Roofing 101: The Importance of Leak Barriers

In a nutshell, a leak barrier is a product that works to prevent leaks caused by ice dams and wind-driven rain. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms on the edge of a roof — preventing snow from draining from the roof when it melts. Wind-driven rain is rain that blows horizontally, which can find its way in-between shingles. As you might imagine, it’s best to avoid both of these issues, and this is where leak barriers come into play. WHERE SHOULD LEAK BARRIERS BE INSTALLED? Here is a list of the most at-risk points of a roof that can benefit from leak barriers: Rakes Eaves Around the chimney Valleys, which are the places where two angles of a roofline meet Anywhere fasteners are implemented The perimeter edges of roofing Any low slopes on the roof, because run-off can be more slow in these areas In some cases, it might be good to consider placing leak barriers on your entire roof — depending on things like climate and overall roof slope; since

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Telltale Signs that Your Roof is Not Energy Efficient

Your roofing is an extremely important part of your home, which is why it’s so critical to keep it in good working condition.  In our last article, we talked about the 7 steps to keep your roofing healthy. We’re continuing our discussion on roof health here, pointing out the top signs that your roof may be providing poor energy efficiency by losing heat. Let’s jump right in! Where’s the Snow? Snow on the roof during a Wisconsin winter is normal. And although too much snow could damage your roof (which is why it may need to be carefully removed with a snow roof rake, or by a professional), if the snow is melting as soon as it lands on the roof — this can mean that heat from inside the home is escaping through the roof, making the roof warm enough to melt the snow. This typically occurs because of poor insulation. You Notice Damaged or Missing Shingles Well-crafted asphalt roofing is meant to last between 15 to 30 years. That said, eventually shingles start

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Parts of a GAF Shingle Roofing System

Did you know there are seven parts to a GAF shingle roofing system — including ridge cap shingles, attic ventilation, rooftop accessories, shingles, starter strip shingles, roof deck protection and leak barriers? In this article, we’re going to cover each of these parts, what they look like and where they can be found on a GAF roof. In case you’re not familiar, GAF is America’s number one brand of shingles makers, and it’s the top choice of the Madison-area homeowners we work with because of the outstanding aesthetic, quality, and warranties. The following is just an overview of each part of a GAF shingle roofing system. That said, if you have questions, please reach out! We’re always happy to help answer any questions you may have about your roofing. Let’s get started with our overview … RIDGE CAP SHINGLES Designed to help defend against leaks at the hips and ridges of your roof. ATTIC VENTILATION This goes a long way in helping reduce attic moisture and heat to prolong the life of your roof. ROOFTOP

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Spring Spruce Up, Part 2: When it’s Time for a New Roof

In the first installment of our spring spruce up series, we talked all about siding. In Part 2, we’re shifting our focus to roofing. In this article we’ll share some of the things you’ll want to be aware of if you’re considering a new roof. Whether it’s from damage, age, or you simply want to increase the value of your home, new roofing is a big investment — and doing a little homework now can save you time, energy and money down the road. As with Part 1 of this series, you’ll want to make sure you get multiple estimates, talk with your insurance agent, and understand which are the top brands for each roofing type … GET MULTIPLE ESTIMATES (PROPOSALS) Josh Gauwitz always says, “you don’t have to use us for the project, but you should always get an estimate from us, and at least one other roofing contractor.” It can be tempting to just pick a contractor you feel good about, but multiple estimates can go a long way in helping you make

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Preparing Your Roof for Spring: 5 Steps to Keep Your Roof Healthy

A healthy roof is what keeps the rest of your home protected from the elements, which is why it’s so important to follow some simple steps each spring to see what maintenance, if any, your roof may need. In the following article, we’re going to cover five of the most important steps you can take to keep your roof healthy and extend its lifespan. 1. SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION FROM A PROFESSIONAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR This may sound like a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. To begin, you don’t need to pay for a roof inspection. At Legacy Exteriors, we don’t charge for a roof inspection because we want to make it as easy as possible for a homeowner to keep their roof in tip-top shape. A complimentary inspection gives a homeowner peace of mind without any financial obligation. That said, we also take pictures of any issues we identify during an inspection and share with the homeowner so it’s clear to see what’s happening on the roof. Identifying any damage from the winter —

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