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Is My Roof Color Fading?

Close up of roof shingles

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, as it protects you from the outside world, shielding you from rain, snow, and sunlight. Over time, however, weather conditions can affect the color here. To prevent your roof from slowly losing its hues, make sure to check out this list of ways you can tell if your shingles are starting to fade or not! 

What Does Faded Look Like?

Faded roofing shingles no longer have that vibrant, deep color they once did. If you hold up a new shingle next to an old one, you’ll likely see a big color difference. The new shingle will be darker and richer in color, while the old one will look duller and more washed out. Not only that, but you might notice the granules from your shingles falling off if there’s wear and tear. 

The Effects of Sunlight on Your Roof

When sunlight hits the roof, it causes the molecules in the shingles to break down and change color. This process is called photo-oxidation, which happens to all roofing materials, including asphalt, wood, slate, and metal. 

The Effects of Climate on Your Roof

Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, so it’s no surprise that its vibrancy may fade over time. The climate you live in can greatly affect how quickly your roof color fades. For example, if you live in hot and sunny weather, your roof is more likely to whither faster than in a cooler climate. The same can be said for rain and snow, both known to affect your roof’s lifespan after long periods of exposure to these conditions. 

How Do I Stop It?

So, if you notice your roof is fading in color, there are a few options to fix and stop this. You can use good quality paint (or new paint) of the same tint as your current roof and apply it over top of the faded areas. If you decide on a new paint job, make sure that you get a quote from several contractors before making up your mind on which one to hire. You can also consider a complete roofing upgrade! 

As long as you take care to find a contractor who is the perfect fit, you should be able to find an upgrade that will suit all of your needs! 

Roofing Experts of Norwalk

Our team of experienced and professional roofing contractors looks forward to serving Connecticut residents’ roofing needs. We can thoroughly examine the roof, identify the underlying problem, and make the needed corrections. Homeowners who notice any preceding concerns are urged to contact us as soon as possible.

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Top 5 Most Popular Shed Roofing Materials

View of backyard shed in summer sun

There are many different types of roofing materials to choose from when it comes to replacing your old roof or adding a new one onto your shed. Here are the top five most popular ones you may want to consider, depending on your needs and the type of storage space you want your shed to have.

1. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing material for sheds, and for good reason! They’re durable, inexpensive, and easy to install. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find a look that suits your shed perfectly. 

2. Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is especially smart for sheds because it is durable and low maintenance. It is available in various colors and styles to match your shed design. Metal roofing is also fire resistant and can help reflect heat away during the hot summer months.

3. Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are a classic and another popular option for shed roofs. They offer a natural look and can be stained or painted to match your home. Wood shingles are durable and easy to install; however, they require more maintenance than other materials.

4. Aluminum Shingles

Aluminum shingles provide an attractive alternative to asphalt shingles with their sleek, clean lines and cool surface temperature. They are also more durable than the other options listed here, so they last longer. Unfortunately, this material can be quite expensive compared to the alternatives.

5. Slate Roofs

Slate roofs are another great choice for your shed. They are durable and long-lasting, plus they provide excellent protection against the elements. Slate roofs are also low maintenance, which is another bonus. But, they can be expensive to install, so be sure to factor that into your budget.

Are you ready to give your shed the perfect roofing update it deserves? We’re here to help! 

Roofing Experts of Norwalk

Our team of experienced and professional roofing contractors looks forward to serving Connecticut residents’ roofing needs. We can thoroughly examine the roof, identify the underlying problem, and make the needed corrections. Homeowners who notice any preceding concerns are urged to contact us as soon as possible.

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Roofing Options for Your Summerhouse

Summer home by water

No matter your summer home’s style or size, there’s no place like it for entertaining and enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. But just like your main house, it’s important to maintain your summer home year-round — including paying attention to its roof. 

Here are some of the best roofing options to consider when choosing a roof for your summer home. 

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are highly durable, incredibly energy-efficient, and low maintenance — all perks that make them a great choice for your summer home. They can also come in a wide variety of styles, so you’re sure to find one that matches your house and style.

Slate Roofing

Sturdy and attractive, slate has been used as a roofing material since ancient Roman times. However, many people are reluctant to use it because of its higher cost than other materials. Consider using slate tiles if you want a rustic yet modern look for your summer home or cabin! Not only will they provide great insulation, but you can even find ones with beautiful artwork integrated into them! 

