Tag: snow

Posted on

City of Madison Winter Activities

Latest update from Madison’s Parks. Can’t wait to get the ski’s out!

Sledding – Sledding hills are open and in good condition. Elver Park Warming Shelter will be open for concessions on Saturday and Sunday (weather dependent).

Ski Trails – Staff is packing trails and setting tracks at Elver Park and Odana Hills Golf Course today. Please note that only the main loop at Odana Golf Course will have tracks set today. Tomorrow staff intends to pack and set tracks at Turville Point and South Cherokee. We will keep the public notified as trails are open for skiing. Ski rentals will be available on Saturday and Sunday at both Elver Park and Odana Hills Golf Course.

Ice Skating – The ice rinks are snow covered and continue to have dangerously thin ice conditions. While the snow is great for skiing, it has an insulating effect on the ice, turning it into slush. Public is advised to stay off the ice. Staff will continue ice maintenance as conditions allow.

For more information, visit www.cityofmadison.com/parks

Posted on

Our Wisconsin Weather, How does a Roof Take It?

Madison area winters generally never fail to bring plenty of snow and cold, and this winter was no different. Looking at the 10 day forecast for Madison on weather.com, you will see that 34 degrees is the warmest projected temperature, with 2 degrees being the lowest. I am sure if we take a look ahead into the very near future, we will see that the daily temperature range will get even larger. We will experience days in the 50’s with nights in the teens.Here in Madison, this time of year and type of weather poses some maintenance issues for homeowners. This is especially true with respect to the roof after a long winter of ice damning. The effects of ice damning, if left ignored, can create some serious roof damage, gutter damage, water problems, and potential mold issues. I therefore wanted to post a few tips that my help in keeping down the potential damage and consequent expense.

1. Be proactive about checking your roof. You should make a habit of inspecting your roof at every season change. Look for buckling, loose or curled shingling, and interruptions in flashing. An easy way to perform this inspection is with a quality pair of binoculars.
2) Check your gutters. If there are a lot of granules from the roof in your gutters, then chances are the asphalt on your roof is becoming brittle and in need of attention.
3) If you have a metal roof, look for signs of deterioration and ensure there are no open seams.
4) Inspect your attic several times as the temperature warms up. You may find evidence of leaking as the snow and ice begins to thaw.

If you find that your roof is in need of attention or further inspection by a professional, you should contact someone immediately. Leaving your roof in a compromised state will undoubtedly lead to many areas of damage. If you need some assistance locating a qualified professional, just give me a call. I’ll gladly provide you with some resources that will help you find a contractor in your area.

Posted on

Prevent Your Ice From Damning

Each season’s weather is unique here in Madison; consequently we have unique concerns during each season that we need to stay on top of as homeowners. In the winter, the snow and cold temperatures can cause ice damning. It is a very common problem among Madison homeowners that has the potential to cause some serious damage to your Madison real estate investment. Ice damning occurs when the accumulated snow stays on the roof for a period of time while the temperatures remain very cold. The heat coming from the home’s roof then melts some of the snow. As this snow melts, it drains down to the soffit where it refreezes. When enough ice gathers at the soffit, a dam is formed preventing the remaining melted snow from draining off the roof. This melted snow, with no where else to go, can then back-up and go under your roof shingles. The water will then enter your Madison home and create plenty of havoc and damage that you will have to deal with in the spring.Some Good Tips to Prevent Ice Damning
1) During large snow storms, remove excess snow from your roof.
2) Eliminate leaks from your home into your attic. This will prevent your attic from getting to warm and decrease the amount of snow that will melt.
3) Make sure that all bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are vented outside and not into the attic.
Good Luck this winter and please feel free to call me if you have any questions about preserving your Madison real estate investment.

Posted on

And the snow came down…

Well the snow storm came into Madison this weekend, just as expected. Even
though I know the storms sometimes cause a bit of havoc for some, I always
love being in Madison right after a snow storm. The city always looks so
beautiful, especially with all the holiday décor. I always look forward to
the outdoor activities that are possible once the snow finally hits the
ground. There are so many activities and parks in and around Madison to
choose from, but my favorite is snow shoeing at Yellowstone Lake State Park.
I love the quietness, serenity, and beauty that this portion of Madison has
to offer. It is just one of the many local tips that I get to share with
Madison home buyers moving into the area. The Madison area truly feels like
home to me, and I enjoy so much of what is offered, both man-made and
natural. I therefore love being a realtor in the Madison area. Having the
opportunity to share the best of Wisconsin while I help people buy and sell
Madison area real estate is great!