McGarry’s Roofing and Construction Blog

  • Snakes on the Roof

    Snakes on the Roof

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    by

    Todd McGarry
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    Are there snakes on the roof on St. Patrick’s Day?

    Well… there shouldn’t be. One good way to solve that problem is to contact McGarry’s Roofing and Construction. We’re not afraid of snakes. We have a pocket full of four leaf clovers thanks to Aunt Grace who taught us how and where to pick them. Furthermore, McGarry’s employs a cadre of Leprechauns who will address those kinds of problems, no matter what Clan with which you are aligned.

    Red and green Plaid material

    What Clan is your Family?

    Grateful Dead logo with four leaf clover motif

    Before moving to Rock County, Wisconsin to continue raising a family, McGarry’s owner, Todd McGarry, grew up thirty miles east of San Francisco. The Good Old Grateful Dead lived and played there. They were instrumental, pun intended, at chasing snakes and cavorting with Leprechauns. The Dead created a loving community of followers who are now everywhere in the world.

    Historically, The Dead played over thirty-five shows in Wisconsin starting in 1970 at York Farm in Poynette, Wisconsin. They played many shows at the University of Wisconsin and Dane County Coliseum in Madison. They played at the Performing Arts Center and Milwaukee Auditorium.

    The Grateful Dead set up residence in the 1980s at the Alpine Valley Music Center, a favorite Deadhead venue. “They were not the best at what they did, they were only ones who did what they did”. ~Bill Graham, Rock Empresario.

    It is time to examine your roof

    About the snakes on the roof, St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone, and with March Madness picking up a head of steam, Spring is around the corner. Therefore, now is the time to examine your building for the effects of the past winter. Rock County experienced much snow and at times tremendous wind. With the onset of spring and summer, now is the time to get on board with a local roofing company to help you determine what, if any, work on your roof needs to be addressed. Specifically, take a look at McGarry’s Frequently Asked Questions then decide if you need to start researching what to do. There are many competent roofing companies, McGarry’s ranks high among them with over thirty years experience in Rock County. Contact Todd McGarry for a consultation. He knows what to do.

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  • Bob Dylan and the Weatherman

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    by

    Todd McGarry

    “You Don’t need a weatherman, to know which way the wind blows”

    Bob Dylan and The Weatherman – a native of neighboring Minnesota – he wrote those words in the last century just as the effects of burning fossil fuels were becoming evident. We were marketed by industries to believe everything was cool in regard to gasoline, cigarettes, and alcohol! These were not truths. Gasoline creates convenience, smoking and drinking and in some cases are comforting. But in fact, their effects are critical. Atmospherically, according to science, we are now experiencing extreme weather more frequently due to global warming from burning fossil fuels. When the wind is blowing at hurricane speeds causing tornadoes, not only your outdoor furniture flys around, so does the material from your roof.

    Bob Dylan and the Weatherman. This hotograph of a tornado in Rock County, Wisconsin in February 2024. Copyright belongs to 105.5 FM The Hog
    Photo of a tornado in Rock County, Wisconsin in February 2024.
    Copyright belongs to 105.5 FM The Hog

    You will be wise to inspect your roof, gutters and downspouts and siding to ensure none of the materials that protect your home or business are loose. Strong winds will tear loose old shingles and siding and gutters where the nails or screws have rusted. A routine inspection will show visible deterioration. That is when you need to address the issue, when the weather is nice and calm. If you are not a confident do-it-yourselfer, contact a competent roofing contractor like McGarry’s Roofing and Construction.

    Rock County, Wisconsin recorded hurricane strength winds with blizzard snow conditions this 2024 winter. Those chilly winds can have destructive effects on our older or not so well fabricated and constructed buildings. During the spring when the snow melts, you will be a wise home or business owner to examine your building to determine if you need to address anything you see that can be of concern. The sooner you figure it out and contact a roofing contractor, the sooner you can get on someone’s schedule to inspect your property. Then you can more comfortably sit in the back yard with a beer and a smoke to enjoy the summer afternoon. But imbibe in moderation the doctors tell us. Or our brains will encounter hurricanes.

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  • Snowpocalypse Snow On the Roof in Rock County:

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    by

    Todd McGarry
    Heavy snow on a property in Rock County, Wisconsin

    Roofs Caving In and Lives at Risk! Well not exactly, but in some scenarios it comes close. Rock County, Wisconsin, is currently experiencing a winter like never before. Snow days for the schools mean time with the children to enjoy the winter wonderland that falls upon us. However, the heavy snowfall has turned picturesque landscapes into scenes of chaos and potential destruction. But the real danger lurks above us, as roofs of homes and businesses buckle under the weight of this relentless snowstorm. Buildings are generaly constructed to withstand and uphold much weight. When mother nature lets loose an atmospheric river of moisture when it is cold, the resulting accumulation of snow adds a great amount of weight on top of our buildings. It is wise to inspect your buildings with some frequrency to ensure they are capable of withstanding snow on the roof.

    Heavy snow draping over a roof above a porch in Rock County, Wisconsin

    Heavy snowfall is . . . Heavy

    As the snow continues to pile up, the roofs of buildings in Rock County are struggling to bear the burden of the additional weight. Some poorly maintained older roofs could leak or even collapse, endangering lives and property.

    The impact of a potential roof collapse or leaking roof is devastating. Families can be displaced, businesses are forced to shut down. The financial toll would be devastating to families and businesses.

