Frequently Asked Questions

Clear Valley Exteriors, LLC offers roofing and siding services in the Central Wisconsin area. Many customers have asked similar questions related to our business and we would like to share some of them with you.

From Outside:

Are there any blistered, curled or split shingles?
A few can be repaired, but if the general appearance of the roof is poor, it may be time to re-roof.

Are there loose or missing shingles or tiles?
Simply re-nailing loose shingles may only mask a problem that will eventually get worse.

Do you see any exposed nails?
They can be a source of leaks.

If your roof is covered with composition (asphalt) shingles, look for dark patches indicating the granular coating has worn away.

Look for significant accumulation of granules in your rain gutters. Some granules are normal, but a lot, combined with dark patches on your shingles, is a sign of an aging roof.

Check where ridges and hips meet. Shingles may break or work loose in these spots.

Any rusty metal or displaced shingles along the valley are signs of roof weaknesses.

Inspect the flashing around plumbing vents and chimneys. Loose shingles or rusty, loose flashing is another sign of trouble. Step flashing around chimneys must be well embedded in the mortar between bricks.

Where a vertical side of the house meets the roof, such as along dormer walls, flashing should be firmly in place or it is a potential leak.

Check the gutters closely for sagging and signs of leaks between sections. Are the downspouts firmly in place and directing water away from the house foundation?

From Inside:

If you have shake or shingle in the attic, look for signs of leaks. Dark stains on the rafters or the underside of the roof decking material generally indicate water trails. Look for water signs around plumbing vent pipes and along chimneys, skylights and valleys.

Siding Questions

What can be done to improve the appearance and durability of my home's exterior?
Maybe you are tired of dealing with peeling paint and rotting clapboards. And you wonder, "Will another coat of paint really hide the weather-worn condition of my wood siding? And even if it can, is it worth the cost?" Or maybe you are thinking about replacing warped hardboard siding...or getting rid of dated asphalt or asbestos siding...or eliminating dented metal siding...or giving a fresh, contemporary look to masonry walls.

Then now is the time to switch to the easy-care beauty of vinyl siding. A wide choice of styles, colors and trim options makes it simple to create the look you want for your home–whether it is a contemporary colonial or a 120-year old farmhouse.

New siding will rejuvenate an older home, give it a completely new look and significantly reduce costs for home upkeep and maintenance. With a full range of trim, soffit and accessory options available in a host of different decorator colors, virtually any look can be achieved to improve the appearance and durability of your home's exterior.

Compare the ongoing costs of painting every three to five years to a one-time investment in new vinyl siding. For most homeowners, the conclusion is obvious–vinyl siding is by far the better long-term value.

Why should I consider the trim options?
Many homeowners have some type of siding, but the trim is painted. Painting trim is tedious and time consuming. Most homeowners don’t keep up with it and, as a result, the trim rots and causes structural issues with the home. In the case of soffit and fascia, typically, this area rots out enough for animals to get into the house. You can avoid the hassle of painting and extend the life of your home with our various trim options.

What is crown molding?
Similar to the molding in your home, Crown molding is an architectural feature that dresses up your home. Crown molding is mounted on the frieze board under the eaves and gables. Crown molding can be done in a different color than your siding to accentuate the appearance of your home. Not only does it improve the appearance of your home, but it increases the marketability as well when you sell your home. This option is very important in neighborhoods where all the houses look the same.

What accessories and trim are available?
When you design the exterior of your home, you should think about more than just siding. You will need trim for windows and doors, and at inside and outside corners. You also may need soffit to finish the underside of eaves, or for a porch ceiling or entry overhang.

Creating a finishing touch that sets your home apart is easy because Clear Valley Exteriors, LLC offers a complete range of easy-care accessory and trim options. Standard trim lets you merge siding and trim pieces to create a balanced, uniform look. Our decorative accessories provide the premium look of hand-crafted beauty. These trim products give you an exceptional way to add special elegance at windows, doors, corners and other key accent areas.

How does vinyl siding compare with other siding materials?
In a way, it is almost no contest. When compared to wood, brick, stone, stucco and metal sidings on the basis of initial cost, maintenance costs, appearance, durability and value, vinyl siding is clearly superior.

