Everything a Wisconsin Homeowner Needs to Make a Confident Roofing Decision in One Place.
Most homeowners go into a roof replacement knowing almost nothing about the process. Contractors count on that. This page exists to change it. Below you will find free downloadable manufacturer guides, curated roofing articles, and Badger Roofing Services blog posts written specifically for homeowners in Madison, Dane County, Rock County, and South-Central Wisconsin. Read before you call anyone, including us.
Replacing a roof is a $10,000 to $20,000 decision for most Wisconsin homeowners. The homeowners who get the best outcomes are the ones who understand what they are buying before the first contractor walks up their driveway. That means knowing what questions to ask, what materials are right for a Wisconsin climate, how insurance claims actually work, and what separates a legitimate local roofer from an out-of-area storm chaser who will be gone before your first winter leak shows up.
This page pulls together three types of resources in one place. First, free downloadable PDFs directly from the manufacturers who make the materials going on your roof, including installation guides, product specifications, and homeowner warranty documentation from brands like GAF, Owens Corning, and Malarkey. Second, curated roofing articles and research from trusted sources across the web, including real homeowner discussions from communities like Reddit where unfiltered experience cuts through marketing language. Third, roofing blog posts written by Badger Roofing Services for Wisconsin homeowners, covering everything from roof replacement costs to storm damage claims to repair vs. replacement decisions.
Use this page before you get your first estimate. Use it again before you sign anything. If you read through these resources and still have questions about your specific roof in Madison, Stoughton, Oregon, Cottage Grove, McFarland, Fitchburg, Edgerton, Evansville, Milton, Janesville, Sun Prairie, Fort Atkinson, or Monona, a free inspection from Badger Roofing Services gets you a real answer from a licensed Wisconsin contractor with no obligation and no sales pressure.
All guides and articles on this page are free. No email required to download. Questions about your specific roof? Call (608) 250-0187.Free Downloads | No Email Required
Manufacturer Roofing Guides You Can Download Right Now
These are the actual technical and homeowner guides published by the manufacturers who make the materials going on Wisconsin roofs. Free, no login, no form to fill out.
Asphalt Shingle Guides
Residential Full Line Reference Guide
Complete overview of GAF's residential shingle and roofing system lineup. Covers product specs, color options, warranty tiers, and system components. Essential reference before choosing a shingle product.
Download Guide: GAF Residential Full Line Reference Guide (PDF, opens in a new tab)Pro Field Guide for Steep-Slope Roofs
GAF's installation and best-practice guide for residential steep-slope roofing. Covers underlayment, ice and water shield, ventilation, and shingle installation. Good reference for understanding what a proper Wisconsin install requires.
Download Guide: GAF Pro Field Guide for Steep-Slope Roofs (PDF, opens in a new tab)Total Protection Roofing System
Owens Corning's overview of the Total Protection Roofing System. Explains how the components of a complete roofing system work together, so you can understand what a full system installation includes before you compare estimates.
View Overview: Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System (opens in a new tab)Product Data Guide: Full Line
Malarkey's complete product data reference covering all shingle lines including impact-resistant Class 4 options. Relevant for Wisconsin homeowners in Dane County and Rock County where hail is a regular seasonal event.
Download Guide: Malarkey Product Data Guide, Full Line (PDF, opens in a new tab)Designer Shingle Installation Instructions
Step-by-step installation guide for Malarkey designer shingles. Covers fastening patterns, exposure specs, starter strip requirements, and flashing details. Know what proper installation looks like before your job starts.
Download Guide: Malarkey Designer Shingle Installation Instructions (PDF, opens in a new tab)Metal Roofing Guides
Metal Roof Installation Manual
Industry-standard metal roof installation manual from McElroy Metal covering panel systems, fastening, flashing, and cold-climate requirements. Helps homeowners understand what a proper professional installation involves before hiring anyone.
