Serving Madison, Dane County, & Southern WI
Expert Advice for Smarter Homeowners
Explore expert insights, seasonal maintenance tips, remodeling guides, and exterior renovation advice designed to help Wisconsin homeowners protect, improve, and invest in their homes with confidence.
How Much Do Replacement Windows Cost in the Greater MadisonArea? (2026 Price Guide)
Window replacement is one of those projects where the range of prices you’ll find online is almost useless on its own — because window replacement cost depends heavily on window type, material, size, installation method, and how many you’re replacing at once. This guide breaks down real numbers and the factors that move them, so you can budget with confidence before you ever request a window replacement quote. The Short Answer For a standard vinyl double-hung window installed, most Madison homeowners can expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000
What Does a New Roof Really Cost in Madison, WI? (2026 Price Guide)
If you’ve started researching the cost to replace a roof, you’ve probably noticed the numbers online areall over the place — $8,000 on one site, $30,000 on another. That’s because roof replacement cost depends on more variables than most homeowners realize, and because national averages don’t reflect what’s actually happening in the Madison market right now. This guide breaks down what actually drives the price, what to realistically expect, and how to get a number you can actually plan around. The Short Answer For a typical single-family home in the
Your Fall Exterior Inspection Checklist Before Wisconsin Winter Hits
Wisconsin winters aren’t gentle on a home’s exterior. Between freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and the ice dams that form along Madison-area rooflines every year, fall is the window to catch small problems before they become expensive ones. A thorough fall inspection — roof, gutters, siding, windows, and doors — is the cheapest insurance you can buy against a rough winter. Here’s what to check before the first hard freeze, and what each item is really protecting you from. 1. Roof: Catch Small Damage Before It Becomes Roof Damage Repair
Full-Frame vs. Insert Replacement Windows: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Replacing your windows can improve your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, appearance, and overall performance. But before choosing a window style, glass package, or color, there’s another important decision to make: Should your new windows be installed as full-frame replacements or inserts? Both methods can be effective, but they are very different approaches to window replacement. Understanding the difference can help you make a more informed decision for your home. At The Exteriors Company, we believe the best window installation starts with evaluating what’s already there—not simply covering up potential problems.
Why 6-Inch Gutters Are Becoming the New Standard for Wisconsin Homes
When most homeowners think about protecting their home, they focus on the roof, siding, or windows. But one of the most important systems defending your home against water damage is often overlooked—the gutters. Every year, Wisconsin homeowners deal with basement moisture, foundation issues, landscape erosion, and siding stains caused by overflowing gutters. In many cases, the problem isn’t that the gutters are damaged — they simply aren’t large enough to handle the amount of water coming off today’s roofs. That’s one reason why more homeowners are upgrading from traditional 5-inch
Mid Summer Home Exterior Checklist: What Every Homeowner Should Inspect Before Fall
Summer often feels like the perfect time to enjoy your home, but it is also one of the best times to inspect your home’s exterior. By mid summer, your home has likely endured months of rain, wind, hail, fluctuating temperatures, and intense sunlight. Small problems that go unnoticed now can become expensive repairs once fall and winter weather arrive. Completing a thorough home exterior inspection now can help you identify issues early, extend the life of your home’s exterior, and protect your investment. Here are the key areas every homeowner
How Siding Replacement Improves Energy Efficiency and Boosts Curb Appeal
Your home’s siding does much more than create a beautiful first impression. It serves as one of your home’s primary defenses against Wisconsin’s changing weather while helping improve energy efficiency and protecting the structure underneath. If your siding is cracked, faded, warped, or showing signs of age, investing in siding replacement can provide long-term benefits that go far beyond appearance. Siding Is Your Home’s Protective Barrier Your siding is exposed to sun, rain, snow, wind, and fluctuating temperatures every day. Over time, even quality materials begin to wear down. Damaged
Roofing and Siding in Madison: What Local Homes Face Each Year
Madison homes experience a little bit of everything. Heavy snow. Freeze and thaw cycles. Strong spring winds. Summer humidity. Sudden thunderstorms. Intense UV exposure. Homes near Lakes Mendota and Monona even experience additional moisture exposure throughout the year. All of that directly impacts your roofing and siding. Understanding what local homes face each year can help you plan maintenance, repairs, and replacements more proactively instead of reactively. Winter: Snow Load and Freeze-Thaw Cycles Madison winters are not subtle. Snow accumulation combined with fluctuating temperatures can stress exterior materials. For roofing
From Storm to Solution: Navigating Roof Damage and Insurance
Storms are part of life in Wisconsin. High winds, hail, heavy rain, and sudden temperature shifts can all take a toll on your roof. What many homeowners don’t realize is that storm damage is not always obvious from the ground. And when damage does occur, navigating the insurance process can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect makes all the difference. Not All Storm Damage Is Visible After a strong storm, it is natural to look up at your roof and assume everything is fine if you do not see missing