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Roofing

Why You Shouldn’t Wait For Residential Roof Repair On Your Milwaukee Home

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A damaged roof not only puts the rest of your home at risk for additional damages and expensive repairs, but it’s also a safety hazard. It’s especially important to get ahead of residential roof repairs on your Milwaukee home due to extreme winter weather. The last thing you want is to find out you have a leak during a snow or ice storm. Not only will winter conditions make roof repairs more difficult, but they can also make small problems escalate quickly. This will rack up your repair bill and potentially even cause more permanent damage to the rest of your home. To make sure this doesn’t happen, reach out to a dependable Milwaukee roofing company to perform an inspection and make sure everything is in working order before the temperatures drop.

Residential Roof Repairs to Get Ahead Of

Just because you haven’t noticed any obvious signs that you’re in need of residential roof repair services doesn’t mean damages don’t exist. You can perform inspections yourself on the interior and exterior of your home, but if you want to be sure, turning to the experts is safest. Keep an eye out for the following key indicators of the following most popular roof issues for signs that you have a repair you need to get ahead of. 

Shingle Repairs

Missing or damaged shingles need to be replaced immediately. If you notice any of the following signs, your shingles are no longer providing adequate protection to your home:

  • Buckling. When a shingle buckles it has a concaved, wavy appearance. Buckled shingles can easily be torn off if winds are high enough. Buckling usually is the result of aging or poor installation. If you can see that any of your shingles are buckling from the ground, have a residential roof repair company take a look to confirm.
  • Bare spots or missing granules. Shingles that look bare compared to others likely have missing granules. Granules can be washed away over time due to poorly designed drainage systems. 
  • Missing shingles. The absence of shingles compromises the entire structure of your roof. Missing shingles can allow water to enter your attic and weaken your roof. 
  • Curling shingles. Shingles can curl from overheating or old age. If these don’t get replaced they often become rigid causing them to eventually break.

Roof Leaks

Even if you haven’t noticed dripping or puddles of water within your home, that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have a leak. Minor leaks can slowly drip and cause damages over time. This is why an annual roof inspection is wise, as you can’t always see issues just by looking up. One sign you may not have thought to look for is stains on your ceiling. If you notice even the smallest stain, it’s possible there is a leak and your roof needs a closer look. 

Flashing Damage

Roof flashing can appear to be sturdier than shingles or tiles because it’s made out of metal. Though it is designed to be strong, it can show signs of wear and accrue damages over time. Acid rain, wind, hail, severe heat, and heavy snow can all have a negative impact on roof flashing. Indicators of damage include:

  • Small holes.
  • Rust or corrosion.
  • Internal leaks near windows, fireplaces, skylights, or in your attic.
  • Missing pieces.
  • Cracks, dents, or bends.
  • Mold or staining.

Excessive Mold

If you have noticed a musty smell or blotchy stains in your attic you may be dealing with a mold infestation. This could be the sign of a damaged roof or an excess of water due to a blockage. Ice dams, poor insulation, and damaged roofing may cause moisture to seep into your roof and cause root rot and mold growth. Residential roof repair experts have the experience to be able to assess the signs and locate the source causing the mold. If you see any signs or smell something that could be mold, contact a roofing company right away.

Why Not Wait on Residential Roof Repair?

It may be tempting to put off roof repairs because you don’t want to make the expense or think you have enough time before winter comes. However, the longer you wait on repairs, the worse it could get. What may have started as a quick fix could turn into an entire slew of issues that could even surpass the opportunity for repair. 

Over The Top Roofing can help with any and all residential roof repair in Milwaukee you need. Give us a call today to set up an inspection or inquire about services!

When to Seek Out Professional Roof Repair Services

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Turning to professionals for roof repair services is wise for a handful of reasons. Attempting to do the repairs on your own not only introduces safety risks, but it can also be a more costly way to go on your end. Even general building maintenance employees aren’t necessarily experts on roof repair and could do more damage than good. No matter how talented of a ‘do it yourself-er’ you are, repairs, inspections, and other roof-related projects are best handled by professionals. 

If you have noticed problems with your roof or require an inspection, here is why seeking help from a professional roof repair service is key. 

Benefits & Considerations

Safety

Roof inspections and repairs can put you at risk for injury. The most common injuries related to roofing are falls, stepping on weak spots of the roof, or mishandling of repair tools. Avoid accidents and injuries by seeking out a professional roof repair service who has experience avoiding these events.

Material Costs

The costs for materials will basically be the same if you do the repairs yourself or you hire a contractor. The difference lies in the lack of knowledge of roof repair. People often end up spending more money to hire a contractor to not only fix their mistakes but the pre-existing problems as well.

