Snow guards are used on rooftops to help snow and ice melt completely and drift off your metal roof in small amounts, rather than all at once. Without snow guards, your roof may be vulnerable to “roof avalanches.” A roof avalanche is the sudden release of snow and ice all at once, which can cause damage to your gutters, lower roof area, skylights, and any other objects or people below your roof.
Snow guards are installed on a metal roof in two ways: with an adhesive or mechanically fastened with a clamp.
If your roof shows signs of aging and/or has suffered storm damage, leaks, or other problems, it may be a good idea to consider replacing it. Replacing an older, damaged, or failing roof, rather than repeatedly paying for roof repairs, can be worth the investment whether you intend to stay in your home for several decades or plan to sell soon.
A leaky roof is one of the most common reasons homeowners need roof repairs or re-roofing. If you’ve seen water stains inside your home that run across ceilings or run down your walls, the cause could be a leaky roof. Finding the source of the roof leak can often be tricky, but a licensed roofing contractor can help with the process.
If you’re deciding between a roof repair or roof replacement, then it’s likely your roof has either deteriorated in appearance and/or has suffered other physical damage.
If your siding has begun to rot or crumble, then it is no longer protecting the outside of your home. In some cases, you may be able to repair only the affected area; however, if the rot has spread across the exterior, all of the siding would have to be replaced.
Cracks and gaps in damaged siding can cause rot that could lead to mold and moisture and damage interior walls like cracks, paint chipping, and condensation in interior walls.
Gutters
Roofs
Decks
Sidewalks
Patios
Driveways
Siding
Parking lots
Cladding
Pressure washing clean surfaces, reduce allergies, minimizes hazards, and improve aesthetics.
Demolition involves tearing down rooms, buildings, or structures to make room for new ones. The entire structure is brought to the ground, sparing nothing at all. Demolition is not a simple process; there is a great deal of planning, skill, knowledge, technology, engineering, and cost involved in bringing down a building/structure/house/room.
Renovation means repairing by upgrading something. A space or building involves fixing or improving it to make it look new or depict a particular style and design.
Consider these factors:
What is your budget?
What are your long-term goals with your property?
Do you plan to sell?
Will you live in the space once you decide on the best course of action? Will you do the work yourself or hire a contractor/home builder to do the job?
Will the job require a permit?
Do you have a time constraint on the work being completed?
There are many factors when deciding this. In most common situations, renovating a space/room/home is more cost-efficient and less time-consuming.
If you need new gutters for your home, you have several options:
Gutter styles: Seamless, regular, and sectional gutters.
Material options: Aluminum, copper, vinyl, and steel.
Both seamless and regular gutters are designed to protect your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from your foundation and basement. However, they differ in how they are constructed and installed.
Seamless gutters are continuous gutters typically made from aluminum, copper, painted steel, or zinc. They are custom-made to fit your home’s exact measurements and formed on-site using a specialized, truck-mounted roll-forming machine.
Because seamless gutters have no joints along their straight runs, the potential for leaks is significantly reduced. They only require connections at corners and downspouts, making them one of the most popular and reliable gutter options.
HH Improvements installs custom seamless gutters designed to fit your home.
Sectional gutters are made from smaller pieces that connect using joints, seals, or connectors. They are often less expensive upfront and can be easier for homeowners or general contractors to install.
However, every connection creates another potential area for leaks. Over time, joints and seals can deteriorate, requiring additional maintenance, repairs, and sometimes replacement.
Sectional gutters may also require more upkeep to maintain their appearance and performance.
Seamless gutters offer several advantages over traditional sectional systems:
Fewer leaks: Fewer joints mean fewer opportunities for water to escape.
Custom fit: Each gutter is measured and formed specifically for your home.
Less maintenance: Fewer connections mean fewer areas that require regular inspection and repair.
Long-lasting durability: Continuous metal sections provide a dependable gutter system.
Clean appearance: Their uniform design creates a finished look along your roofline.
Although seamless gutters are not completely leakproof, they are significantly less likely to develop leaks along their runs than sectional gutters.
While experienced DIY homeowners can install sectional gutters, seamless gutters require specialized equipment and professional installation.
