Winterproof Your Deck Now!

Winter in Madison can be brutal! The fierce cold, snow, and ice makes your deck vulnerable to the elements. Without proper protection, your deck can suffer unnecessary wear and tear, resulting in repairs and even replacement. As professional deck builders, we don’t like to see any deck owner experience this kind of damage! That’s why we want to share 5 tips for winter proofing your deck. We’ve found these strategies to stand up to the fierce winters here in Wisconsin. 1. Remove Debris, Leaves, & Dirt Fallen leaves, pine needles and dirt build up over time and get down in between the floor boards. When bad weather hits, snow and ice then lock in moisture, causing structural damage to your deck. That’s why we recommend thoroughly removing all debris before you do anything else. 2. Clean Your Deck of Mildew Once you’ve removed all the debris,  clean your deck of any mildew accumulation. If you leave it untreated, the mildew becomes slippery, and that’s a fall hazard. Check Lowe’s for a product that combats mildew.

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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: The Wonders of Pella Windows

In this episode of Beyond the Studs, Josh Gauwitz — owner of Legacy Exteriors — talks about windows, specifically the different options a homeowner has especially when it comes to Pella windows. To begin, it’s important to note that we carry many different brands of windows. So we’re not locked into any specific brand, as we like to have the flexibility to provide homeowners with exactly what they are looking for. But Pella windows are definitely one of our staples that we carry because the brand speaks for itself as far as the quality and service they are known for. Our customers love Pella, and we love working with the brand because of their outstanding history. And they have a lot of options inside Pella. There’s the wood line, fiberglass line, and the vinyl line. So there’s a price point for everybody. And there’s a design look for every homeowner, too. Pella offers really great options no matter what line a homeowner chooses.  Let’s talk about some of these different options to help clarify which

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