Expertise in Roof Repair Services

A sturdy dependable roof is the result of skilled workmanship and expertise. It’s difficult to identify underlying problems, such as issues with your roof structure, without having that experienced eye.

Full Inspection Awareness

Professional contractors know how to properly inspect your roof and notice issues that may require repair or lead to future roof damage. With access to a wide range of tools, equipment, and technology, identifying and repairing issues is a smooth process for them. 

Convenience of Roof Repair Services

Roof maintenance and repair projects can be incredibly time-consuming. The process can become even longer due to bad weather, inexperience, or lack of correct equipment for the job. Keep your focus on your daily routine and priorities and let the professionals fix your roofing problems. They will do it faster and more thoroughly than you, and it won’t interfere with your daily life.

Warranty Issues

Most manufacturers put warranties on their roofing materials and they’re only valid when installed professionally. In those cases, if you perform roof repairs without a professional, you risk damaging the materials and losing your warranty. Trained professionals who regularly perform roof repair services will do so without error and your warranty validity will remain intact.

Insurance Problems 

Insurance companies will typically only cover structural damages that result from nature. Doing roof maintenance yourself risks the creation of even more damage that will not be covered by insurance. If your insurance company finds out that you tried fixing your roof without the help of professional roof repair services, it may even cancel your policy.

Roof Lifespan

A roof can last up to 50 years or more if it’s taken care of properly. Professional roof inspections and repairs are the key to maintaining your roof’s integrity. Also, maintenance procedures like cleaning your roof and gutters, receiving an inspection twice a year, and expertly done roof repairs keep you from spending more money down the road. 

We Offer Roof Repair Services in Milwaukee

As you can see, hiring a professional for roof repair services is going to be most beneficial to you in the long run. If you’re in Milwaukee and need help with your roof, we’re here for you! Contact Over The Top Roofing & Construction for roofing services today.

Five Ways to Prep Your House for Winter

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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. 

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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.

Roofing & Construction 201

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Owning a home is not as glamorous as the media has it out to be. It requires a lot of time and effort. Researching a project in order to DIY is confusing, time-consuming and dangerous if not completed correctly. So, it is crucial that you hire a professional. To better understand what we do, here are some answers to some tough questions. Welcome to Roofing and Construction 201! 

What are Brick Veneers? 

Veneers are overlays of brick attached to the traditional wall structure and joint together with cement-like mortar. So, what looks like a solid brick house from the outside is truly just a traditionally built structure on the inside. 

In this way, brick veneers are a modernized take on solid brick structures. Veneer work has a quicker assembly time and is much less expensive than a solid brick wall. Moreover, cavities in their frames can be insulated for better energy performance to save you even more money. At the same time, they have the same look and low maintenance as a solid brick wall. 

 

What is Tuckpointing? 

Tuckpointing is another little-known masonry technique but is also fairly common. It is the term used to describe the process of clearing away old mortar and replacing it. Since the procedure cuts away at a building’s structure, it is important that a complete assessment is done beforehand. This determines where the mortar needs to be repaired. 

 

What is soffit? 

Soffit is the siding on the underside of a roof’s overhang. It is seen close to your home or while you are underneath it. Soffit takes on the same color scheme as the home’s siding and can be made out of aluminum, wood, and vinyl. Due to Wisconsin’s weather, it is best to opt for vinyl soffit. 

Having the correct soffit is crucial to your attic’s structural integrity. The correct soffit should offer venting between your roof and attic so moisture can escape and mold is avoided. At the same time, it should help release heat during the summer months and keep wasps and other animals away. 

 

What Part of the House is the Fascia? 

Although some people may think fascia is the same as soffit, it should be known that they are starkly different. Fascia is directly above soffit and below the gutters. It is the board on the front of a roof’s overhang. Like soffit, fascia is made out of wood, aluminum, or vinyl. It is important to maintain your home’s fascia so that gutters, roof tiles, and shingles stay in place.  

 

What is Flashing? 

Flashing is a thin sheet used to prevent water seepage into a building. Most flashing materials are made out of aluminum, copper, zinc alloy and stainless steel.  And although these materials are very durable they do weather away if not taken care of. Maintenance is especially important at structure joints such as chimneys, vent pipes, walls, windows, and door openings. With the proper upkeep, moisture and mold will stay away from the inside. 

 

In Conclusion…Roofing & Construction 201 Final Exam

We hope you have studied! This one is a doozy! 

Although owning a home requires more work than what it seems, it is worth it in the end. Taking care of a home is rewarding. It is what keeps you safe and warm from the elements. And you now know useful information to maintain all areas of the home’s structure.  So you will be fine! Anyways, you do not have to do it by yourself. We are here to help with your masonry, siding, roofing, and construction. We will help you pass Roofing & Construction 201. Contact us with any questions. 

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.

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.