Download Manual: McElroy Metal Roof Installation Manual (PDF, opens in a new tab)Homeowner Resource Library
The Metal Roofing Alliance's full homeowner hub including buyer's guides, mini-guides on choosing an installer, regional roofing considerations, and preparing for a metal roof project. Multiple free downloads in one place.
Visit Resource Hub: Metal Roofing Alliance Homeowner Resource Library (opens in a new tab)Roof Smarter Homeowner Checklist
Owens Corning's step-by-step homeowner checklist covering how to inspect for damage, compare material options, evaluate contractor proposals, and use a full protection roofing system. A practical pre-project guide from the manufacturer.
View Checklist: Owens Corning Roof Smarter Homeowner Checklist (opens in a new tab)Storm Damage & Installation Reference Guides
Oakridge Architectural Shingles
Owens Corning's official product page for Oakridge architectural shingles, one of the most common shingles on Wisconsin homes. Use it to review the product specs and available documentation before you compare it against your contractor's proposal.
View Product Page: Owens Corning Oakridge Architectural Shingles (opens in a new tab)Secure Start HT Self-Adhering Underlayment Guide
Wisconsin homes require proper ice and water shield in eave zones. This guide covers correct installation of self-adhering underlayment systems, which are critical for preventing ice dam infiltration in freeze-thaw climates like Dane and Rock County.
Download Guide: Malarkey Secure Start HT Underlayment Guide (PDF, opens in a new tab)GAF Homeowner Education Center
GAF's full homeowner hub covering roof replacement planning, cost guidance, contractor selection, and payment options. Includes tools for estimating costs and understanding what a properly warranted GAF system includes. Direct from the manufacturer.
Visit Resource Hub: GAF Homeowner Education Center (opens in a new tab)Top Roofing Materials for Dane County Homes
Discover the best roofing materials in Wisconsin, including asphalt and metal options, for your Dane County home. ...more
Roofing Cost Guides ,Dane County Homeowner Guides
June 30, 2026•7 min read
File Roof Insurance Claim in Wisconsin Easily
Learn how to file a roof insurance claim in Wisconsin for storm damage. Expert tips for homeowners to navigate the process smoothly. ...more
Storm Damage & Insurance
June 30, 2026•8 min read
How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost in Wisconsin in 2026?
Wisconsin homeowners pay $9,500 to $18,500 for a roof replacement in 2026. Learn what drives the cost, what insurance covers, and how to get an honest local estimate. ...more
Roofing Cost Guides
June 30, 2026
Read the guides. Then get a free inspection from a contractor who uses these materials every week across Dane County and Rock County.
Schedule Free InspectionCurated Reading | Trusted Sources Only
Roofing Articles Worth Reading Before You Call Anyone
Curated from national homeowner media, Wisconsin news outlets, and insurance companies. No roofing contractors. No sponsored content. Just straight information.
How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost? 2026 Complete Guide
Source: Angi
Angi's 2026 national cost breakdown for roof replacement. Covers average price ranges, cost per square foot, material comparisons, and what factors push the price up or down. A good baseline before you get local Wisconsin estimates.
Read Article : How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost? on Angi (opens in a new tab)New Roof Cost Guide (2026)
Source: This Old House
This Old House breaks down new roof costs by size, material, and complexity. One of the most trusted homeowner editorial sources in the country. Use this to understand what every line item in your estimate actually means before you sign anything.
Read Article : New Roof Cost Guide on This Old House (opens in a new tab)7 Signs You Need a New Roof
Source: Bob Vila
A straightforward visual guide to the warning signs every homeowner should know. Covers granule loss, curling shingles, sagging, daylight through the attic, and age indicators. Read this before scheduling your next inspection.
Read Article : 7 Signs You Need a New Roof on Bob Vila (opens in a new tab)How to Choose Between Roof Repair or Replacement
Source: Bob Vila
Bob Vila's guide to deciding between repair and full replacement. Covers age thresholds, damage extent, cost comparison, and the questions every homeowner should ask a contractor before committing to either option.
