maintenance task a homeowner should do.

And sure, you may have home maintenance covered, but what about driveway maintenance?

someone apply sealer to a driveway

Four Tips for Maintaining Your Driveway

Driveways are often treated as an afterthought by homeowners, despite their importance and constant use. Think about it: You use your driveway almost every day, and you don’t spend time maintaining it!

A driveway that’s full of cracks and weeds doesn’t just look bad—it could end up damaging your car or hurting someone.

An overturned, jagged paving stone could do a lot of damage to a tire or an unsuspecting person. That’s why it’s important to keep your driveway as well maintained as your home.

If you’re new to driveway maintenance, here are four, simple tips for properly maintaining your driveway.

1. Remove Stains ASAP

A good driveway sealer should help protect against some spills, but over time stains can do a number on concrete and asphalt.

As the years pass, oil, gas, and grease can degrade your driveway materials. Remember: The longer you keep the stain, the harder it’ll be to take out. Imagine trying to drive on a driveway that’s slick with years of old oil and grease.

Consider investing in a good power washer so you can clean stains fast.

2. Regularly Clean and Seal

If you want to know the golden rule for driveway maintenance, it’s three words: clean and seal.

Keeping your driveway cleaned and sealed is the best way to keep it maintained and looking fantastic. And when we say “regularly seal,” we aren’t talking about monthly maintenance. In general, a concrete driveway should be resealed about every two years.

If you notice your finish starting to wear, don’t hesitate to reseal a little early. Milwaukee winters can do a number on your driveway, so you may notice the finish starting to go faster than usual.

3. Use Deicing Solutions Sparingly

We know that half of you reading this would never willingly part with your deicing chemicals. But here’s something you should know: The harsh chemicals in de-icing agents can slowly degrade your driveway sealing and concrete. And if they’re used heavily over time, they’ll eventually start to affect your driveway.

Yes, the winters in Milwaukee can be brutal, and sometimes you need that extra boost to make your driveway usable. But if you want to keep your driveway in good condition, you’ll only use that deicer when it’s truly needed.

4. Skip the Metal Shovels

You will need a big, heavy shovel to handle our cold winters, but the shovel doesn’t have to be made out of metal. The sharp corners of metal shovels can easily chip away at concrete and asphalt. Eventually, you’ll start to notice chips, cracks, and dents in your driveway.

Invest in a plastic shovel or use a snowblower in the winter. Your driveway will thank you for it!

Does Your Driveway Need More Help?

If your driveway is past the point where good driveway maintenance can help, we can help you. Our Milwaukee and Menomonee Falls masonry services include driveways and garage slabs.

Contact us today with your questions or for a free estimate.