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Step Aside and Let the Experts Take Care of Your Chimney Repair Needs

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From 2012 to 2014, the average number of structural residential fires due to chimneys and chimney connectors was 22,300. That’s a lot of costly damage and personal injury that could have been avoided with a little chimney TLC.

Anyone who lives in a cold climate knows how integral their chimney is to their quality of life. As you relax in front of a beautiful fire in your cozy living room, the last thing on your mind is fire safety. The fact is, however, that chimney safety is fire safety.

Many homeowners cut corners where they can to save costs, but when it comes to the wellbeing of your family, it’s not worth it. That’s why you need a professional doing your chimney repair.

Worker repairing a chimney stack

Here are some of the different fine points you’ll want your chimney repair person to know.

Mortar Joints

Mortar is the combination of cement and sand that holds the bricks in your chimney together. Needless to say, these are an essential part of the integrity of your chimney.

While most homeowners know that regular chimney cleanings are important, they don’t realize that some mansonry upkeep is also necessary. The harsh Milwaukee climate is likely to damage the mortar joints of your chimney. That could potentially lead to a chimney collapse.

Repairing mortar joints is no easy task. First, you need to ground out the old mortar. Then, fill in the new mortar, but remember that it dries quickly, so you’ll have to make the mortar in small batches.

Considering how important mortar joints are, it’s best to call in a fully insured and bonded chimney professional.

Signs of Rust

Moisture is an enemy of almost every structural element, but it’s nearly unavoidable. That means you’ll have to be proactive about your maintenance or deal with the later fallout.

When you regularly inspect your chimney, make sure to look for rust. Even if you spot the smallest amount, it’s time to call a professional chimney sweeper.

Moisture is dangerous because of the extreme climate fluctuations around your chimney. When it’s hot and in use, it creates condensation. When your chimney cools down, that condensation will freeze.

That push and pull from liquid to frozen can easily create dangerous cracks in multiple areas of your chimney, but a chimney expert can pinpoint the issue and prevent any future disasters.

A Safe Investment

While a DIY job is good for most household needs, the chimney is an especially complicated and precarious part of your home.

Not only do you risk a fire from an improperly completed chimney repair job, but harmful toxins can make the air in your home unsafe. A professional chimney sweeper is aware of all these dangers and is professionally bound to avoid them.

The Chimney Repair Experts

At Over the Top Roofing and Construction, we help Milwaukee residents maintain the safety and stability of their chimneys, as well as other structural residential needs. Our company is fully insured and bonded, we hold many contractor certifications, and we received Angie’s List Super Service Award every year since 2009.

If you’re looking for chimney experts to handle the job, give us a call!

5 Reasons Why Attic Insulation Should be Left to the Experts

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If you’re interested in replacing or installing insulation in your home’s attic, it may be tempting to save some money by completing the task yourself. But attempting to install insulation on your own could cause some major issues—and even some deadly hazards.

Curious to learn more about why it’s such a good idea to call insulation pros? Keep reading! We have everything you need to know right here.

someone measuring the insulation in their attic

1. It’s the Law

Did you know that there are certain laws in place regarding how a person may dispose of and handle insulation? These laws and local regulations are in place for your own protection.

For example, old insulation in your home may contain asbestos. And, if you disturb this material by removing it, you are exposed to this very harmful material. For this reason, many places will have specific regulations to prevent this type of handling.

By hiring professionals to remove and install your attic insulation, you will ensure that all materials are handled in accordance with the appropriate regulations and safety procedures.

2. To Ensure It’s Done Right

Simply put, there is a lot that can go wrong during attic insulation installation. Insulation professionals, however, will see these issues coming from a mile away and will know how to properly deal with them.

Other advantages that professionals bring to the job are they:

  • Own the very specific tools necessary to properly do the job.
  • Know the correct kind of insulation to use.
  • Know how to properly seal areas like vents and lights.

3. Materials Used May Be Hazardous

We’ve already touched on the dangers of asbestos, but did you know that fiberglass insulation also poses many health hazards? This type of insulation can cause skin irritation, respiratory irritation, and may even be cancerous.

