McGarry’s BLOG

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    by

    Todd McGarry

    High Water!

    Mt. Zion Avenue in Janesville, Wisconsin flooded in June 2024

    Wow! It sure is wet out there! High water is flowing everywhere. Get out the Jet-skis, board the lifeboats, put on your waders. Houses are falling over the banks of the swollen rivers. Rock County lakes are all more than full. How many friends and family and pets and wild animals can we put in that ark, or your pick up trucks?

    Think about all of that water on the roofs flowing over our heads. Is your building or house draining properly? Are the shingles or tiles all aligned and connected? Is it leaking all over the kitchen and the dining rooms? Lifeguard your home and buildings. Roofing is tricky requiring experienced roofing contractors.

    Aqua J's cannot do their Ski Show due to the river being flooded

    Rock Aqua Jays cannot do their scheduled annual Ski Show this weekend at RAJ Stadium in Trexel Park. The Rock River is above the flood stage. The ski-boat wakes will erode the banks.

    So what does this mean to you as a building owner? Look at your ceiling and walls to detect any moisture damage. Do you see dis-coloration or blatant water stains. If you are lucky, the neighborhood you live and work in did not flood. A lot of that rain fell onto our roofs. If you suspect water damage, call an expert roofing contractor for further examination. Contact McGarry’s Roofing and Construction for a no-cost inspection. We live here too!

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    by

    Todd McGarry

    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 also 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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    by

    Todd McGarry

    Bob Dylan and The Weatherman

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

    Bob Dylan – 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 moderation can be comforting. But in fact, their extreme 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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    by

    Todd McGarry

    Snowpocalypse in Rock County

    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 generally 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 frequency 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

    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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    by

    Todd McGarry

    Inspect Your Roof for Winter

    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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    by

    Todd McGarry
    Matriarch Doll McGarry's birthday cake

    McGarry’s Matriarch turns 100

    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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    by

    Todd McGarry

    Your Roof and Extreme Weather

    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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    by

    Todd McGarry

    Neighbors helping neighbors
    with roof repair

    McGarry’s Roofing and Construction owns and lives in a home in Milton, Wisconsin. Just like Father Lawrence, we helped our next door neighbors, who were going on a two week vacation, with their roof repair. The neighbors hired McGarry’s Roofing and Construction to install new roofing materials on their house while they were away. McGarry’s also took the opportunity to replace the roof on their own house at the same time.

    McGarry's House in Milton, Wisconsin showing the new roof repair produced simultaneously with the neighbors house

    McGarry’s house re-roofed simultaneously with the neighbor’s.

    Reduced costs from the consolidation of roofing materials for two houses produced a savings by purchasing materials for both projects at the same time. The neighbor returned from vacation with a new roof to realize a substantial savings on roofing materials. And, to enjoy the July 4th Independence Day Celebration with a freshly renovated house.

    Consolidate roof projects with neighbors

    Material decisions are important aspects to consider when estimating a roof repair. Many items exhibit a cost-per-unit decrease when the quantity of items purchased increases. Imagine that the price to replace the gray asphalt shingles on your house is $0.05 each, a nickel a piece. Not bad right! That fits your budget.

    Neighbor's House in Milton, Wisconsin

    McGarry’s neighbor’s house

    Now imagine the neighbor next door, or across the street, talks with you and wants to explore hiring the same roofing company. They want to examine if the estimate decreases by consolidating two projects combining the roofing material purchases. For example, you purchase gray shingles and the neighbor purchases red shingles. The roofing company can place an order for five thousand shingles; fifty percent or two thousand five hundred in gray, and another fifty percent – two thousand five hundred shingles in red. Brilliant! The cost per shingle reduces from $0.5 cents each for one roof repair, to $0.25 cents each for two roof repairs ordered at the same time. You save 50% on material costs by consolidating orders for re-roofing two homes together… hypothetically that is. Call for a no cost estimate to compare the costs.

    Neighbors helping neighbors with roof repair. That is the way it should be in our communities like Milton, Wisconsin. We live here too!

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    by

    Todd McGarry

    Roofing St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Evansville, Wisconsin

    St. Paul's Church with crane used repair the steeple.

    McGarry’s has experience roofing churches and businesses. As seen in the photograph… McGarry’s Roofing and Construction used a hydraulic lift to reach the top of the steeple. The sky is the limit as we safely reach for the top to repair Father Lawrence’s St. Paul’s Catholic Church. This was quite an effort to repair the age old church at 39 Garfield Avenue in Evansville, Wisconsin.

    Father Lawrence moves up the Ladder… too!

    Father Lawrence is moving on to higher positions in the Catholic Church. He wanted to leave his parishioners with a structure that was sound, especially in regard to the roofing of the church. Father Lawrence contacted and hired McGarry’s Roofing and Construction, a Rock County, Wisconsin roofer, to attend to the sensitive nature of the repair.

    There are many churches and businesses in Rock County. Does your church or business need a roofing examination to determine if it needs roofing attention? We are available to inspect the building at no cost and provide an estimate if it is determined that repair or replacement in necessary. Letting a building deteriorate is not good and will cost more to repair the longer you wait to address it.

    Incidentally, McGarry’s Matriarch’s sister, “Aunt Grace”, was an irreverent but devout catholic who inspires McGarry’s Roofing in all of its efforts in business and in life.

    Hail Aunt Grace! She taught us love and respect, and how to pick four leaf clovers.

    St. Paul's Catholic Church in Evansville, Wisconsin
    McGarry’s Roofing repaired damage and reroofed St. Paul’s Catholic Church.
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