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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Beyond the Studs: Return on Investment (ROI) & Home Remodeling

In this episode of Beyond the Studs, Josh Gauwitz, owner of Legacy Exteriors, talked all about the potential for return on investment (ROI) on home remodeling projects, which is always good news for homeowners. Here’s what Josh had to say … I recently read an article on BankRate.com that talked about all of the “high-yielding” home Improvements people can make that typically yield a solid return on their investment. The article made some good points — things we’ll talk about with homeowners who are looking to remodel or make improvements — and I realized it would be a good topic for Beyond the Studs.  That said, before we dive into what those high yielding projects are, I’d like to point out a few of the remodeling projects that homeowners seem to love, that don’t yield an ROI when selling a home. These are just a few examples of some of the more popular renovations: • Lavish lighting fixtures are a must-have for many of the homeowners we work with • Converting a bedroom into a

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