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.
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 overallperformance. But before choosing a window style, glass package, or color, there’s another importantdecision 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 alreadythere—not simply covering up potential problems. What Is an Insert
Why 6-Inch Gutters Are Becoming the NewStandard for Wisconsin Homes
When most homeowners think about protecting their home, they focus on the roof, siding, or windows. Butone of the most important systems defending your home against water damage is often overlooked—thegutters. Every year, Wisconsin homeowners deal with basement moisture, foundation issues, landscape erosion, andsiding 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 gutters to 6-inch seamlessgutters. The
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
Honoring Service This Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a time to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served our country. It is a day of remembrance, gratitude, and respect for those who gave so much to protect the freedoms we enjoy. For many families, Memorial Day weekend also marks the unofficial start of summer. Communities gather, families spend time outdoors, and homes begin to open up again after a long Wisconsin winter. While the long weekend often brings barbecues and time with loved ones, it is also
What’s the Best Roofing Material for Wisconsin Homes? A Guide for Madison Area Homeowners
Choosing the right roofing material is a bigger decision in Wisconsin than in many other parts of the country. Between heavy snow, summer storms, hail, and constant temperature swings, your roof needs to do more than just look good. It needs to perform year after year. For homeowners in Madison and the surrounding areas, the best roofing material often comes down to a balance of durability, appearance, and long-term value. Below, we break down the most common roofing options and how they fit the needs of homes across southern Wisconsin.
Eco-Friendly Roofing Options for Wisconsin Homeowners
Every year on April 22, Earth Day reminds us to think about the impact our choices have on the environment. For homeowners in Wisconsin, sustainability often starts with things like energy-efficient windows or improved insulation. But your roof plays a bigger role than many people realize. If you’re planning an exterior project this year, choosing an eco-friendly roofing system is one of the most practical ways to reduce long-term environmental impact while strengthening your home against Wisconsin’s demanding climate. What Makes a Roof Eco-Friendly? Not all “green” products are created