Professionals will have access to the proper equipment to deal with any hazardous materials that may be present during your insulation removal and installation.

4. Pests Love to Live in Attic Insulation

Don’t think your home has a rodent or pest issue? You could be wrong!

Many homeowners don’t realize that they have an infestation until they complete a project like replacing attic insulation. Disturbing these materials disturbs the pests, and that’s when homeowners realize they have a problem.

Instead of having to call the pros once this problem arises, you can help minimize issues by having experts on the scene from the very start. This can help you avoid a big mess if pests are present.

5. Inspections Are Necessary

Before the area you would like to insulate is ready to go, it must be inspected for mildew, mold, and the aforementioned pests in order to get the green light. And, unless you’re an expert at inspecting for these elements, you’ll need help.

Call the pros to make sure you’re free and clear.

Let the Experts Help You!

As you can see, for safety reasons, ease, and peace of mind, it’s always a better idea to hire insulation professionals for your attic insulation needs. Getting caught in a surprise rat infestation or violating safety regulations are not worth trying to DIY.

Have any questions or comments about this article or our insulation services in general? Feel free to contact us! We’re always here to help.

How to Hire a Roofing Contractor for Your Vacation Home

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Arriving at your Milwaukee vacation home to discover that the roof is leaking can put a real damper on your well-deserved break. It’s even worse when you’ve rented it out and your guests arrive to sodden floors and wrecked furniture.

If you’re not sure if you need a roofing contractor for your property right now, consider this:

  • Most roofs should last between 20 and 30 years. High winds, torrential rain, and hail can shorten this lifespan.
  • If your roof is nearing its expiration date, try to get it replaced during the dry season. Wisconsin’s blustery winter weather means delays and difficulty that will cost more.

Here’s how to hire a roofing contractor to give you an honest appraisal and solve your rainy-day dilemmas.

Think Local

The biggest obstacle when you need to replace the roof on your vacation home is the fact that you are not there to oversee the work. And it’s almost impossible to make use of a contractor that you know from your hometown.

Fortunately, it is easy to find a reputable local roofing contractor to see to the task at hand.

Get in touch with any other vacation property owners in the area and ask them for referrals. A local realtor may be able to assist with advice, or you may have friends in the area who can recommend someone.

Also, contact your insurance company. They will have a list of trusted contractors in the Milwaukee area. If your insurance is paying for the roof, they should arrange for an adjuster to meet the contractor on site to discuss costs beforehand.

Reviews and Credentials

If you are going to be managing the process yourself, you’ll need to do a little more work beforehand. The internet is a wonderful source of reviews and ratings for artisans and contractors, so do some research online.

And remember: The best roofing contractors are members of The National Roofing Contractors Association. It’s easy to check if the roofing contractor you’re considering is a member on this web page.

Ask Some Questions

When you have located a few contractors that look aboveboard, get them on the phone and interview them.

Apart from the basic questions to ask any roofing contractor, there are a few extra things you should check. These are:

  • Ask if you can call previous customers for references.
  • Do they install leak barriers and drip edges on every roof?
  • What is the cleanup procedure for each job?
  • Will they provide a written contract for the job?
  • What are the payment terms?
  • Will they provide a detailed timeline for the job?

If you’re satisfied with their answers, ask them to visit your property and provide a written estimate, as well as a completion date for the project.

As you research contractors, remember:

  • Be sure to get at least three estimates from different contractors before you hire someone.
  • Make sure you are comparing apples to apples when reviewing the estimates.
  • Take aspects such as warranty, materials and any ongoing maintenance plans into consideration.

Most importantly, choose a contractor who has a reputation for sticking to their project schedule. You don’t want to walk into a construction zone when you arrive for your vacation.

How to Hire a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust

If you are still concerned about how to hire a roofing contractor for your Milwaukee vacation home, there is an easy solution: contact us! You can check out our page of frequently asked questions, or call us to discuss your needs and get a free estimate.

We’re happy to add you to our list of satisfied customers!