Wood Shingles

There’s no question that wood shingles are a beautiful addition to any house. The rustic charm they offer works well with any style and is relatively low-maintenance, though you will have to seal them every three to five years or so. They also hold up better in windy areas because of their natural weight. So it will be fine if your summer home is always getting those beach winds! 

Natural Building Materials

While these aren’t ideal for houses with a higher probability of inclement weather, they can help keep your summer home cooler in hot months. Consider installing natural building materials, such as turf shingles or reeds, if you live in an area that gets very warm and would like to reduce air conditioning costs by allowing heat to escape from your roof.

Roofing Experts of Norwalk

Our team of experienced and professional roofing contractors looks forward to serving Connecticut residents’ roofing needs. We can thoroughly examine the roof, identify the underlying problem, and make the needed corrections. Homeowners who notice any preceding concerns are urged to contact us as soon as possible.

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Copper Roofing: Cost, Benefits, And More

Copper roofing is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners to give their humble abodes a more traditional and natural look. However, many people are unsure of the benefits and costs associated with copper roofing. Our team is here to discuss these factors and provide you with some information on how to maintain your new copper roof. 

Benefits of Copper Roofing

The first benefit of copper roofing is that it can last as long as 50 years, making it a great investment. Copper doesn’t fade or peel like other types of material, and there are no worries about discoloration from mold or algae growth. Another advantage to this type of roofing is that it will not dent easily, so you don’t have to worry about repairs down the road. 

Copper is known for its long-lasting durability and will last longer than other types of roofs. It also has the benefit of looking great on any type of house, whether traditional or modern.

Costs of Copper Roofing

Depending on the size of your project, pricing may vary. However, usually, copper roofing tends to lean a bit more on the expensive side. Not only that, but maintenance costs might add up. Most homes or businesses will have to go through a process called “wet cleaning” every few years, which requires hiring a professional company. Keep in mind that there are many different styles available that you can choose from and more expensive and less expensive options depending on what you’re looking for in roofing material. 

More About Copper Roofing

Copper is an amazing conductor of heat, which means that your home will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. You can also install solar panels on top of copper roofs to harness more energy. 

You can use them to enhance your home’s curb appeal, provide great insulation, and copper lasts much longer than other types of roofs.

Roofing Experts of Norwalk

Our team of experienced and professional roofing contractors looks forward to serving Connecticut residents’ roofing needs. We can thoroughly examine the roof, identify the underlying problem, and make the needed corrections. Homeowners who notice any preceding concerns are urged to contact us as soon as possible.

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What is The Most Fire Resistant Roofing Material?

Sun glaring on roof

Although typically only experienced during the summer months, many regions have been experiencing extreme fire conditions in the past few years due to unusually high temperatures and extremely dry conditions. As a result, it’s important to make sure your home and other buildings are safe from fire and take precautions to keep it this way. 

Your roof plays an important role in keeping your home safe, but unfortunately, not all roofing materials offer the same level of protection as others do. Here is our list of materials we recommend the most! 

How Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials Work

First, fire-resistant roofing materials work by preventing a fire from spreading. To do so, they must remain nonflammable for as long as possible to provide additional time for you and your family to evacuate a burning building. 

They also need to resist the heat that could reach them from below. It’s important to note that fire-resistant roofing material won’t keep flames off your roof completely, but it will make sure your home stays safe if there is a fire.

Best Fire Resistant Options

Some of these fire-resistant materials can withstand temperatures reaching up to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit while only needing minimal maintenance to last a long time. Here’s a quick overview of the top roofing materials to consider to protect your home from a fire: 

  • Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles are a great material to consider when looking for fire-resistant roofs. Many asphalt shingle manufacturers offer a special formula that makes their product more resistant to heat, which can help prevent fires from starting in your home.
  • Slate roofing: A specialized type of slate made for roofs called fire slates or fire-resistant can be used as shingles to increase your home’s resistance to fires if you live in an area prone to wildfire risk.
  • Ceramic tile: Ceramic tile is a creative choice in fire-resistant roofing! A ceramic tile roof can be made from clay, porcelain, or concrete and can last for decades. It’s also very durable and less likely to be damaged by hail or other natural disasters.
  • Metal shingles: They are not only resistant to fire, but they also last a very long time. They have a thicker gauge than most other roofs, which helps them withstand all weather conditions, including high winds, snow loads, and hurricanes.