Read Article : How to Choose Between Roof Repair or Replacement on Bob Vila (opens in a new tab)31 of Your Toughest Roofing Questions Answered
Source: This Old House
This Old House answers 31 of the most common homeowner roofing questions covering materials, installation, repair, ventilation, and working with contractors. One of the most comprehensive free roofing Q&A resources available.
Read Article : 31 of Your Toughest Roofing Questions Answered on This Old House (opens in a new tab)What to Know About Insurance Claims as Storm Season Hits Wisconsin
Source: Wisconsin Public Radio
WPR's coverage of what Wisconsin homeowners need to understand about filing storm damage insurance claims. Includes guidance on documentation, filing deadlines, policy types, and what to do when your claim is underpaid or disputed.
Read Article : What to Know About Insurance Claims as Storm Season Hits Wisconsin on Wisconsin Public Radio (opens in a new tab)Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage to Your Roof?
Source: AAA
AAA's breakdown of what standard homeowners policies cover for hail damage, the difference between cosmetic and functional damage claims, and how to document and file correctly. Written by an insurer, not a contractor.
Read Article : Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage to Your Roof? on AAA (opens in a new tab)The Hidden Home Insurance Crisis in Wisconsin: What You Need to Know Today
Source: Hoell Insurance Agency
A Wisconsin insurance agent's perspective on the changing home insurance landscape, why some policies are being non-renewed, and what homeowners need to understand about their roof coverage before the next storm season arrives.
Read Article : The Hidden Home Insurance Crisis in Wisconsin on Hoell Insurance Agency (opens in a new tab)You Have Done the Research. Now Get a Real Answer About Your Specific Roof.
Every guide on this page tells you what to look for in general. What none of them can do is get on your roof and tell you what is actually happening up there right now. We offer free roof inspections across Dane County and Rock County with same-week scheduling and a full written photo report at the end. No sales pitch. No invoice. If your roof has years of life left, we tell you that and leave.
Call (608) 250-0187 or submit the form above and we put you on the schedule, typically within the same week. We are based in Madison and cover all of Dane County and Rock County, including Stoughton, Oregon, Cottage Grove, Fitchburg, McFarland, Edgerton, Evansville, Milton, Janesville, Sun Prairie, Monona, and Fort Atkinson. No call centers, no commissioned reps, no hold music.
Same-Week SchedulingWe cover every shingle field, every flashing joint, every valley, vent, ridge, and gutter line. We look specifically for hail impact damage, wind-lifted seals, granule loss, ice dam scarring, and any moisture intrusion hiding below the surface. Most significant damage on Wisconsin roofs is completely invisible from the ground, regardless of how carefully you look.
Fully DocumentedYou receive a written photo report of every finding, not a verbal summary at the bottom of the ladder. You have already read the guides telling you what damage looks like. This report shows you exactly what we found on your roof specifically, where it is, and what it means. If we recommend a repair or a full replacement, the photos back every recommendation. No obligation to sign anything.
100% TransparentIf we find hail or storm damage, we take it from there. We file the claim, attend the adjuster meeting in person, manage the full insurance process, and make sure the scope of work reflects actual damage rather than the minimum your carrier wants to pay. You have read the articles on how insurance claims work. We handle the part where it gets complicated.
We Handle It
Justin Horstman leads Badger Roofing Services in Madison with one rule that has never changed: nobody goes to your home representing this company unless they are on our payroll. When you book a free roof inspection, a Badger team member shows up, not a subcontractor, not a call-center referral, not a commissioned sales rep. You have done the research. We give you an honest assessment from the people who will do the work if there is work to be done.
Locally Owned Roofing Contractor | Stoughton, WI
Looking for a Roofer in
Monona, Wisconsin?
