Seasonal Tips Archives - Page 3 of 6

November 14, 2022November 14, 2022

How Hail Can Damage Your Roof

Roof shingles with large hailstones after hail storm

Living in Connecticut, we are all too familiar with the dangers of hail. Those little balls of ice can wreak havoc on your property, and your roof is no exception. In fact, hail damage is becoming one of the most common types of roof damage we see here. So, how does hail impact your roof, and what can you do to prevent it? Read on to find out.

How Does Hail Damage Your Roof?

Hail damage occurs when hailstones hit your roof and break or chip the surface of your shingles. Over time, this can lead to leaks and other serious problems. Hail damage is often mistaken for wear and tear or different types of breaks, so it’s important to have a professional inspect your roof after a hail storm to ensure that any damage is properly repaired.

How Can You Prevent Hail Damage?

There are a few things you can do to prevent hail damage to your roof:

Ensure that your gutters are clear of debris so they can properly drain water away from your roof.
Have a professional inspect your roof regularly to ensure it is in good repair; this will help prevent small troubles from becoming big ones.
Consider installing impact-resistant shingles; these are designed to withstand the collision of hailstones better than traditional shingles, which can help reduce the damage that hail can do to your roof.

Staying Safe

Hailstorms are no joke here in Connecticut, and they can do some serious damage to your property — including your roof. If you suspect that your roof has been broken by hail, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Stay safe out there!

Roofing Repair 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.

November 14, 2022November 15, 2022

Holiday Fire Prevention Tips

The holiday season is a time for friends, family, and celebrations. But it’s also a time when home fires increase. In fact, December is the peak month for home fires in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Use these tips to help prevent fires and keep your loved ones safe this holiday season.

Use Safe Lights

When it comes to holiday lights, LED bulbs are the way to go. Not only do they use less energy, but they also generate less heat—and as we all know, heat is one of the main culprits of fires. If you’re using string lights, make sure they’re labeled “UL” (Underwriters Laboratories), which means they’ve been safety tested. And when you’re putting up lights, be sure not to overload outlets or extension cords—this is a common cause of fires during the holidays.

Keep Your Tree Fresh

If you’re using a real tree this year, make sure to keep it watered at all times. A dry plant is much more likely to catch fire than a fresh one. When choosing a tree, look for one with green needles that aren’t falling off—this indicates a healthy evergreen. And when setting up your tree, be sure to place it away from heat sources like fireplaces and radiators.

Be Careful with Candles

Candles are another common cause of holiday fires. If you’re using candles in your home this season, be sure to blow them out before leaving the room or going to bed. It’s also important to keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, trees, and wreaths. And never leave children unattended in a room with the flame lit!

Roofing Professionals in Fairfield County

If your roof needs to be replaced or repaired in case of an emergency, our team is ready to help! JM Roofing & Siding of Norwalk, CT, will ensure your roof is durable enough to handle anything, even solar panels because our quality is over your head.

Request a free estimate today at 203-299-0716 or online. We look forward to helping you become eco-friendly!

November 4, 2022November 8, 2022

Can Ice Affect Your Siding Color?

The winter months are coming, and with them, the worries of ice damage. Although, many homeowners need to consider how the winter season can contribute to your siding color fading. While the sun is notoriously known for being a burden on your exterior paints, ice can also deal a good amount of damage.

Ice can be one of the most damaging things to your home because not only does it have the potential to cause structural damage but also to affect the color of your siding. If you’re worried about this happening to you, then there are a few ways that ice could affect your siding color to keep an eye out for.

Melting or Freezing

Whether it’s melting off or freezing on, ice can cause long-term discoloration for your siding. If there is an issue with moisture behind your house, then when the ice melts on top of it and evaporates, it will leave behind stains. Not only that, but if the ice melts and refreezes, it will create a layer of frost on top of the water, which could potentially stain or bleach your siding if left for too long.

Drywall Issues

Another way ice affects paint is when water seeps into gaps in walls and freezes, expanding as it freezes and causing cracks in drywall. It might not seem like a big issue at first, but over time, those breaks in your paint will become more and more obvious as the seasons go by.

Winter Storm Issues

We’ve seen our fair share of winter storms. High winds from these weather conditions can cause large amounts of salt and sand from winter road treatments to mix in with snow or sleet. In turn, this slushy ice has the potential to land on your siding, with the chemicals harming the hue of your home’s exterior.

