5 Effective Ways to Protect Your Roof This Winter

The harsh winters can result in weather-related roofing damage, and that’s an occurrence you don’t want! As roofing contractors, we’ve seen how Old Man Winter can wreak havoc, even with the technological advance in roofing materials. To safeguard your roof from costly spring repairs, we’ve got 5 effective ways to protect it this winter. 1. Don’t Let Snow Accumulate on Your Roof Snow adds weight to your roof which can put pressure on weak spots, causing them to fail. That’s why removing it as soon as you can is advisable. But besides the added weight, snow can form ice dams as it melts. This constant cycle of melting and refreezing can be harmful to  your roof because melting snow finds vulnerable cracks, then refreezes, causing the water to expand. We don’t recommend trying to  remove snow on your own. It can be dangerous work. Have either a roofing contractor help with the removal, or investigate the option of hiring a professional to add a heat cable to melt snow away easily! 2. Have a Well-Insulated

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Dealing with Hail Damage & Roof Repair

In this episode of Beyond the Studs, Josh Gauwitz, owner of Legacy Exteriors, spoke all about hail damage, which is top of mind after the nasty weather we had in Madison and Sun Prairie, WI, late last month. Here’s what Josh had to share … We’re getting a lot of calls from homeowners who were affected by the hail damage in Madison and Sun Prairie. It took a lot of people by surprise, and now they’re in need of roof repair, and some need siding repair. It may sound surprising, but it’s not always obvious whether or not your roof has hail damage, and I wanted to talk about this a bit. Whether you can see hail damage or not, after your neighborhood has experienced a hail storm (in this case it was severe), it’s always a good idea to have an inspection conducted by a professional. With Legacy Exteriors, we offer free estimates — or in this case inspections — to determine what exactly (if anything) is going on with your roof. We believe

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5 Foolproof Strategies for Extending the Lifespan of Asphalt Roofing

The lifespan of asphalt roofing is typically between 15 and 30 years. This variance in longevity can be attributed to several factors — climate, extreme weather conditions, quality of roofing materials used, etc. — that are often out of the homeowner’s control. However, that doesn’t mean you’re powerless in the fight for your roof’s preservation. By following the five strategies outlined below, you can help extend the service life of your asphalt roof and maximize this ever-important investment. 1. Keep your gutters and roof debris-free When debris is allowed to collect in your gutters, water is unable to properly drain. This excess moisture further stresses roofing and shingles, even potentially causing the edges of your roof decking to rot. Sitting debris on the roof itself is also a concern, as it leads to saturated shingles and, ultimately, a shorter lifespan for your asphalt roofing. Be sure to clean your gutters at least 1-2 times annually and remove any sitting debris as soon as it’s spotted. 2. Cut down overhanging branches Mature trees near your house

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6 Sure Signs Asphalt Roofing Needs Attention

Chances are you haven’t walked around on your roof lately. So, it’s not always easy to know when it’s time to replace your asphalt roofing. Still, your roof can give you clues if you know what to look for. Here’s our expert advice. Here are 6 sure signs asphalt roofing needs attention: 1. Roof Age As your roof ages, the asphalt shingles develop signs of wear and tear. Some of the more common signs you could have a roofing problem are: Curling or shrinking shingles Shingles are discolored Sagging shingles along the ridge or other areas You see moss or algae growth Shingles lose granules or you see granules in your gutters If you see any of these signs, your asphalt shingles are aging out and need the attention of a roofing contractor. 2. Peeling or Cracked Paint There are many causes for peeling, cracking paint inside your home, but one of the main causes is excess moisture. If you see any signs of paint peeling or cracking, it’s a good idea to get a

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Beyond The Studs: 7 Questions Homeowners Should Ask When Choosing an Exterior Remodeling Company

In this episode of Beyond the Studs – Josh Gauwitz – owner of Legacy Exterior, shares (and answers) the essential questions that every homeowner should ask when choosing an exterior remodeling company. Josh describes, in detail, how each question affects him in his business and how each question will affect homeowners during their process.  Here’s what Josh had to say… Before we get into the questions, I want to remind homeowners of something that’s easily forgotten in the whirlwind process of remodeling: you are hiring an expert to perform a service. You don’t need to be an expert in that service to set clear expectations from the start.  While you may not know all the ins and outs of exteriors, you are still interviewing the company or contractor to determine if they can help you achieve your vision for your home. Some contractors will try to dazzle or steamroll their way into a contract. But with these questions in your back pocket, you can ensure that you’re working with a professional who wants to do

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