Roofing in Twin Lakes, WI

It depends on your municipality. Some Wisconsin municipalities list reroofing among required permits, and others exempt it. Some ordinances also say that replacing more than 25 percent of a roof covering in a year means the whole covering has to meet code. Permits and inspections go through your local village, town or city, and we walk you through them.

Isolated damage, like a few lifted shingles or a failed flashing, can often be repaired. Widespread curling, bare spots, repeated leaks or rotted decking usually point toward replacement. Recovering over old shingles is an option only on a sound deck, and most codes allow no more than two roof coverings. We look at the roof and the attic, explain what we see and give a free written estimate. If a repair makes sense, we will say so.

Ice buildup at the eaves usually starts with heat leaking into the attic, which melts snow that then refreezes at the cold edge. Michigan State Extension and a University of Minnesota study point to air leaks, thin insulation and weak ventilation as the causes. Focus on Energy recommends R-49 or more in Wisconsin attics. An ice barrier membrane along the eaves helps stop leaks but does not cure the cause. Ask any roofer how they plan to address it on your house.

Ask about license and insurance (we are licensed, insured and bonded), and how they handle the deck, flashing, ice protection and ventilation. Ask what is going under the shingles at the eaves and in valleys, which wind class the shingle carries, and whether the written estimate lists it all. A specific, plain answer is a good sign. If a contractor will not put it in writing, keep looking.

Older homes can hide surprises, like thin or rotted sheathing, worn flashing and, in some cases, asbestos-cement roofing or shingles, which EPA lists among materials found in older houses. Do not cut, scrape or break suspect material yourself. A qualified professional can sample and test it, and we will talk through what we find before the plan changes.

Roofing goes on in many conditions, but cold, wet or icy weather can slow the work. Asphalt shingles get less flexible below about 40 degrees F and crack more easily, and their seal strips need warmth to bond, so crews sometimes hand-seal in cold weather. Spring through fall gives more room to schedule. A leak should not wait for the right season, though. Call (262) 758-7007 and we will talk through next steps.