What Makes Seamless Gutters the Sensible Choice for Your Home

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Rain gutters are often an unappreciated feature of modern houses. You probably only take notice of them when it’s time to clean them in preparation for the rainy season. But they perform a vital function in protecting your home from water damage.

Do you want to wake up one day to discover that your basement has been flooded? Or worse, your house shows signs of foundation damage because water has eroded into the soil?

House with New Seamless Aluminum Rain Gutters.

You have two choices when it comes to rain gutters: seamless gutters and sectional. Read on to find out why seamless is the obvious choice for your home instead of outdated sectional gutters.

A Tight Seal

Seams are created when gutter sections are put together. These seams are weak points in the defense against water leaks.

In contrast, seamless gutters are a continuous solid length of gutter along any stretch of the roof. These aren’t entirely seamless (because gutters that continue around corners will need seams), but, for the most part, you’ll minimize the weak areas for possible leaks.

You might wonder what’s the big deal with small leaks here and there. What you need to understand is that the damage leaks can do is cumulative. And while you can easily take care of water stains on walls, you risk permanent damage to the siding. Siding replacement on average costs $7,222 for 1,500 square feet for standard vinyl siding.

For total protection versus water leaks, the only solution is to go with seamless.

Less Maintenance

Another disadvantage of the joints in the sectional gutter system is that they tend to trap debris. Leaves, twigs, and even small pests and birds can get caught in the seams.

When this debris accumulates, clogging is inevitable. Then, when water settles in your gutters because of the clogging, it can overflow or freeze during winter. The extra weight from the built-up debris can also cause a strain on the gutters, causing whole sections to fall off. Branches and other sharp objects can cause dents and punctures too.

Long story short: You’re going to deal with more frequent problems when you have sectional gutters. Expect to spend more time and money for gutter repairs.

To avoid all this hassle, choose seamless gutters.

More Aesthetically Pleasing

A house isn’t just a place to live in, it’s also an investment. And one of the ways to improve its curb appeal is to install a seamless gutter system.

Sectional gutters have an uneven look because of all the joints and fasteners. Without seams on the gutters, your house will look more sleek, uniform, and tidy.

You can also choose from a wide variety of materials and colors for seamless. For the material, the options are aluminum, steel, copper, and hybrid alloys of these metals. You can have these painted to match the exterior of your house or you can install gutters with a baked-on enamel finish that doesn’t require painting.

Because seamless requires installation by a professional, you can be assured that the dimensions and measurements will be a perfect fit.

Choosing Seamless Gutters Makes Perfect Sense

Seamless gutters may cost a bit more initially, but they will save you money in the long run. They can last for years, require little maintenance, and can improve the curb appeal of your house.

Contact us for a free estimate.

5 Signs You Need Roof Repair

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When it starts to rain inside, it’s pretty obvious that you need roof repair. However, waiting until this happens is far from ideal. Watch out for these five signs of roof distress so you can stop problems in their tracks before they become a major issue.

contractor installing roof on residence

1. Shingle Buckling or Curling

Buckled shingles are easy to detect. They present as vertical waves running up the slope of your roof. This is most commonly caused by roof age, poor installation, or wet underlayment. Curling shingles are often a result of heat damage or an aging roof.

When your shingles start to buckle or curl, they can easily tear off or break. They are also susceptible to ice and wind damage. Fixing this issue as soon as you notice it may mean the difference between a small roof repair and a full roof replacement.

2. Shingle Granules in Your Gutters

Regularly cleaning out your gutters is a critical home maintenance task. If you find shingle granules in there, it is a good sign that your roof is reaching the end of its life.

Dark spots on your roof or an inconsistent pattern are also indications that your shingles are losing granules. Shingle roofs typically last 20 to 25 years, so a combination of granules and age is a good reason to have your roof inspected.

3. Sagging Roof

If you notice a sagging roof, you need to act right away. You could have structural damage, like a problem with your attic decking or foundation supports.

The use of poor-quality roofing material or improper installation can also be the culprit. If water penetrates the roof and it’s allowed to rot, sagging can result. A roof holding too much weight from snow or ice may also sag—or even collapse.

