Waukesha County Home

By Catherine Jozwik Special to Waukesha County Home Wisconsin's recent extreme tem- perature fluctuations provide meteorologists with interesting weather reports, but spell trouble for some homeowners. However, with careful planning and preparation, homes can be protected from all kinds of weath- er. Chris Egner, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for Milwau- kee, said weather conditions this year have been much worse than during a typical Wisconsin winter. When temperatures increase or decrease gradually, homeowners are less likely to notice these swings, or freeze-thaw cycles, because frost and condensation are generally present on the out- side of the home only. But 50- to 60-degree shifts in temperature can cause consider- able home damage. For example, ice dams, or frozen ridges on roofs that prevent water from dripping off, cause moisture to back up inside a home, and can damage walls, ceilings and insulation. "When all ice melts suddenly, it has nowhere to go," Egner said. Chris Wittman, a senior sales representative at Callen Construc- tion in Muskego and a certified NARI remodeler, has experienced frost in attics and crawl spaces as well as wet nails poking through roof decking. He said waterlogged roofs can accumulate mold and mildew, and roof materials can slowly deteriorate. "Houses have not had time to acclimate to these (weather) changes," Wittman said. 'Pretty crazy' winter move- ments Freeze-thaw cycles can also have adverse effects on masonry and vinyl siding. Ice and moisture cause bricks to freeze and expand, creating pressure that C O N T E N T S Tested by time, thumbs-ups from gardeners 2018 trends: From the practical to the luxurious When your home needs backup A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • FEBRUARY 2018 Freeze-thaw cycle can put the hurt on houses Submitted by Chris Egner See WINTER/Page 2 All the comforts of are waiting for you. Home Building Seminar Saturday, February 10, 2018 Home Buying Seminar Saturday, February 24, 2018 8:30 am Sign-In | 9 – 11 am Program Call 262-378-4948 to register now! Citizens Bank Training Center 5450 South Moorland Road New Berlin, Wisconsin home Buying or building a home? Attend one of our free seminars where local experts will walk you through the process, discuss best practices, and get you started toward your dream. Member FDIC Follow us: Citizens Bank - WI An ice dam has formed on the roof of a Milwaukee home. Protect what may be your biggest investment

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