Honesty from the Beginning, Quality until the End

Call today for a FREE Estimate! 414-531-ROOF

Insulation

Five Ways to Prep Your House for Winter

by

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.

Choosing Insulation for Your Wisconsin Home

by

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.

 

 

 

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

by

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.

5 Reasons Why Attic Insulation Should be Left to the Experts

by

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.

4 Signs You need Attic Insulation Removal in Milwaukee

by

What’s the top reason to love your attic insulation? It keeps your home comfortable. Once you learn it’s not doing its job, however, it’s time for attic insulation removal.

The stifling, hot air in the summer and the frigid air in the winter make the attic an afterthought for many homeowners. But don’t forget about it: If the insulation there isn’t meeting performance expectations, it’s time to get rid of it.

worker installing insulation in an attic

Here’s a rundown of four signs you need attic insulation removal right away.

1. Asbestos

This is not a word you want to hear if you own a home. Why? Because if you inhale asbestos fibers, they may cause cancer.

Unfortunately, if your house is on the older side, which means your roof is old, the attic insulation may be old as well. This means a renovation project may end up releasing asbestos from your insulation into your home.

In some situations, it’s best to leave the asbestos alone to keep it from causing issues. However, in other cases, removing it may be inevitable. It’s best that you get an expert recommendation on your options for addressing asbestos in your attic insulation.

2. Moisture

Has the insulation in your attic gotten wet? If so, it’s ruined. And if you leave the problem unaddressed, you may end up harming your own health, too.

Once insulation becomes wet, it can no longer block the transfer of air effectively. On top of that, mold may grow quickly, thus leading to serious health conditions, such as respiratory infections or allergic reactions. So, if you’ve got wet insulation, attic insulation removal is a must.

3. Thermostat Cycling

Another issue you may be facing is thermostat cycling, which is when your thermostat keeps jumping on and off. As a result, your home may feel stuffy one second and then cold the next.

It’s a sign that your home’s thermostat is confused, and the culprit may be subpar insulation in your attic. Get a professional up in your attic to check out the status of the insulation right away.

4. Energy Costs

Are your energy bills growing each month? If so, it’s yet another sign you need to remove your attic insulation. This is especially true if your house has failed an energy audit.

Your spiking energy bills may be the result of inadequate or uneven insulation. In this situation, it’s best to simply get rid of it all and start from scratch. Don’t worry—it’s a move that will literally pay off in the months ahead.

How We Can Help with Attic Insulation Removal

We offer high-quality attic insulation removal and replacement services so that you can keep your energy costs low and your comfort level high. This is particularly critical during the cold winter months, when inadequate insulation can allow heat to escape and thus potentially cause your heating costs to skyrocket.

Get in touch with us to find out more about we can make your home more energy efficient through our reliable Milwaukee insulation services.

5 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Attic Insulation

by

It’s easy to forget about your attic. Most people ignore that this part of the house exists. It’s a cold, forgotten area that isn’t good for much other than storing old objects. But, in fact, shoring up your attic is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Attics without proper insulation can raise heating costs, damage roofs, and weaken the foundation of your house.

Everyone can benefit from keeping their home insulated, especially in the winter months. Here are five reasons why you should invest in attic insulation.

contractor installing thermal insulation in attic

1. Save Money

No one likes to spend money on home renovations. But attic insulation is one of the best financial investments you can make in your home. This is because adding insulation to your attic can lower future energy bills. Heating and cooling costs can add up in a big way, but insulation helps to save hundreds (or thousands) of dollars each year in utilities.

How much can you save? That depends on a number of factors, including the size of your house. Estimates show that insulating your attic can save 10 to 30 percent off your monthly heating bill.

2. Comfort

Let’s face it: Wisconsin winters are rough. But that doesn’t mean you have to freeze from the confines of your home.

Under-insulated homes are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. Attics, in particular, are a huge contributor to heat loss in homes. Houses can become scorching hot or freezing cold in minutes without proper insulation. That’s why insulating your attic can make a big difference in the comfort of your home. You will be less affected by weather changes no matter the time of day.

3. Environmentally Friendly

Are you looking to go green? You might want to consider insulation services because attic insulation helps your home use less energy, reduce waste, and limit pollution. Limiting energy for heating and cooling can make a big impact on your carbon footprint.

In fact, increasing insulation for all single family homes would lead to an annual reduction of 80 million tons of carbon dioxide in the U.S. Obviously, adding insulation to your attic is one of the easiest and most effective ways homeowners can help the environment.

4. Sound Proofing

There’s no shame in wanting some peace and quiet. You don’t want to have to deal with noisy neighbors, a busy road, or annoying city sounds. An easy solution? Just insulate your attic instead. Putting insulation between studs is an easy way to soundproof your home. It can help keep noises out and leave you with some much-needed peace and quiet.

5. Helps Your House

Attic insulation doesn’t just help one part of your house. It helps keep a sturdy foundation and healthy roof.

A poorly insulated attic can cause heat to release into the roof. This can lead to melted snow and added condensation that damage the roof. Poor insulation can also cause pipes to freeze, resulting in added damages and costly repairs. This is why proper insulation can save you big money on roof and pipe repairs. You won’t have to worry about water damage or last second calls to a contractor.

Need Help With Your Attic Insulation?

Are you looking to insulate your attic? We can help.

Our team of experts provide professional attic insulation services in Menomonee Falls and the greater Milwaukee area. Call us today to schedule your free inspection or to get more information on our insulation installation services.