When choosing between regular and seamless gutters, every homeowner has different needs and priorities. However, we highly recommend seamless gutters for their durability, reduced maintenance, and ability to minimize leaks over time.
Seamless aluminum gutters are available in a wide variety of colors, making it easy to match your existing trim, roof, or home exterior. They offer a clean, finished appearance and are a popular choice for homeowners looking for a durable, low-maintenance gutter system.
Aluminum and copper gutters are both strong and resistant to rust. With regular maintenance, traditional copper and aluminum gutters can last for several decades. Aluminum gutters are available in a wide range of colors, so painting usually isn’t necessary. Many manufacturers offer colors that coordinate with popular siding colors, making it easier to complement your home’s exterior.
Sectional gutter systems connect smaller sections to create longer gutter runs. Their potential weak points include the material itself and the joints where individual sections connect.
Rust is a common concern with steel sectional gutters. When steel is exposed to moisture and the elements, it can rust over time. Eventually, corrosion may cause leaks and lead to gutter failure.
Steel is one of the strongest gutter materials, making it suitable for areas that experience heavy rain, snow, and other extreme weather conditions. However, steel can rust when exposed to moisture. Steel sectional gutters can also be heavy, making installation more challenging. Steel gutters are commonly used on commercial buildings.
Steel is another option for sectional gutters and offers strength and reliability when exposed to challenging weather conditions, including falling roof debris, ice, and snow.
Vinyl gutters are growing in popularity because they do not rust, are relatively easy to install, do not require painting, and need little aesthetic maintenance. If you’re working with a tight budget, vinyl gutters are often one of the most economical options.
Vinyl is a material used in sectional gutter systems. Its lightweight construction makes installation easier, and its variety of colors can help complement your home’s exterior.
However, durability is a primary concern with vinyl gutters. Prolonged exposure to heat, intense cold, and changing weather conditions can cause them to deteriorate and crack. Heavy rain, ice, and snow can also put stress on the system. Although vinyl gutters are lightweight and may be easier to install yourself, they generally lack the strength and durability of some metal alternatives. Over time, exposure to sunlight and winter weather can cause vinyl gutters to warp and become brittle.
Need help choosing the right gutters for your home? HH Improvements can help you find a gutter solution that fits your home’s needs. Give us a call at (920) 904-6999 to discuss your project.
Gutter guards are one way to protect your home from damage. Gutters are a catch-all for twigs, dirt, roof runoff, and other outdoor grime. Without regular cleaning or protection, your gutters fill with heavy muck that can cause severe damage if left unchecked. Your home’s gutters are an investment meant to protect your home by diverting rain away from your house. But when clogged, gutters won’t work as well as they should.
And with too much clogging, your gutters can bend or, worse, detach from your roof.
Gutter guards are a cover placed over the tops of your gutters; the cover keeps most debris out of your gutters while allowing water to get in and drain away from your house.
If you have large trees and much foliage hanging over your gutters, gutter guards can help block larger falling leaves or twigs.
HH Improvements only installs Leaf Blaster Pro micro-mesh leaf guards with a 40-year warranty.
There are several types of gutter guards available, each designed to keep leaves and debris out of your gutters. However, not all gutter protection systems offer the same level of performance, durability, or maintenance.
At HH Improvements, we install Leaf Blaster Pro micro-mesh gutter guards because they provide excellent debris filtration while allowing water to flow freely into your gutters.
Micro-mesh gutter guards use a fine mesh screen to keep leaves, pine needles, seeds, and other small debris out of your gutters while allowing rainwater to pass through.
The smaller openings provide better filtration than traditional screens, helping reduce clogs and the need for frequent gutter cleaning.
HH Improvements exclusively installs Leaf Blaster Pro micro-mesh gutter guards. This premium gutter protection system is designed for dependable performance and is backed by a 40-year warranty.
For Wisconsin homeowners looking for reliable, long-term gutter protection, Leaf Blaster Pro is our recommended choice.
Metal screen gutter guards attach to the outer edge of your gutters and use perforated openings to keep larger debris out. They are generally inexpensive and relatively easy to install.
However, larger openings can allow smaller debris, such as pine needles and seeds, to enter the gutter. Debris can also collect on top of the screens, requiring regular cleaning and maintenance.