4. Daylight Showing Through the Ceiling

If you think you may need a new roof, inspect your attic. If there’s light coming through the ceiling, your roof is probably leaking. You can also look for water stains and check to see if your attic insulation is soggy.

In some cases, a leak in the attic is resolved by simply repairing the flashings. Other times, the problem is faulty underlayment. This usually requires a roof replacement.

5. High Energy Bills

A sudden spike in AC or heating costs is often an indication of air leaking out your roof through the attic. If your insulation gets wet from a roof leak, it doesn’t work as effectively. This further increases the energy needed to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

A leaking roof is a problem that isn’t going to get any better on its own. The sooner you address it, the better off you’ll be. The reduced energy expenses will quickly add up, making fast repair well worth the cost.

Do You Need Roof Repair?

If you’ve experienced any of the issues above, you’ll want a professional to check out your roof right away. Delaying can cause further damage, increasing your potential costs.

Looking for an honest roofing company in the Milwaukee area? We’ve got you covered! Contact us today for a free roof evaluation and estimate.

What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Gutter Repair

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The Menomonee Falls area can attribute part of its stunning beauty to its foliage. Yet, it becomes a nuisance every spring and fall when our gutters become packed with leaves. Let the foliage build up too long, and you’ll soon need gutter repair.

You could call the professionals or attempt DIY repairs. Either is a responsible decision for a homeowner—long as they know the basics. So, let’s see how this important maintenance routine is done and the benefits it brings.

man fixing gutters

Basics of Gutter Repair: How It’s Done

Doing a simple swap would make for a speedy repair. But, are home projects ever that easy? A home’s gutters may have many issues. Let’s explore common gutter problems and how they’re solved.

Drips

The sound of rainfall is relaxing but not so much when it clangs against the gutters and downspouts. Here’s a quick fix: Add a rope in the downspout to reduce the noise.

Leaks

Leaks happen when gaps are present in the connecting points of gutters. Fix this problem by removing existing sealer and applying a new coat to the spots.

Punctures

Punctures caused by branches are common if trees are close to the home. Holes will form from weathering and rust depending on the gutter material.

To fix punctures in your gutters, apply a liberal amount of roofing cement to the cleaned area. Then, press a patch made of the gutter material to the area. Allow the area to dry.

Looseness

Weathering and weight cause structural strain leading to loose gutters.

Try hammering the spikes to tighten the areas. Creating a stronger hold by upgrading to hanger brackets can work too.

Dents

Aluminum gutters are easily damaged by branches and expanding ice. This creates an unsightly appearance for the home.

Fix dented gutters by applying pressure and bending the spots back into place.

Overflow

First, ensure the gutters aren’t clogged up from debris and leaves. Then, apply guards and diverters in areas water builds up or crashes when cornering. This will prevent spillage for just a few dollars and minutes of your time.

Routine Gutter Repair and Maintenance: Benefits

What are the benefits of gutter repair? And, what do you avoid by having them serviced frequently?

  • Preventing water damage – Water buildup can seep into your home materials, causing mold and structural damage.
  • Avoiding accidents – Sloppy cleaning can cause a life-threatening fall from a ladder or roof.
  • Improve curb appeal – Attractive gutters add curb appeal, increasing the perceived home value.
  • Saving the siding – Gutters pull water away to prevent peeling paint on the exterior.

Gutters are a staple of home design and convenience. Yet, with our busy, modern lifestyles it can be hard for homeowners to find the time to climb, clean, and repair gutters when their gutters are clogged or malfunctioning. And forgoing routine maintenance can create myriad issues.

In Over Your Head? Call Over The Top Roofing!

It’s easy for Menomonee Falls homeowners to forget about gutter buildup when they’re busy with work, family, and friends. But neglect can quickly cause headaches and worse problems for the home. So, no matter how busy you are, gutter repair should be a top priority!

Whether your gutters need repairs or replacement, Over The Top Roofing can help you with all your gutter needs. Give us a call (414-531-ROOF) and schedule a no-obligation inspection today.