What Goes Into a New Roof?

all about your roof installation

First, you’ll need to decide if you even need a new roof. And if you do, there’s a through inspection still needed to check your attic, the rafters, and any underlying materials.

Removing roofing materials.

Contractors will begin stripping your old roof away, down to the wood base. Roof installations can occur in many layers, so there may be a lot of debris and shingles falling off your rooftop. Once all the shingles are stripped, the contractors will check for water damage.

Working on any repairs.

If they find water damage, this is when the rot will be removed and everything will be repaired. But this is exactly why it’s important to choose a responsible contractor — many people skip step number one above.

Underlayment is installed.

Underlayment is a durable material laid on the wood decking to protect against rain or damaged shingles.

Next is the drip edge.

A drip edge is a metal strip placed over the underlayment. It helps to make sure waterfalls off the edge of the roof. This is an extra step in water protection but is highly recommended by all professionals.

Shingles are installed.

Some areas have building codes for roof installation — and we know our company withstands all rules and regulations for shingle installation!

Residential roofing adds style to your home while offering protection from the elements. As your local roofing company, we provide the services you need to keep a highly functioning roof over your head. From repair and replacement to installing a new surface, we do it all.

Contact JM Roofing & Siding today for a FREE roof installation estimate!

Metal Roofing: A Sustainable Roofing Material

metal roofs are sustainable

The EPA estimated that there was 534 million tons of construction and demolition debris in 2014 (twice as much as municipal solid waste).

This stat has made many business owners and homeowners switch to sustainable roofing materials — like metal.

So what exactly makes metal roofs sustainable?

They are durable.

Metal roofs used to exclusively be used for commercial buildings. With a lifespan of 50 years, they are one of the longest-lasting materials on the market, which is what made them so popular for residential homeowners.

They are recyclable.

Metal is easily recyclable, so none of it will go to waste if there’s any extra after installation. It can be turned into other useful things and even more shingles for other homeowners to use.

They are thermally-efficient.

Metal roofs have a solar reflective surface, which helps reduce the burden on your HVAC system (which can also cause your utility bills to rise — so it’s a win-win all around!).

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.

At JM Roofing & Siding, we install metal roofing systems in Fairfield, CT and all throughout Fairfield County. Contact us today!

What Do I Do If I Bought A House With A Roof Leak?

You’ve finally found the house of your dreams. From the paint on the walls to the designs on the doors, it’s perfect. Until you find one minor (or major) defect…a leak in the roof!

You already signed the dotted line and the house is yours, but since the leak happened before you bought it, is the seller liable?

What To Do If You Bought A House With A Roof Leak

Roof Warranties

Look through your closing papers to see if your roof is under warranty. New homes and roofs are usually warranted to be leak-free for a while after purchase, so if you find a leak, you can call the roofing specialist and have him repair it.

Seller Disclosure

Before you call your seller, check the disclosure statement of your house. If there was a leak known, it would be documented on here. If this is the case, you most likely won’t be able to get the seller to help you repair the roof.

Schedule an Inspection

Hire a roofing expert to come in and inspect your home. They will be able to detect any visible signs of long-term water intrusion. This could include mold or mildew growth or visible water damage. If your home has one of these long-term side effects from a leak, that goes to show that the leak happened before you moved in.

JM Roofing & Siding will provide you with a wide variety of residential roofing services, including new roof installation, roof replacement, roof repair, and general roofing service.

Call JM Roofing today!

How To Combine Stonework And Vinyl Siding

Don’t get us wrong — vinyl is a beautiful and cost-effective option for siding. But sometimes homes need a little curb appeal boost…and adding stonework to your vinyl siding is just what you need.

combining stonework and vinyl siding

Why Include Stone?

Stone greatly compliments vinyl. Why? Because stone offers a contrast in textures and increases your home’s curb appeal. Vinyl siding is great because of its easy upkeep and low costs, but it doesn’t have that upscale look homeowners crave — adding some stonework helps you get the best of both worlds!

Fieldstone

Fieldstone is one of the oldest building materials. It’s irregular shapes and warm colors give homes a unique character that makes it different from other homes. Colors can range from rusty reds and dark greys to lighter pinks and sands.

On top of it all, Fieldstone siding can withstand wind, rain, and snow — making it perfect for the Northeastern weather.

Ledgestone

Picture a traditional fireplace stone look and that’s what Ledgestone is. The dimensional surface and rough edges make different shadows in different lighting, making this stone extra dramatic.

This type of stone siding can come in as many color palettes as you can imagine.

River Rock

This is unlike any other stone siding because it has rounded edges and smooth surfaces. These rock facades can end up being over a foot in diameter!

It is often found in greys and light browns.