Reverse curve gutter guards cover the top of the gutter and use a curved design to direct water into the gutter while allowing leaves and larger debris to fall away.
Although this design can keep out larger debris, performance may be affected during heavy rainfall when water cannot enter the gutter quickly enough. Some systems can also be difficult to clean and maintain.
Sponge gutter guards sit inside the gutter, allowing water to pass through the material while blocking larger debris.
However, smaller debris can become trapped in the sponge. Over time, seeds, mold, and mildew can develop, potentially creating additional maintenance problems.
Bottlebrush gutter guards feature upright bristles that allow water to flow through while catching larger leaves and debris.
Unfortunately, smaller debris, including pine needles and maple seeds, can become trapped in the bristles. Leaves may also accumulate on top of the guards, requiring frequent cleaning. Removing debris can be difficult because the entire brush system may need to be taken out.
Not all gutter guards provide the same level of protection. When choosing a system, consider how well it filters small debris, handles heavy rainfall, and holds up over time.
At HH Improvements, we recommend and install Leaf Blaster Pro micro-mesh gutter guards to help protect your gutter system and reduce ongoing maintenance.
We also install durable 6-inch seamless aluminum gutters, a popular choice for Wisconsin homes because of their capacity, durability, and ability to handle Midwest weather.
Soffit is the material covering the underside of your roof’s overhang, connecting the roofline to your home’s exterior walls. While it adds a finished appearance to your home, soffit also plays an important role in protecting your roof and maintaining proper attic ventilation.
Vented soffit allows fresh air to circulate through your attic, helping regulate temperatures and reduce moisture buildup that can lead to mold and other damage. Properly installed soffit also helps keep insects, birds, and small animals out of your attic.
Soffit materials include aluminum, wood, and vinyl. For Wisconsin homes, aluminum is our preferred choice. It is durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to moisture. Vinyl is not an ideal option for Wisconsin’s climate because extreme temperature changes can cause it to expand, contract, become brittle, and crack over time.
Fascia is the exposed board running along the lower edge of your roof, directly above the soffit. It gives your roofline a clean, finished appearance and provides the mounting surface for your gutters.
Fascia needs to remain strong and properly maintained to support gutters and protect the edge of your roof from moisture damage. Damaged fascia can lead to loose gutters, water infiltration, and costly repairs.
Aluminum fascia is the preferred choice for Wisconsin homes because it resists moisture, won’t rot, and stands up well to changing Midwest weather conditions.
Soffit and fascia do much more than improve your home’s curb appeal. Together, they help protect your roofline and maintain your home’s exterior.
Proper ventilation: Soffit helps maintain airflow through your attic, reducing excess heat and moisture.
Moisture protection: Good ventilation helps prevent condensation and mold growth.
Pest prevention: Properly installed soffit helps keep insects and animals out of your attic.
Gutter support: Strong fascia provides a secure mounting surface for gutters, helping direct rainwater and snowmelt away from your home.
At HH Improvements, we provide professional soffit and fascia installation and replacement throughout Dodge, Columbia, Washington, and Fond du Lac counties.
We recommend aluminum soffit and fascia for Wisconsin homeowners looking for durable, low-maintenance protection against Midwest weather.
Whether you need repairs or a complete replacement, we’re here to help.
Why are Soffit and Fascia Are Important for My Home?
Soffit and Fascia keep your home energy efficient home as soffit has venting that helps keep a steady airflow between your roof and attic. Your attic needs to be well ventilated or else moisture can build up causing mold to form. The last thing you want in your home is mold.
Aside from keeping moisture out, soffit helps release heat from your attic during the hot summer months.
Soffit also helps keep animals and insects out of your home. Bees and wasps love to nestle up in soffit, so you need to keep it maintained to prevent them from invading. It’s important to make sure your soffit has no cracks or holes in it and if it does, you must repair or replace it right away.
Why Is Fascia Important?
Fascia consists of the long straight board along the lower edge of the roof, so how can it be so important? For starters, it’s the last line of support for the lower edge of the bottom row of roof tiles or shingles.
Plus, it’s what your gutters are installed on. Gutters are extremely important, and your fascia needs to be able to hold them up even during torrential downpour.
