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After the fall and winter seasons, the gutters of some homes are chock-full of debris. Leaves, pebbles, mud, and other hazards are trapped in those gutters, and the water that enters into the troughs has no place to go. Although this is a common problem, the question remains as to how clogged gutters affect the condition of your home. However, we have the answer you are looking for!

Clogs Can Deal Damage to Roofing

Gutters are known for hanging off the side of your home, collecting rainwater and transferring it to a predetermined outlet. While gutters ensure your home doesn’t develop a moat, clogged drains can impact the health of your roof. When gutters become clogged, they collect rain water that has no place to go. When the clog is left alone, rain water will begin to swell and pour over the side of the gutters. While this is bad for your property, the reality is that roofs aren’t mean to hold clogged gutters for weeks on end. Clogged gutters are heavy from the added weight of the rain water, and when the clog isn’t released, it may end in gutters getting ripped away from your house, taking a piece of the roof with it. Therefore, ensuring that your channels are clean of debris is one of the best ways to protect the health of your roof.

Clogs Can Deal Damage to Siding

As previously mentioned, clogged gutters will eventually overflow with trapped water.

This water will run down your siding and can cause some issues like:

• Rot
• Mold
• Wear and tear
• Chips in the paint

As you can see, clogged gutters can severely impact the health of your home. If you have plugged drains, JM Roofing & Siding can help. Contact us for a free estimate for debris removal!

Home renovation projects are never easy because they are usually extra-curricular, and there seems to be an infinite number of developments that people can take on. From repainting a room, ordering new counters, putting in new carpet, and thousands of other repairs, choosing between a roof repair and a siding repair may be seemingly impossible. However, after reading this blog, you will have a better grasp of which home improvement project is the superior choice for you.

Roofing: the Best Project for Necessary Repairs

Although old and worn siding poses a threat to your home, the reality is that a broken-down roof is more threatening. When a roof has holes and its integrity is compromised, the health of your whole home is at risk. If a roof caves in, it could do tens of thousands of dollars of damage to a house, not to mention that it could injure you or your family. Additionally, a patchy roof can let in leaks or other weather-related problems which can devastate your home’s interior structure. Animals will use the holes in your roof to infiltrate your home and your dwelling place may be overrun by wildlife as result. All of these issues are more serious than a breach in the integrity of your siding, but it is important to note that it is entirely dependent on extensiveness of the damage done to your siding. However, as a rule of thumb, a problem with your roof is more serious.

Siding: the Best Project for Style

While roof repairs are more serious than siding issues, the style of your siding is massively more important than the style of your roof. If you are renovating your home in order to sell it on the market, a siding renovation can work wonders in regards to your home’s curbside appeal and market value. The siding is often the “face” of the home, and damaged or old siding may be an unappealing blemish for potential buyers. Without a doubt, if you are looking to upgrade your home’s style it is typically better to renovate your siding.

Regardless of the home project you choose, JM Roofing & Siding is here to help! We have extensive knowledge of roofing repairs and siding styles that can help you make the right renovations to boost your home’s value and protection. If you have any questions regarding our prices or projects, contact us now!

While your roof defends your home from rain, snow, and shine, your home’s siding is also an essential part of your home’s security from the elements. Additionally, siding is the first thing that people see when they look at your home, which means you want your siding to look polished and neat. However, deciding on a siding material can be difficult due to pricing.

Siding Types & Prices

• Vinyl: Costs $2 to $7 per square foot—For a two-story house, the total could be anywhere from $6,000-$13,000
• Wood (Clapboard): Costs $5 to $8 per square foot—For a two-story house, the total could be anywhere from $14,000-$23,000 Note: Wood siding upkeep is expensive, expect to pay another $2,000 to $5,000 every five years to keep it looking new!
• Wood (Shingle): Costs $6 to $9 per square foot—For a two-story house, the total could be anywhere from $16,800-$25,200 Note: Wood siding upkeep is expensive, expect to pay another $2,000 to $5,000 every five years to keep it looking new!
• Fiber Cement: Costs $5 to $9 per square foot—For a two-story home, the total could be anywhere from $14,000-$25,200
• Stucco: Costs $6 to $9 per square foot—For a two-story home, the total could be anywhere from $16,800 to $25,200
• Engineered Wood Siding: Costs $3 to $5 per square foot— For a two-story home, the total could be anywhere from $7,000 to $12,000
• Synthetic Stone: $12 to $25 per square foot—For a two-story home, the total could be anywhere from $33,600 to $70,000

As you can see, the price of siding is dramatically different depending on the look you are trying to achieve! Any of these options are good, but if you have any questions, contact JM Roofing & Siding for answers!

