Homeowner guides

Storm damage restoration

Roof repair or roof replacement: how to decide

How to tell whether your roof needs a repair or a full replacement: its age, the damage, leaks, the roof deck and your plans.

Signs of hail and wind damage on your roof, and what to do first

What hail and wind damage looks like on shingles, gutters, siding and windows, and the first steps to take after a storm.

Asphalt, metal or stone-coated steel roofing: how they compare

How asphalt shingles, metal and stone-coated steel roofing compare on look, durability and upkeep, plus synthetic tile and wood shake.

Commercial and flat roofing: TPO and EPDM explained

What TPO and EPDM membrane roofs are, how they differ and are installed, and how to choose for a commercial building or a home.

Choosing siding: vinyl, fiber cement, steel or cedar

How vinyl, fiber cement, steel and cedar siding compare on look, durability and upkeep, plus shake and board and batten styles.

Ice dams in Minnesota and Wisconsin winters: causes and prevention

Why ice dams form along the edge of your roof, how they cause leaks, what to do about one, and how the attic and roof help prevent them.

Seamless gutters and gutter guards: do you need them?

What seamless gutters are, how gutter guards work, whether your home needs them, and the gutter problems to watch for.

Window replacement: when it's time and what to look for

Signs your windows need replacing, how to read energy ratings, the common window styles, and what to ask before you replace them.

What to expect during a roof replacement, step by step

A roof replacement step by step: the estimate, choosing materials, getting the house ready, tear-off, installation and cleanup.

Working with your insurance after storm damage

The usual steps after hail or wind damage: documenting it, contacting your insurer, the adjuster's visit, the estimate and the work.