Roofing Experts of Norwalk

Our team of experienced and professional roofing contractors looks forward to serving Connecticut residents’ roofing needs. We can thoroughly examine the roof, identify the underlying problem, and make the needed corrections. Homeowners who notice any preceding concerns are urged to contact us as soon as possible.

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What Are The Best Roofing Shingles in 2022?

Choosing a new roof can seem overwhelming, especially when faced with so many options and differing opinions on what is best. However, it’s time to think about what you want for your roofing in 2022. You may be considering the latest shingle styles, but other factors will determine which type of shingle is best for you. So, we have compiled a list of the best roofing options to consider this year and their many benefits.

Metal Roof Shingles

Metal roofing is a great option for both residential and commercial buildings. Metal roofs are highly durable, last a lifetime, and have the versatility of many style options you want for your home — even the look of real wood shingles and cedar shakes.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for homeowners this year. They offer many benefits, including low maintenance and energy efficiency. They are also durable and have a long life span which can save you money in the long run. Not only that, but many asphalt shingles come in a variety of different colors so that your roof will look great on any house.

Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are one of the most durable and weather-resistant roofing materials available this year. One of the best things about slate is that it does not require any maintenance, which means you can spend your time enjoying your home instead of spending hours every year trying to keep up with roof maintenance.

Wood Shingles

Although you may be wary about them, wood shingles are actually gaining in popularity this year. Many see a new kind of appeal in this product that has been around since before humans even knew what to do with a nail. Not only does it provide protection from rain and other natural elements, but there’s also an aesthetic appeal that you can’t get with any other type of roofing material on the market today.

Roofing Experts of Norwalk

Our team of experienced and professional roofing contractors looks forward to serving Connecticut residents’ roofing needs. We can thoroughly examine the roof, identify the underlying problem, and make the needed corrections. Homeowners who notice any preceding concerns are urged to contact us as soon as possible.

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How to Find a Roof That Fits the Aesthetic of Your Home

nice colonial home with green siding on a nice green property

What do you think about when you hear the word “roof”? A large piece of durable material to protect your home from rain and snow? That’s not wrong, but there is more to it than that. When looking for a roof for your home, consider the aesthetic of your house first. That’s why we’re going to give you some tips on how to find a roof that matches the design of your home.

Evaluate What Type of Roof You Need

Finding a roof that matches the aesthetic of your home is essential. The first step in this process is to evaluate what type of roof you need. For example, if you have a ranch-style house with an attic or full basement, a hipped roof would likely be the best option for you. A hip roof has two sloping sides and looks like an A from above; when these roofs are constructed, they create lots of space on top that can be used in homes with large windows. 

Make Sure It Matches Your Home’s Exterior 

When looking for a roof, it’s important to make sure it matches what you want in your home’s exterior. You may want to find one that complements the architectural style of your home or makes use of materials in the same color palette. Aesthetic elements such as material, color, and shape must be considered when selecting a new roof. 

A key consideration is matching colors and textures, so the roof doesn’t clash with the rest of your home. 

Consult a Professional

If you have a lot of ideas for what you’re looking for in a roof but are unsure how to approach the refinishing process, it’s time to contact a professional. Finding something that fits with both your home design and personal style requires a roofing professional’s expertise to help guide you through the process. They can give you detailed walkthroughs of the type of materials needed, color recommendations, or shape. They’ll know how to take your vision and bring it to life.

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Re-Roofing vs Roof Replacement, Which is Right For You?

Bumpy roof

Many homeowners will be faced with whether to re-roof or replace their roof when there is an issue. As one of the most important parts of your home, there are many factors to consider when deciding which project would be best for you and your situation. The cost, the time it takes, and even the quality of materials can be major factors in this decision. We have a full breakdown of what’s best for you!

Re-Roofing Explained

When you are looking for a way to restore your roof in a cost-effective way quickly, re-roofing is often the best route to choose. Re-roofing means that only the shingles are replaced, not the underlying plywood. During the process, a new shingle overlay is placed over the old ones, helping to restore the look and provide extra protection. However, you can only be a candidate for re-roofing if your home only has one layer of shingles on its roof. 

Roof Replacement Explained

Your old shingles will be taken off and replaced by brand new ones for a roof replacement. Provided the deck underneath is not damaged and good to go, your new shingles will be placed on top of the underlayment or felt paper — all while keeping the elements and weather resistance in mind. If your roof has more than one layer of shingles, this will most likely be your best option. 