Changes in Light Reflection

Did you know that ice changes how light reflects off of a surface? When water accumulates on the surface of your siding, this can lead to moisture that affects how light bounces off the exterior materials. Consequently, this causes discoloration — depending on what type of material is affected by the ice and how dark or light it is.

Contact Us For Siding Installations in Norwalk

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

October 27, 2022November 3, 2022

Fall and Winter vs. Your Gutters

Close-up of dead leaves overflowing a gutter

Gutters and downspouts are important parts of your home’s structure, especially in colder weather. These systems collect water from rain, snow, and even melted ice from your roof, then direct it to the ground where it belongs. But cold temperatures and harsh winter conditions can cause ice and other debris to build up in your gutters faster than they can drain it away, damaging your home’s foundation or leaking into your basement.

Follow these tips on keeping your gutters clean this fall and winter so you can enjoy all the benefits of clear channels year-round!

The Causes of Clogged Gutters in Autumn

What is fall more famously known for other than all the fallen leaves the season causes? And these leaves often end up in your gutters, clogging up the system. Not to mention the branches and debris that can build up due to autumn storms! All of these will cause water to back up within the system, which could lead to flooding issues for your home or property.

The Causes of Clogged Gutters in Winter

If your gutters are clogged this winter, it could be because of several factors. The most common reason for clogged drains during the cold months is snow and ice build-up on the roof. As water runs off the roof, it will freeze in contact with anything that can’t absorb heat, like leaves or pine needles on the ground below your home’s gutter system.

More Issues With Clogged Gutters

When gutters are clogged, water has nowhere to go but down the side of the house, where it can cause damage by rotting wood or eroding brickwork. Clogs also make your gutters noisy, which can be a huge annoyance when you’re trying to enjoy your time indoors.

Maintenance Tips

The biggest difference between fall and winter gutter maintenance is the frequency with which you clean them. In general, you should clean gutters at least twice a year, but you may need to do it more often if your drains are near a tree or bush that collects leaves or other debris or if you have many trees in your yard.

Roofing and Gutter Experts of Norwalk

Our team of experienced and professional roofing contractors looks forward to serving Connecticut residents’ roofing and gutter 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.

October 12, 2022October 21, 2022

Best Roof Cleaning Practices for Fall

As the weather cools down in the fall, you’ll notice that your roof will collect dirt and debris from falling leaves, fallen branches, and other things that blow around in the wind. Depending on where you live, these items may be more or less prevalent than others, but your roof will still collect them all year round. This means that fall is as good a time as any to clean your roof!

Use these best practices to clean your roof this fall to protect your home from ice dams and leaks this winter.

What to Consider Before Cleaning Your Roof

Cleaning your roof in the fall is important to maintain a healthy roof, but it’s important that you know what to do before you start. There are a few things to consider before starting your roof clean-up:

1. Check with your insurance agent first – some companies will not cover damage caused by cleaning the roof if they do not have approval from the company.

2. You’ll need to get up on your roof, so be careful and wear proper shoes and clothing (no shorts!).

3. When using a pressure washer or any power tools, be sure there is no one below who can be hurt or property damaged by water or debris is blown off the roof.

4. Be sure you’re on solid ground before operating any power tools on the roof!

What Tools do You Need?

To ensure your roof is thoroughly cleaned, you’ll need a ladder, a garden hose with a pressure nozzle or power washer, and a rag. You can also use a broom to remove any leaves from the surface of your roof. Be sure to take precautions when working up there by wearing safety goggles, sturdy boots, and gloves.

From here, work to clear off your roof of debris or leaves. Hiring a professional may be the best course of action for any hard-to-wash grime.

How Often Should You Clean Your Roof?

If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, you will want to clean your roof at least once a year. This is the time when leaves, dirt, and other debris make their way onto your roof. It’s best to clean it before the rainy season begins. This also applies to your gutters — ensure you’re keeping up with good scheduled roof-cleaning services, so you can thoroughly wash off your roof without any problem.

Contact Us for a Roof Inspection Today

Don’t wait to have your roof inspected and cleaned; our team is ready to help you! 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!

September 14, 2022September 14, 2022

Signs Wind Has Damaged Your Roof

Roofs are made to be sturdy and withstand any extreme weather conditions — but sometimes, some intense storms can put your home’s structure to the test. High-speed winds that accompany some tempests can cause significant damage to your roof.

Not sure if you’re facing any issues after the clouds pass? Here are some telltale signs that intense winds have ruined your roofing.