Fascia is also important because it’s visible to everyone, it gives the home a finished look and can maximize your home’s curb appeal.
The most common materials used for soffit and fascia are aluminum, wood, and vinyl. For homeowners in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest, aluminum is an excellent choice because of its durability, low maintenance requirements, and ability to withstand changing weather conditions.
Aluminum Soffit and Fascia
Aluminum is a durable, low-maintenance option that is well suited to Wisconsin’s changing seasons. It resists rot and does not require frequent painting, making it a practical, long-lasting choice for homeowners. Aluminum soffit is also available with ventilation openings that help support proper attic airflow. With its durability and minimal maintenance requirements, aluminum is an excellent choice for protecting your home’s roofline.
Wood Soffit and Fascia
Wood offers a traditional appearance, but it requires regular maintenance to protect it from moisture. Wisconsin’s rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures can contribute to warping, rotting, and deterioration over time. Homeowners who choose wood should be prepared for ongoing upkeep to maintain its appearance and performance.
Vinyl Soffit and Fascia
Vinyl is another option for soffit and fascia, but homeowners should consider its performance in Wisconsin’s changing temperatures when comparing materials. As with any exterior product, quality, proper installation, and suitability for the local climate are important considerations.
Properly installed soffit and fascia help protect your home’s roofline, support attic ventilation when designed for that purpose, and help keep pests and weather out of vulnerable areas.
Need soffit and fascia for your home? HH Improvements can help you choose the right materials for your home and budget. Give us a call at (920) 904-6999 to discuss your project!
A patio is a paved outdoor area adjoining a house. A patio can be attached to a home or detached. They are often designed and oriented with the landscape in mind. Patios are versatile: they can take on any shape and be built with various materials, including concrete, pavers, stone, tile, brick, pebbles, rock, or pea gravel. Most patios are set on a concrete slab or a sand and pebble base. Since patios are built at or around ground level, they don’t require safety railings.
Decks are primarily made of wood or a composite wood material or vinyl, like Trex. Popular woods for decking include redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated pine.
Like patios, decks can be attached to a house or freestanding. Decks often are built to take advantage of a view. Decks can be different levels and often need railings.
Both patios and decks are outdoor or backyard spaces that define activity areas and guide you from one space to another. Other traits they share:
A cover or pergola can be built over either for shade or privacy.
An outdoor kitchen can be located on a patio or deck.
Both can accommodate fire pits, although a fire feature placed on a deck will need a fireproof material separating it from the wood deck, such as concrete, ceramic, porcelain, etc.
A patio or deck can surround a pool or spa.
Decks are primarily made of wood or a composite wood material or vinyl, like Trex. Popular woods for decking include redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated pine.
Patios can be built with various materials, including concrete, pavers, stone, tile, brick, pebbles, rock, or pea gravel. Most patios are set on a concrete slab or a sand and pebble base.
A deck enhances the value of your home and adds outdoor enjoyment.
Decks give a whole new perspective to outdoor comfort. Far from the simple porches of the past, modern decks offer a versatile and comfortable way to enjoy your own little slice of nature. Strategically placed plants provide privacy and a feeling of nature even in the city. Enjoy the wood under your feet, the greenery around the edges, and the open sky to create a peaceful haven to escape from the stresses of life.
A deck adds more functional possibilities. Outdoor living is such a popular trend that the market has responded with a vast variety of products built for outdoor living, from fire pits and fireplaces to outrageously comfortable seating arrangements designed to make your outside spaces as beautiful and versatile as the inside of your home. And a deck increases your overall living space.
Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing segments of home improvement – more than quadrupling its market share over the past decade. Today’s metal roofs benefits allow homeowners to upgrade their homes with products of lasting value. While other roofs quickly diminish in value as they age, metal roofs provide the following lasting benefits;
Beautiful style, fire resistance, energy efficiency, and a proven performance expectation of 50+ years.
Interlocking panels for maximum wind resistance
Fire resistance
Energy efficiency by keeping homes cooler
Low weight to help preserve structural integrity and life
Wide range of colors to meet today’s home design trends
I-R Heat Barrier Finishes reflect radiant heat even in dark colors
Metal roofs do need proper maintenance, and roof coatings are required to maintain their functionality.