    Heavy snow sitting on top of a roof in Rock County, Wisconsin

    Inspect your roof when the Snow melts

    The heavy snowfall in Rock County has wreaked havoc on the roofs of homes and businesses, causing untold damage and potentially putting lives at risk. As we brace ourselves for more snow this winter let us remember to stay safe and look out for one another. Consider inspecting your roof when the snow melts. Look for water damage from leaks inside your home or businesses interior ceilings and walls. McGarry’s Roofing and Construction Frequently Asked Questions will provide guidance. Call a qualified roofer to inspect your property for damage when the skies clear.

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  • Inspect Your Roof for Winter

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    by

    Todd McGarry

    With-a-doubt, Wisconsin will have cold and wet winters. When the leaves start to change color and fall onto the ground, it is time to inspect your roof for winter. Now during fall before the winter solstice is the time to inspect and clean your gutters and perform a roof inspection. Then, look for clogged drains and plugged downspouts to examine if the metal has rust with holes. Easily seen on the sides of the house are rust and clogged downspout pipes and drains. Rusted metal is a sign of aging and deterioration. Poor drainage clogged with leaves and decades of roof debris will impact the pipes that drain the roof. There may be water damage visible on the outside of the house near the downspouts. You can detect all of this with a roof inspection before winter.

    What to look for

    Look at the roof tile and/or asphalt shingles or wooden shake. Do they look curled up, weathered, loose, discolored or misshapen? Furthermore, are plywood or wooden struts exposed. Does the sheetmetal around exhaust pipes look rusted with holes? Rust is a tell-tale sign your roof needs someone to examine the roof for winter.

    Are you a Do It Yourself Homeowner?

    While most likely you consider yourself to be a handy person and perhaps a do-it-yourselfer, roofing is a craft that should have the attention of an expert with roofing experience. Your home is probably your most valuable asset. It is worth asking a proven roofing company to inspect and consult with you about its condition. Consult McGarry’s Roofing Frequently Asked Questions about issues with your roof. Rock County , Wisconsin endures hot summers and cold winters. Then inspect your ceiling canopy winter. Now is the time!

    Single family gray-green house with white trim

    How old is your roof?

    Roofs should last several decades. Roofs endure a plethora of conditions. Consider that a solid and sealed roof protects your precious family, your living environment and your collection of property. It is amazing how much stuff our families purchase, collect and consume. Now in the 21st century, merchandise is easily delivered to your front door. A roof leak would create havoc on all that now wouldn’t it! Don’t give it too much more thought or winter will be overhead. Determine to scrutinize your roof before old man winter arrives.

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  • McGarry’s Matriarch turns 100

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    by

    Todd McGarry
    Matriarch Doll McGarry's birthday cake

    Your roof should last this long. Dolly McGarry, matriarch of the McGarry Clan, turns 100 years old. Proven genetics ensures the longevity of McGarry’s Roofing. Count on it. One hundred is a good number. Just look at the smile on that face. Who are ya’ gonna call? Not Ghostbusters. Call McGarry’s Roofing in Janesville, Wisconsin for roofing repairs or roof replacement. Just don’t call Dolly McGarry late for bingo.

    Dolly McGarry with son Ron and grandson Shawn
    Dolly McGarry with son Ron and grandson Shawn

    Dolly McGarry has 3 sons, 5 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Dolly is Aunt Grace’s younger sister. Dolly has lived 100 years; 1,200 months; 5,218 weeks; 876,600 hours; and 52,596,000 minutes.

    Addendum to this post: since September 12, 2023 as of St. Patrick’s Day 2024, two more great grandchildren have arrived into the McGarry Clan. Go Aunt Dolly!

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  • Your Roof and Extreme Weather

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    by

    Todd McGarry

    Look at any news, weather channel or newspaper and you will see and read stories about extreme weather locally, nationally or internationally. There are episodes of heavy rains, high winds, tornadoes, extreme heat and cold all over the globe. Talk with your neighbors, family, work colleagues about roofing in Janesville, Wisconsin. Basically, we are all seeing and feeling it. The summers are hotter, the rains are heavier, the winds are stronger, the winters are more intense. How does extreme weather affect your roof on your house?

    Garage roof damaged from strong winds

    Stress on our buildings

    Think about the prophecies we hear about in church on Sundays. These include plagues, pests, famine, floods, earthquakes and volcanoes, (not so much in Rock County), the Devil (at least on Halloween or when we are tempted). We live through seasons of weather that have a major affect on the materials and roof in our home. The stress buildings endure over time leads to deterioration. The roof alone gets at least 250 days of direct sunlight every year. Think what your skin would look like after that amount of time without protection. Over twenty years, not pretty, right!

    Prepare for the future

    Now is the time to think about how to prepare for the impact of extreme weather events on your roof. Is your building old or in need of upgrading? Ensure that You and Your family are safe and have a chance of enduring the stuff Good Ol’ Mother Nature sends to us in Janesville, Milton, Beloit, or anywhere in Rock County for that matter. Consider talking with an expert about major weather impacts on your home’s roof.

    Refer to these Frequently Asked Questions?

    No Cost estimate

    Call McGarry’s Roofing and Construction today to request an evaluation about your roof and extreme weather on your home. The consultation and estimate is at no cost to you. McGarry’s Roofing is your neighbor. Give us a call or an email, we will be delighted to work with You.

    Stripping old roofing material from the plywood substrate

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