Shingles Are Missing

Notice your roof might be missing something important — it’s shingles? One of the most common signs of wind damage is missing or damaged shingles, which can be seen from ground level. With intense enough breezes, your shingles can lift and detach from your roof, leaving your underlayment unprotected and exposed.

Schedule a roof inspection and repair services as soon as possible if you notice this problem, as your shingles are made to be the protective barrier between the outside and your home. You won’t want to have these kinds of exposed areas open for too long!

Flashing Damage Around Chimneys and Pipes

The flashing around your chimney, pipes, and skylights can be at risk during large storms. High winds can lift the material and cause the metal flashing to split and break off. If you notice any parts missing or have a sneaking suspicion that damage could have happened, have a professional take a look ASAP. You don’t want the cracks between your shingles and exhaust pipes to be open for water and little critters to enter.

Gutter Damage

Your gutters play a huge part in keeping your home and roof dry during rainstorms by allowing for a steady water flow. Gutters can normally stand up to wind, but severe cases do happen. If you notice something off about your drainage, it can also be a clear indication of damage on other parts of your roof, so a general maintenance check should be performed.

Fallen Debris

Probably the most obvious and dangerous sign of roof damage after a large storm is if you find significant fallen debris all over it. While little branches here and there won’t be too much of an issue, a knocked-down tree or powerline says a lot. Your roof will need repair or maintenance after an event like this occurs.

Roofing Experts of Norwalk

August 8, 2022August 8, 2022

Hurricane Season Dos and Don’ts

We’re still in the midst of hurricane season, and although nothing major has passed through Long Island yet, it can never hurt to be prepared. Whether that’s with an emergency preparedness kit or just remembering some important dos and don’ts for getting through the storm, the more you prepare, the better off you’ll be.

So we’ve got a full breakdown of all the dos and don’ts for before, during, and after these powerful storms!

Dos Before The Hurricane Hits

If you’re aware of a big storm heading your way, take the necessary precautions to plan for its arrival. Do:

Create an emergency preparedness kit with essential items such as water, batteries, flashlights, medication, First Aid Kit, mobile chargers, important items from home, and a battery-powered radio.
Be aware of any evacuation routes for your area. Listen to officials if you’re being told to evacuate!
Fill up on gas for your cars and if you have a gasoline-powered generator.
Put away any outdoor items that could blow away and create hazardous conditions.
Turn off your propane tanks.
Ensure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris and leaves so water can flow easily.
Add protective layers over your windows to prevent breakage.
Ensure your home and roof are sealed properly.

Don’ts During The Storm

Don’t ignore local government evacuation orders, especially if the storm intensifies.
Don’t run generators indoors or in a closed space.
Don’t linger near your windows, even if they have been covered.
Avoid areas in your home where big trees are near.
Combat any electrocution worry by avoiding electrical equipment.
Flooding isn’t always gradual — even in a building with a floodplain basement, water can flow in quickly.
Unless local authorities have deemed the water from the tap safe, try to stick to water bottles.
Do not go in standing water.
Try to avoid driving at all costs — it’s important to stay inside.
Don’t panic. If you plan ahead of time and watch weather announcements and local government statements, you’ll be able to stay updated on the strength and danger of the storm.

Dos After The Storm

If you lose power for a long time, keep your fridge cold for as long as possible by keeping the doors closed.
Avoid buildings that smell like gas.
Watch for any download power lines or structural damage.
Take pictures for insurance purposes.
At the first sign of water damage, immediately make the necessary calls to fix this before it leads to long-term mold issues.
Check your roof and make sure no shingles were damaged during the storm — and if so, ensure you make the right emergency calls to get them repaired.
Check your siding for any damage — the sooner it’s fixed, the better.

Contact Us Today For Roofing and Siding 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!

August 1, 2022August 1, 2022

Energy-Efficient Summer Tips

How to Be Energy-Efficient This Summer

While you are traveling or visiting relatives, you should consider finding ways to save money on electricity bills. Why spend numerous dollars on power when you’re out having fun in the sun? Your home’s roof plays a large part in keeping it protected from harsh weather conditions.

We’re here to share tips on being energy-efficient this summer, starting with your roof.

Switch to a Metal Roof

Depending on the roofing material you choose, it will determine how much heat your house absorbs or releases. We recommend a metal roof because it has a reflective coating that casts back sunlight, which means that it reduces the amount of heat absorbed and saves energy. Additionally, it has a lifespan of over fifty years and requires less maintenance.