Limestone

Limestone siding has smooth edges like River Rock, but it’s more square and rectangular shapes. Limestone has been used in architectural structures from thousands of years ago, which gives homes a uniquely old-time, yet modern, feel.

Adding siding to your house is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make. A new installation immediately increases the curb appeal of your home. Protecting your house from the elements reduces the time and money you’ll spend on maintenance due to the effects of harsh weather.

Contact JM Roofing & Siding today for a FREE siding estimate!

The Secret To Choosing The Perfect Siding

how to pick the right siding material

The siding you put on your home is a lot more important than just the way it will look. It’s also vital for your protection, just like your roof. Its hand and hand with your roof. We have some tips to help you make the best decision.

Check The Sidings Water Resistance

If the siding you choose isn’t water resistant, it will deteriorate at a much faster rate, forcing you to replace it sooner than you’d prefer. Some siding can last for decades and only need to be maintained every few years — go for these. You want siding that’s not only water resistant, but also resistant to nature, rotting, and insects.

Know It’s Energy Efficiency Rating

The energy rating is an important factor to consider. Each material comes with an R-value — the higher the R-value, the better thermal insulation your home will have.

Create A Budget

As with other home improvement projects, when it comes to choosing your siding, you need to plan out your budget first. Each material and factor comes with a different price point and you need to decide which is more important to spend your money on.

Which Siding Material Do You Choose?

Wood siding: Wood is the most eco-friendly and has a great natural look if that’s what you are going for. It’s easy to install and you won’t have any problems replacing it. However, it’s the more costly option of all the siding materials, between the installation and the maintenance (insects and water can easily damage it!).

Vinyl siding: The most common and inexpensive siding is vinyl. It’s used by around 30% of siding projects because of its low cost and durability. It has a warranty of 30 to 40 years, but if you live in an area of extreme weather condition, we advise against it.

Metal siding: HardiePlank brand (or Jamies Hardie) is the most popular choice for metal siding. It’s manufactured from sand, cement, and cellulose fibers — one of the toughest materials you can find for your home’s exterior. It’s also fireproof, impact resistant, and resists pests.

To learn more about your siding options, check out our website.

FREE estimates for ANY Siding Service! Contact JM Roofing & Siding Today!

3 Reasons Your Chimney Is Leaking

why is your chimney leaking

Chimneys can leak for a variety of reasons. And once it starts leaking, it can lead to a multitude of other problems. Knowing the root cause of the issue can help you make a better repair decision, so let’s start with the most common causes.

3 Reasons Your Chimney Is Leaking

Reason #1: Flashing Issue

One of the most common repairs with chimneys is from flashing issues. The flashing is the material, usually aluminum, that surrounds the part of the chimney from your rooftop. This metal part of the chimney is meant to form a waterproof seal between your roof and chimney. This is susceptible to leaking because flashing is difficult to install and flashing is also prone to rust, which can cause a leak over time.

Reason #2: Deteriorating Mortar

The mortar is what cements the masonry and holds it together — and it doesn’t last longer than 25 years (meanwhile the stones can last for centuries). When the mortar begins to deteriorate, moisture can pour into the chimney structure. And if the mortar isn’t replaced, the chimney can lean or collapse.

Reason #3: No Chimney Cap

This part is not necessarily required when a chimney is installed, however, its a very important feature. The chimney cap prevents rain from pouring into your chimney and causing various moisture issues.

Just these three reasons alone are three reasons why you should schedule annual chimney and roof inspection. Professionals can help you prevent any issues and find any repairs before they become bigger issues.

FREE Estimates On All New Roof Installations. Contact JM Roofing Today!

4 Projects To Complete This Summer

Just as we thought we might never see the summer, it’s mid-June, and we’re finally experiencing some warmer weather. All of us may be frantically scheduling our weekend vacations and backyard parties, but this warmer weather is also great for some home projects as well!

roof inspection

Here are four roofing projects you can add to your list…

Roof inspection and repair.

Now is the time to check out your roof to ensure everything is up to par. Other seasons bring on snow, hail, or rain, which is not an ideal condition for inspection. Spring and summer are the best time to call a professional roofing contractor to check everything out.

Clean and remove debris and pests.

If you have the proper equipment and feel safe enough, check out your roof for any moss or pests. Moss grows on dark, wet roofs and insects are known to make nests in our roofs and gutters rooting the wood and eaves.

If you notice any rot or discolored shingles, call a professional!

Check out your gutters.

Gutters are very important. They help remove water and debris from your roof and clear it away from your home’s foundation. If your drains are blocked, cracked, or broken, it can cause serious issues.

Now we know fall is usually the time homeowners check out their gutter system, but chances are the springtime left some debris in your gutters, so it doesn’t hurt to check it out quickly in the summer also.