You have heard the proverb, “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” This proverb, while typically used in reference to a group of people working together or for the strength of a logical argument, takes on a whole other meaning when referencing a roof. Many people believe one missing roof tile is not a big deal, but the reality of a missing tile or shingle is serious.

One Missing Tile Can Make the Rest Obsolete

Imagine a multi-faceted defense system where all of its parts must function together to successfully guard a precious treasure. If one of the security measures of the system breaks, the whole system is obsolete, and the treasure is put at risk. In regards to your house, the roof is the defense system, and the treasure is your home. If a single tile is out of place, guess what you will have in your home the next time it storms on your roof—rain in its interior. What can rain in the interior of your home do? Force repair costs worth thousands of dollars as a result of moldy wood and other parts of your home. Let’s go through a timeline of possible outcomes of an unpatched roof:

1. Your roof has a missing tile.
2. A storm hits your house and dumps rain onto your home.
3. Typically, your home is impervious to rain, but because of the missing tile, rain leaks into your house.
4. This leak causes your home’s interior to become soaked with rain.
5. As the interior of your home sees no sunlight, and is in a cool and damp place, mold and rot festers as a result of the rain.
6. This rot impacts the integrity of your home’s structure.
7. You will have to replace the structure of the interior of your home to ensure it doesn’t collapse on itself from the rot.
8. You will be out tens of thousands of dollars all because of one missing tile.

Clearly this process doesn’t happen overnight, but the reality is that it can happen in a couple of months depending on the season and your home’s local. Don’t make a mistake you will regret, get your tile fixed by JM Roofing & Siding. We will ensure that your home’s defense can continue doing its job so you and your family can stay safe.

No matter how protective your roof is, at some point in time you will need to perform routine maintenance. Although roof maintenance may seem like an easy job, thousands of Americans are injured in roof-related accidents every year. For this reason we have complied a number of safety tips that will help you stay safe while on top of your roof.

Never Work in Extreme Weather Conditions

Although summer days may seem like a good time to work on your roof, shingles dry out and become brittle when exposed to the sun for hours on-end. On the other hand, during cold seasons, your shingles may become brittle due to freezing temperatures. Therefore, the best time to work on your roof is during weeks where mild temperatures are the norm.

Wear Soft-Soled Footwear for Traction

Although your steel-toed boots are great for construction work, the typically hard-soled bottoms may cause you to fall off your roof. While hard-soled bottoms can help your feet during other projects, it is better to pass on these shoes while working up in the air. In fact, experts suggest that you use soft-soled footwear for any roofing project you engage in. Traction is better than support for roofing projects, so make sure you leave your hard-soles in the closet.

 Always Have Three Points of Contact While on a Ladder

When climbing a ladder, best practice dictates that you should always have three points of contact on the ladder at all times. Three points of contact means having a total of two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder. If a job requires that you use both of your hands while on a ladder, it may be time to think of a safer solution. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of workers are injured while using ladders every year, but if you follow this rule, the chances of you joining their ranks is significantly lowered.

Hopefully these tips help you protect yourself against injury while maintaining and cleaning your roof. Stay safe out there!

When a developer draws up blueprints for a new building, he or she must perform research on the area to decipher what natural disasters could impact the structure. While earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, tornados, and other disasters may be region specific, most areas suffer from storms. Although rain and lightning storms are not categorized as natural disasters, a powerful storm can wreak havoc on your roof.  Hopefully, your roof can stand in the face of the following storm hazards.

• High-Winds

As a roof ages, its tiles or wood shakes will become dense and brittle. When a strong wind blows across a roof, the tiles or shakes may get caught up in the wind. If a gust is strong enough, whole tiles or shingles may get ripped off of a rooftop. Therefore, if your tiles are getting old, it may be time to repair your roof with newer materials that will stay put through strong winds.