There is a broad range of vinyl siding products, so you can choose one that is easily affordable. Whichever you choose, you can expect the highest quality and lasting beauty. Vinyl siding never needs painting or staining. It does not chip, peel, dent or rot, so you can forget costly repairs. Just rinse occasionally with a garden hose.

What exterior design options do I have with vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is one of the most versatile exterior design products you can work with. Clear Valley Exteriors, LLC offers many different vinyl siding lines. That broad selection lets you choose among a wide variety of design options, including horizontal and vertical siding; traditional clapboard and authentically detailed "shaped" sidings; wide and narrow panel exposures; smooth, subtle and deep wood grain textures; plus a wide assortment of traditional and contemporary colors.

Not sure what "exact look" you want? Just check out the many styles that are available, right here on our Web site.

How does the cost of vinyl siding compare to the added resale value it provides?
In terms of adding resale value to your home, vinyl siding is one of the best investments you can make. In its annual survey of project cost versus added value, Remodeling magazine said that "the highest payback comes from projects that give an older home the same features that have become standard in new homes."

Exterior improvements such as the installation of vinyl siding also make a home more attractive on the market. According to a real estate agent interviewed by Remodeling, "Things like new siding and new windows will not add dollar for dollar value... (but) they will cause the house to sell quicker for more money."

Another point to keep in mind: if like many homeowners, you add insulation to an older home at the same time you are having vinyl siding installed, you add even greater value and market appeal to your home.

My home is partially brick and partially wood siding. Can I still use vinyl siding?
Sure. Vinyl siding is extremely versatile and can be used with just about any exterior building material–brick, cinder block, even natural logs and field stones.

If you have special installation concerns such as running vinyl siding along a natural stone chimney, talk to your sales consultant. He is probably handled a similar installation in the past.

As a homeowner, that is important because it means you are working with a professional team–a qualified contractor with a knowledgeable, experienced technical support group behind him.

Is vinyl siding really as durable as everyone says?
Absolutely. The correct technical name for the material used in vinyl siding is polyvinyl chloride. It is a strong, durable, proven material that has earned a solid reputation for its beauty and permanence. It is used in automotive applications, medical devices, defense weapons, appliances, floor coverings and, of course, home construction. It is ideal as an exterior material because vinyl siding does not rot, crack, dent or warp, plus it never peels or blisters.

Is one season better than another to have my new siding installed?
Not really. You can have your vinyl siding installed in any season, as your schedule and budget allow. But keep in mind that some contractors are more available during the off-seasons. Regardless of when you have your new siding installed, you will enjoy the immediate benefits of improved appearance, as well as the long-term benefits of durability and easy maintenance.

Does your company have insurance?
Yes, we carry full insurance.

Do I need to be home for any measurements to be taken?
Yes, measurements are critical and it is important for our staff to have access.

Do I have to do anything to get ready for my installation?
Not necessarily. Sometimes you may be asked to move some household items (garbage cans, flower pots, lawn mowers, etc.) out of the work zone. Our staff will assist in any way possible, if need be.

How often should I have my gutters cleaned?
You should clean them at least twice a year. If you have many trees in the area of your home, you should clean them 3 to 4 times a year.

How do I know if I need a new roof?
You can usually tell with a visual inspection of the shingles. Look for cracks, peeling and any spots where the roof is leaking. If in doubt, call a roofer for an inspection.

How long does it take to have a new roof installed?
That depends greatly on your home and the pitch and design of your roof. Most residential roofs can be redone in 3-4 days but it could take as long as 6 days to complete your re-roof.

Should I worry about ice dams?
Ice dams occur when snow or ice on the roof melts and flows to the bottom of the roof. It then refreezes and causes the water behind it to build up. This water then will often find a way into your home underneath the shingles. This can lead to extensive water damage. You should be concerned about ice dams if you have a roof with a very low pitch or have an older poorly insulated home. If you think you have a problem, contact Clear Valley Exteriors, LLC for easy solutions.

Why does a roof need ventilation?
Ventilation helps remove the heat that builds up during the summer months and helps reduce moisture buildup under your roof. This helps your roof and shingles last longer by preventing the rotting of the wood and curling or distortion of your shingles.

Feel free to call us at (715) 340-9441 or (715) 457-3257.