• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Honesty from the Beginning, Quality until the End

Call today for a FREE Estimate! 414-531-ROOF
  • Services
    • Roofing Contractors Serving Milwaukee, WI
    • Gutters
    • Construction
    • Chimneys
    • Insulation
    • Masonry
    • Financing
  • Team
  • Gallery
  • FAQs
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact

Gutters

Five Ways to Prep Your House for Winter

November 26, 2019 by Over the Top Roof

Winter is Wisconsin the most grueling time for a home. Insulation is put to the test to keep your family warm. Your chimney’s structural integrity works double-time. Precipitation and debris put your roof and gutters at risk. Not to mention that there is a higher risk for a fire and carbon monoxide leak. Read on to learn the five ways to prep your house for winter. 

#1 Inspect Your Insulation

Insulation keeps your warm air inside during the winters and cool air during the summers. And although insulation might not always be seen, it is in almost every area of the house. The attic, however, is the most important to keep insulated and prepared for winter. This is mainly because heat rises into the attic. If your house is not properly insulated, your family won’t be warm and your energy bills will skyrocket. Choosing the correct insulation for your attic and installing it yourself can be difficult and risky. Homeowners should contact a professional.

#2 Check Your Chimney

Checking your chimney is a good idea at any time, but it is imperative before a harsh winter. Debris and precipitation can eat away at the structural integrity of the chimney and create air leaks over time. A specialist should take care of these leaks, as well as the chimney damper. This way, rooftop accidents are avoided,  little to no heating and cooling will escape, and your energy bill will decrease. 

#3 Maintain Your Gutters

Much like your chimney, debris and weather can take a toll on your gutters. Fall leaves get stuck inside gutters, making them impassible for water and snow. 

Image may contain: text

If this happens water can roll off and flow down your house, which can lead to exterior and foundation issues. This process during the winter puts your house at risk of ice dams. With enough damage over time, gutters will need to be replaced. 

#4 Prevent and Repair Roof Damage

Repairing roof damage can be an ongoing project if the right preventions are not taken. Branches and leaves can pile up and create damage over time. So, keep an eye on any trees, especially sick and dying ones, as they pose a threat to your house. Wetness and snow can make an already treacherous roof dangerous, so hire a professional if you notice any problems. 

#5 Review Your Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

Believe it or not, most fires and carbon monoxide poisonings happen during colder months. This is due to increased chimney and furnace use. Houses are sealed up tight and toxic gases in your heating agents become a serious hazard. Therefore, detectors must be checked once a month. You can easily do this to keep your family safe. For more DIY projects to prep your house for winter, check out MoneyTalks News.

Filed Under: Chimneys, Construction, Gutters, Insulation, Roofing Tagged With: Chimney, Construction, Gutters, Insulation, Masonry, Roofing, Winter, Wisconsin

Roof Maintenance Tips to Get Through Winter in Wisconsin

February 28, 2019 by Over the Top Roof

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.

Filed Under: Gutters, Roofing

How an Ice Dam Can Affect Your Wisconsin Home

January 20, 2019 by Over the Top Roof

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.

Filed Under: Gutters

5 Ways Blocked Gutters Can Cause Damage to Your Home

September 12, 2018 by Over the Top Roof

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!

 

Filed Under: Gutters

5 Gutter Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

August 15, 2018 by Over the Top Roof

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.

Filed Under: Gutters

What Makes Seamless Gutters the Sensible Choice for Your Home

April 16, 2018 by Over the Top Roof

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.

Filed Under: Gutters

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Services

  • Roofing Contractors Serving Milwaukee, WI
  • Gutters
  • Construction
  • Chimneys
  • Insulation
  • Masonry

Footer


Over The Top Roofing & Construction, Inc. BBB Business Review National Roofing Contractors Association Metropolitan Builders Association National Association of the Remodeling Industry Shingle Master Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
Sitemap

 
 
Address: N59W14464 Bobolink Ave, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

Follow us on social media!