• Rain

While rain on its own may not do much to your home, one exposed portion of your roof could be the cause of attic flooding or moldy crawlspaces. If your roof is prone to leaks during the rainy season, your home could be in more trouble than your realize due to mold infestation and rot. The only shelter worth having is secure and will stop rain from penetrating the interior of a home. If your roof is torn and has holes, immediate patching or roof remodeling may be the only way to prevent attic rot that will require tens of thousands of dollars to replace.

• Hail

Rain’s more aggressive twin, hail, can wreak havoc on brittle shingles that should have been replaced. When hail strikes these materials, it can dislodge tiles and portions of your roof. When this happens, your home is exposed to rain and sun damage because the protective layer is compromised. To ensure your home’s ability to repel hail it may be time to order repairs.

• Trees

The power of storms can often uproot trees in your or your neighbor’s yard. In the midst of a storm, an uprooted tree can become a primitive battering ram against your roof. Branches can poke holes in your roof, and a tree trunk may cause extensive damage depending on how it falls onto your home. If a tree strikes your house, never assume the roof is fine. It is better to have it checked by a professional rather than assume the best and receive more damages due to wishful thinking.

 

As you can see, storms have a dramatic impact on the health of your roof. If your home suffers a severe storm, it may be time to hire a professional roofing company to ensure that there are no extensive damages. Dealing with this scenario now can save you tens of thousands in the future. So why wait, get your roofing checked now by contacting us!

If you are having your house built from the ground up, or if you need to have your roof replaced, deciding on what materials to use for your roof is not easy. There are a variety of options available to you and you don’t want to make a choice based solely on price. We understand where you’re coming from, so we made this blog to help you identify some pros and cons for each roofing material type.

Asphalt Shingles

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Fire-resistant
• Least expensive roofing
• Variety of colors
• Installation is possible over an existing roof

Cons:

• Colors can fade quickly, meaning brighter colors will fade faster
• Can harden from cold, becoming brittle and prone to break
• Attracts mold and mildew
• Can blow off in high winds
• 15-25 year lifespan

Tile

Pros:

• Highly versatile stylization
• Burn resistant
• Will not rot or attract insects
• Best insulation for attics
• Lasts a lifetime

Cons:

• More expensive
• Can crack when walked on
• Adds weight to structural supports

Wood Shakes

Pros:

• Timeless and classic look
• Insulates the while house when installed properly

Cons:

• Expensive
• No defense against fire
• Can warp over time
• Susceptible to rot
• Cost more for insurance
• 15-20 year lifespan

Slate

Pros:

• Impervious to fire, rot, and insects
• Low maintenance
• Impact resistant
• Easier to repair than tile
• Can last a lifetime

Cons:

• Expensive to purchase and install
• Adds to insurance costs
• May require extra home support

Metal

Pros:

• Light and durable
• Untouchable by fire, rot, and insects
• Keep attics cool by reflecting the sun
• Cheaper than some materials
• Last a lifetime

Cons:

• Middle range price
• Noisy in rain or hail
• May show dents

As you can see, when it comes to a roof, there a wide variety of options available. When it comes to roofing, these pros and cons mean little compared to getting the look that you want. Therefore, take these characteristics into consideration, but make sure you pick the choice that fits your needs!

The interior decorations of a home reflect the homeowners style and identity. However, did you know that the style of a home can actual impact your emotions? Read the following information to discover how the look of a home may affect your mood.

Use of Space

When entering a home with clutter and a lot “going on”, people may feel anxious and distracted. Spaces that seems claustrophobic and don’t “breathe” make people uncomfortable and trapped. Unfortunately, if someone visits a friend whose home is cluttered, he or she is likely to leave sooner rather than later because they may feel overwhelmed by the use of space.

On the other hand when a home is open and free of items, visitors tend to feel light. The room breathes, and those occupying the room are uplifted through the open space. The room will comfort those who feel trapped and allows conversation to flow freely among friends.

Furniture & Style

Many homeowners choose to purchase furniture with rounded edges and soft appearances. Round and soft furniture is seen as inviting and safe, whereas harsh looking furniture can appear threatening and dangerous. As people desire to feel comfortable in a home, cushions and soft-looking materials can go a long way in making people feel at peace in your home.

Lighting

Lighting can have serious effects on the moods and interactions of guests. Dim lighting is known to make people comfortable, creating a safe space for conversation and fellowship. However, harsh overhead lighting can make people feel alert, subconsciously causing them to back away from conversations. Additionally, natural lighting is shown to increase conversation and creativity within groups of people. If you want to have inspired conversations, make sure your lighting helps set the mood.