As a local roofing contractor with 15 years of experience, we’ve made a name for ourselves by providing the highest standard of installation and repair. Homeowners can and should conduct regular examinations of their rooftop, and if they notice any issues, they should call JM Roofing & Siding!

Fiber Cement Siding vs. Wood Siding: Review and Comparison

Adding siding to your home is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make. Plus, it immediately increases your curb appeal, which makes pulling into your driveway a lot nicer.

worker installing wood siding

But, when it comes to choosing what kind of siding to buy, how do you decide? In this blog, we’ll discuss the difference between wood and fiber cement siding and all the pros and cons they both have to offer.

Wood Siding

Wood siding is a classic design choice with a variety of different materials including, cypress, pine, pine, spruce, and cedar. Thanks to these options, homeowners can make their home look clean and traditional or go the more modern route.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Wood siding is durable and can last for decades with proper care.
  • Pro: You can customize wood siding since its such a pliable material.
  • Con: Wood siding requires constant maintenance, including paint or preservative treatments.
  • Con: While some options can be inexpensive, you can easily cross the line with installation and maintenance costs.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is a complex material made up of wood fiber, sand, clay, and cement. And although you may picture a more grey, modern look — fiber cement siding can take on a variety of appearances, including wood, making it a great choice for any home renovation.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pro: Fiber cement siding is resistant to many things including insects, fungus, and UV damage (making maintenance super easy!).
  • Pro: It can last for years to come! It’s also resistant to fire, making it more durable than any other material (and eco-friendly).
  • Con: Installing fiber cement siding isn’t something you can do on your own — you need to hire a professional, and the cost can rise.
  • Con: The upfront cost of this material tends to turn homeowners away, however, it has low maintenance costs overall, which can help offset this price.

At JM Roofing and Siding, the siding we install will protect your home, save energy, improve the appearance and enhance the value of your property. We replace worn out or damaged exteriors. We install naturally durable cedar and fiber cement, one of the highest quality materials with the longest warranty.

Call us today for a FREE estimate for any siding service!

What To Consider When Evaluating a Porch Roof

When you think about your dream home, do you picture a wrap around porch? We know we would love one! It’s the perfect place to relax, no matter the weather thanks to the roofing system. But did you know that a porch roof has its own set of issues and upkeep aside from the rest of your home’s roof?

porch furniture

Warning Signs To Look Out For

Do you notice inadequate flashing?

Porches need flashing where it meets the side of your home. If there isn’t any flashing, water can get beneath the shingles and cause mold, rot, and deterioration.

Are the gutters in good shape?

Like the rest of your roof, the gutters around your porch need to be cleared of any leaves or debris. And if the gutters are cracked, it’s going to affect the rest of the porch next time it rains.

How sturdy are the beams?

How old are your porches beams? Over time, beams can become weak due to various weather conditions like rain and snow, causing them to rot. Once it begins to disintegrate, it can transfer to the rest of the porch.

This is a serious safety issue and should be addressed by a professional immediately.

Emergency Roof Repair

Emergency roof repair can help prevent small damages from becoming catastrophes. JM Roofing & Siding, a residential roofing company, can provide same day service for leaks and storm damage.

Call us today for more information!

Comparing Different Types of Roofing Material

Shopping for a new roof can be stressful and confusing (to say the least). We’ll try to clear up some of the questions you may have to make the process a little bit easier.

tile roofing of  home

What Are The Different Types Of Roofing Material?

Shingles

Shingles are the most popular roofing material on the market and we can think of two reasons right off the bat. One, they are the least expensive with a decent lifespan (20 to 25 years) and two, they are very durable (they have layers of fiberglass, unlike traditional shingles).

Metal

Aluminum or steel roofs are the two materials you’ll find when shopping for a metal roof. Aluminum is slightly more expensive than steel but is sometimes a better choice due to their resistance against corrosion. Metal roofing is up and coming as the most popular option because they are lightweight, energy-efficient, durable, and weather-resistant (they also can last for more than 50 years!).

To find out more about metal roofing: Metal Roofing Installation in Fairfield County, CT.

Wood

Cedar shakes or shingles give a beautiful appearance and is also very durable, making it the most popular wood option. However, they require much more maintenance compared to other roofing materials, which turns some homeowners away.

Tile

Concrete or clay tile roofs are the most popular in the southern and western states in America, but cooler climate homes can have them as well! Tile roofs are very durable and weather resistant, and they provide a curb appeal unlike any other.

Are you looking to revamp your home’s roof? JM Roofing & Siding will provide you with a wide variety of residential roofing services, including new roof installation, roof replacement, roof repair, and general roofing service.

Call us today for a FREE estimate on all new roof installations!