Insulate Your Attic

Installing an insulator in your attic will reduce heat transfer between your home’s interior and exterior by creating a barrier. With insulation, you will also not have to heat or cool your house often; thus, minimizing energy consumption. Poorly insulated roofs trap heat which makes your air conditioning system work harder than it has to during the summer.

Choose the Correct Shingle Color

Did you know that the color of your shingles determines the energy-efficiency of your roof? Light-colored shingles absorb less heat which helps cool down the house. Whereas, dark-colored shingles will absorb the heat and increase the interior temperature of your home. Depending on your region, you should select the right shingle color that fits your needs.

Go Green Today!

For 15 years, JM Roofing & Siding of New Canaan, Greenwich, and Norwalk areas of Fairfield County, CT, has offered high-quality residential roofing and siding services. We’re here to help examine the roof problem and make the necessary repairs.

July 12, 2022July 14, 2022

Summer 2022 Curb Appeal Trends

Taking care of your home’s curb appeal can be the difference between a house that attracts buyers and one that doesn’t. But how do you ensure you’re taking care of the right things to keep your home looking its best? Use these summer 2022 curb appeal trends to make sure your house gets the attention it deserves the rest of this summer!

Replace Your Front Door

A front door is one of the first parts of your home people see when they pull up, so it’s important to make a good impression. This summer, ditch your old door in favor of a new one that fits the trends.

Do you have an American-style bungalow? Opt for a white-painted door with green trim and navy blue shutters. Or are you looking for something more traditional? Consider a black-painted door with red and white trim and brown shutters. Whatever your style, there’s something for everyone!

Upgrade Your Landscaping

One way to improve your home’s curb appeal is to upgrade your landscaping. This can be as simple as adding new flowers or planting a tree. You could also add a water feature, like a fountain or pond. If you have the budget, you could even hire a professional landscaper to do the work for you. Whatever you do, make sure your landscaping is well-maintained and looks fresh and inviting.

Consider Updating Your Window Treatments

One of the easiest ways to add curb appeal to your humble abode is to update your window treatments. This can be as simple as adding new hardware to existing curtains or shopping for new blinds or shutters. You can even paint your window treatments if you want to get creative! Just make sure to choose a color that compliments your home’s exterior.

Upgrade Your Roof

A new roof is a big investment, but it’s also a great way to upgrade your home’s curb appeal. If your roof is old or damaged, it can make your whole house look shabby. A new roof will give your home a fresh, clean look, making it stand out from the rest.

Change Your Siding

If your siding is outdated or damaged, it can make your whole house look old and uninviting. There are many great siding options on the market, so you can find something that fits your style and budget. Plus, if you replace your siding with newer materials like fiber cement board or metal panels, they come with warranties to protect against deterioration. You’ll be happy you took the time to update your home’s exterior!

Contact Us Today For Roofing and Siding Services In Norwalk, CT

June 29, 2022June 29, 2022

Fire Prevention Tips for Summer

Summertime can be an incredibly hot and humid time of year, especially here in Connecticut, where summers come faster than we realize. With all that heat and humidity, it can be easy to forget about fire safety, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your home stays safe and cool this summer season. Here are some roof fire prevention tips for summer!

Get a Roof Inspection

The summer heat can cause extreme pressure on roofs and walls, potentially weakening them. To avoid a big headache (and possible devastation) later, ensure your roof is in good shape before you fire up that grill or light those fireworks.

Consider getting a professional inspection at least once a year — or whenever you notice any signs of damage or wear. Once you’ve found issues, address them as soon as possible to avoid even bigger problems down the road (like leaks or cave-ins).

Keep an Eye on Your Gutters

If you live in a home with no fire-resistant roofing, you need to be especially careful about your gutters. Be sure to clean them out regularly so that no dead leaves or other material could catch fire and cause a blaze. A good gutter cleaning can also prevent more mundane problems with leaking and flooding.

Keep Chimneys Clean

A clean chimney helps prevent fires and allows smoke to exit in a timely manner — after all; it can’t escape through cobwebs. Cleaning a chimney thoroughly can be dangerous, so hire a professional if you aren’t comfortable taking on such a task.

Install The Right Roofing Protection

The most common cause of fires in homes during summer is failure to maintain fireproofing on roofs. Be sure to examine your roof regularly and get a professional evaluation if you notice any areas that could pose a potential problem.

If you have an asphalt shingle roof, it’s recommended that you install fireproof coating every ten years or so; if you have a wood shake roof, it’s recommended that you install a water-based sealant every five years or so.