Roofing in Monona

Monona at a glance

Monona is a small city of 8,624 people on the southeastern shore of Lake Monona, almost entirely surrounded by Madison. It covers just over three square miles.

What that means for your roof

Monona boomed in the 1950s, growing from about 2,500 to more than 8,000 people in ten years. Many of its homes are mid-century ranches and split-levels with low-slope roofs, wide overhangs and sometimes flat sections over carports or additions. Low slopes drain slowly and hold snow; see roof repair. Wide overhangs also hide soffit vents that may be painted over or blocked.

Lakeside weather

Homes near the shore catch wind off the lake, which can drive rain sideways under shingles and drift snow against walls. Lake-effect damp also encourages moss and algae on shaded roofs.

From summer homes to a city

Before 1938, the area was mostly farmland and summer homes in the Town of Blooming Grove. Monona became a village on August 29, 1938 and a city in 1969. Several houses here are on the National Register of Historic Places. Older and historic homes deserve careful work around chimneys and original details; see skylights and chimneys.