Whether your Monona roof has undiscovered hail damage from a Dane County storm, a leak that traces back to decades of lakeside moisture and freeze-thaw cycling, or is simply past its useful life after sitting on a 1950s or 1970s ranch for 25 years, waiting only makes the damage worse and the repair more expensive. Badger Roofing Services is based in Madison, about 15 minutes south via US-51. We are not a crew driving in from out of the area. We show up fast, give you a straight answer, and back every job with a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Stoughton · Monona · Madison · McFarland · Fitchburg · Dane County
Call (608) 250-0187Real Homeowner Conversations on r/Roofing
Reddit's roofing community is one of the most honest places on the internet to read unfiltered homeowner experience. No contractor marketing, no sponsored content. Just real people who went through a roof replacement, filed an insurance claim, or got burned by a bad contractor sharing exactly what happened and what they wish they had known first.
We cannot link to specific threads because Reddit content changes constantly. The searches below will drop you directly into the most useful discussions for Wisconsin homeowners right now.
Visit r/Roofing on Reddit (opens in a new tab)Search These Topics on r/Roofing
Insurance Claims
"insurance claim denied" or "adjuster lowball" or "RCV vs ACV"
Getting Estimates
"how many quotes should I get" or "estimate too high"
Storm Chasers
"storm chaser" or "out of state contractor" or "door knocker roofer"
Repair vs Replace
"repair or replace" or "how old is too old" or "partial replacement"
Material Choices
"metal vs asphalt" or "Class 4 shingles" or "impact resistant"
Done Researching.
Ready for a Real Answer?
The guides, PDFs, and Reddit threads above give you the knowledge. The next step is having a local roofer put eyes on your actual roof. A free inspection from Badger Roofing Services tells you exactly what condition your roof is in, whether a repair or full replacement makes more sense, and what your insurance may cover, with no sales pressure and no obligation to move forward.
We serve homeowners across Madison, Stoughton, Oregon, Cottage Grove, McFarland, Fitchburg, Edgerton, Evansville, Milton, Janesville, Sun Prairie, Monona, Fort Atkinson, and all of Dane and Rock County. If you're dealing with storm or hail damage, we're on call 24/7 for emergency tarping and damage documentation.
Southern Wisconsin
The Contractor Behind These Resources
Every guide, PDF, and reference on this page was built by the same team that shows up on your roof. Badger Roofing Services is based in Madison and serves homeowners across Dane County, Rock County, and Jefferson County. We are not a franchise, not a call center, and not a storm-chasing crew that disappears after the job. We are local contractors who answer our own phones and stand behind every roof we install, which is exactly why we share information honestly, even when it means a homeowner decides to repair instead of replace.
Madison-Based, Locally Owned
No Subcontractors Ever
Full Insurance Claim Handling
Materials Built for Wisconsin's Climate
10-Year Workmanship Warranty
Free Inspections, No Obligation
Know Someone Who Needs a New Roof? Earn $250.
We built our reputation across Dane County, Rock County, and Jefferson County one roof at a time — mostly through neighbors recommending neighbors. When you send someone our way and they hire us, you earn $250 cash. No forms to chase, no awkward follow-ups. Tell us who to call and we handle everything from there.
Fill out the referral form with your referral's name and phone number. Justin will personally reach out to them within one business day. Once their project is complete, your $250 is on its way. No cap on referrals and no expiration on the reward.
Every referral submitted here comes straight to Justin. He makes the call personally and makes sure your referral gets the same honest inspection and straightforward pricing that every Wisconsin homeowner deserves.
Roofing Contractor Serving Southern Wisconsin
from Our Madison, WI Shop
Badger Roofing Services provides roof replacement, roof repair, storm damage roofing, hail damage repair, and free roof inspections across Dane County, Rock County, Jefferson County, and surrounding communities. Licensed and insured in Wisconsin. No subcontractors.
Questions Wisconsin Homeowners Actually Ask
The questions below come up on nearly every inspection call we take. Straight answers from a Madison-based crew that has completed over 500 roofs across Dane County, Rock County, and Jefferson County.