Pros and Cons

Still unsure of which option is best for you? We’ll break it down even further: 

Pros of re-roofing: 

  • Re-roofing is a less expensive option than replacing the entire roof.
  • It also has the added benefit of keeping more of your original material in place.
  • Typically done faster. 

Cons of re-roofing: 

  • If you have more than one layer of shingles, you cannot choose this option. 
  • It is not recommended for metal roofing. 
  • Any major underlying issues might not get fixed since you are just placing new shingles over the existing material rather than stripping it completely. 

Pros of roof replacements: 

  • It lasts longer since you are completely replacing the roof. 
  • No matter how many layers of shingles you have, it can be done. 
  • Addresses all potential problems for your roof, such as rot or leaks. 

Cons of roof replacements:

  • It tends to lean more on the expensive side. 
  • It can be a long project, as extra time, materials, and labor is needed. 
  • It is more of a seasonal project because of the length of time to complete. 

And for whichever option you choose, JM Roofing and Siding is here to help! 

Need a New Roof This Year? Contact JM Roofing and Siding

At JM Roofing and Siding, we can service a wide variety of roof types, including all types of shingles, cedar shake roofs, flat roofs and copper roofs. We rely on premium products from respected brands like GAF and CertainTeed. Contact us or request a free estimate on our website. 

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What Roofing Material Can Take on Snow the Best?

Snow on roof

The winter season is in full swing, and with it comes the snow. As you’re getting your home ready for the winter, don’t forget about your roof! We’ve all seen the pictures of roofs collapsing under the weight of snow. As we continue into the rest of this season, you should ensure your roof is prepared for another onslaught of snow. The best way to do this is by choosing a roofing material that can take on heavy snow well and not collapse. And here are some of the best materials to choose from. 

Weaker Materials

Some materials like wood shake and asphalt shingles aren’t as good at taking on heavy snow because they don’t offer much weight-bearing capacity. These roofing materials are often more recommended if your house doesn’t see too many winters or if you live in a warm climate where there isn’t too much snowfall. As for Connecticut, we tend to get more average snowfall during the winter season than other northeastern states. Still, not as much as, say, in upstate New York or Maine. 

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs have a very high thermal resistance, meaning they won’t get cold and brittle during the winter months. They also have excellent wind protection qualities that will prevent your home from being damaged by high winds when Mother Nature throws her worst at you!

Slate Roofs

Known as one of the most durable roofing materials out there, slate roofs are sure to be able to handle heavy snow or blizzard conditions. However, similar to metal roofs, they are entirely immune to issues. Unseen cracks or breaks in the material could lead to water damage or ice dams. 

So, it’s essential you keep an eye on your roof this winter season and contact the professionals as soon as you notice a problem arises! 

Roofing Experts of Norwalk

When it comes to ensuring your roofing lasts and is safe for your family, you need to hire the best contractor possible. The JM Roofing and Siding experts are licensed and insured to serve you in Norwalk, Connecticut, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free estimate!

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Are Roofing Shingles Recyclable?

Spread out old roofing shingles

When getting a roof replacement or installing new shingles, what happens to these materials after the fact is often a distant thought. However, little do homeowners know that your roof’s old shingles can be recycled! That’s right, there’s a way to maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle when upgrading your home’s roof. And here’s all the information you’ll need: 

Recycling Roofing Shingles: Who Knew?

How It Works

Your shingles will typically last about 20 years before needing to be replaced. Once the material reaches its lifespan and has been removed from the home, most people simply throw them away with other construction waste. However, recycling your roofing shingles is an option many homeowners should consider. 

Many people think of their old roof as just being tossed into the landfill and not being used for anything. In reality, it can be reprocessed into any number of other things.

What Your Shingles Can Be Recycled Into

When you choose to recycle your old shingles, these items can be used to create various products such as compost, animal bedding, ground coverings for trails and playgrounds, erosion control on construction sites, and more. Not to mention, asphalt, the main ingredient in most shingles, can be recycled into paving material for roads and parking lots.

The Benefits of Recycling Your Shingles

When it comes to recycling, in any form, the benefits are endless. Not only are you contributing to an eco-friendly lifestyle, but you’re also helping to reduce overall waste in your town or county. Whether big or small, every action you take has a positive impact on the environment and helps keep this Earth beautiful! 

Contact Us Today For Roofing Services In Norwalk, CT

The best way to up your curb appeal this season is by investing in comprehensive roofing and siding services. The JM Roofing and Siding experts are licensed and insured to serve you in Norwalk, Connecticut, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free estimate!