Understanding the relationship between decorations and emotions is difficult, but hopefully these insights help you create a home where productivity and relationships grow.

While some property owners think that the type of exterior siding of their home is of little consequence to the value of their home, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the quality, durability, and appearance of a home’s siding is of critical importance to the overall value of the home, its curbside appeal, and its ability to be sold.

Certainly, homes with older siding sell every day. However, there are generally three types of exterior siding that are the most appealing for a home, increase the net value of the home and provide the most protection for the home against the elements and are known for their longevity.

The top three home siding materials are:

• Brick or stone
• Vinyl siding
• Texture 111 or pressure-treated wood panels

What You Can Expect From Your Siding

Each of these types of siding offer protection from the elements, beautify the home, and offer a longer life than the outdated sidings that most homes have.

Brick and stone exteriors can either be facades or actual layer by layer stone or brick construction.

Vinyl siding offers great insulation from the elements for the home and are good at protecting the basic outside sheathing and the base wood underneath of a home. Vinyl siding is also very easy to maintain and clean, and it has a long durable life.

The last exterior siding is known as Texture 111, or pressure-treated wood. These can offer some protection from the elements. However, it is the least durable of the three top primary home exteriors.

Lower-Value Siding

By contrast, older and outdated sidings can be problematic for a homeowner—and one of them can be toxic.

Lower-value exterior sidings include:

• Aluminum siding
• Wood shingles
• Asbestos shingles

Aluminum siding back in its day was a great option for homeowners and avoided the need for constant repainting. However, over time this type of siding gets discolored, becomes chalky, loses color, and can be easily dented—exposing the aluminum color underneath.

Wood shingles can be found on older homes and generally need to get repainted every 5-8 years. These certainly can be beautiful, but wood shingles are difficult to maintain. Over time, the wood can be subjected to dry rot and insect infestation, as well as paint peeling and discoloration. Asbestos shingles are the most dangerous of the group. While they can be durable, if they are damaged the asbestos can be toxic and has been known as a serious carcinogen.

Ultimately, the siding you choose should be seen as both a stylistic choice and an investment into your home’s future value. By choosing siding based on its durability and cost-effectiveness, you can join the small number of homeowners who will be able to live a life of comfort and security in their retirement.

Storms can cause a great deal of damage to your home, as well as create emotional and financial chaos for you and your family.

Hail damage create leaks and cracks, and later lead to cracked and chipped siding. Wind damage can lift the shingles on your roof and cause cracks. It can also push weak or dead trees into your roof, punching a (very expensive) hole into your home. Water damage can affect every area of your home and cause certain health hazards such as mold and mildew.

None of that stress compares, however, to the stress of dealing with a windstorm damage claim. Where do you start? How do you make sure all the damage is accounted for?

We’ll tell you!

Today, our blog dives into the simple and practical steps for documenting home damage after any disaster. By following our guide to the end, you’ll have a thorough and organized list of information about everything the storm touched in your house.

Here’s how to do it.

Start with One Room & Don’t Move On Until You’re Finished

To safely document storm damage, taking an organize approach will ensure success. For example, start with one room at a time. Assess each room one at a time, and do not go to another room until you are sure that you have covered everything in that room.

This also gives you clear stopping points if you’re interrupted or need to document over the course of a couple days. Going room-by-room ensures that you’re not accidentally skipping a major problem.

Keep a Detailed List

Create a list that documents everything you observed after the storm. Keep this list with you as you go from room to room. On this list, include what is in the room and a description of the damages. Keep your list, and anything relevant to the storm, in a file folder. In addition, keep your insurance claim form and bills from the storm all together in the folder.

Caution: don’t throw away any damaged items before talking with your insurance company first. Add the items to your list, photograph them, and leave them until your insurance company has verified the damage. Otherwise, you may not have proof if they dispute it later.

Take Photos

After writing down each item/instance of damage, take photos. Photos are necessary for proving the claim and will show exactly the damages that occurred from the storm. Save these photos in an easy-to-access location, and make sure it’s backed up to an external hard drive or cloud-based account.

File a Claim with Your Insurance Company

The next step is to file a claim with your insurance company. This should be done quickly because many insurance companies help those who contact them first. Let your insurance provider know in detail the extent of the damage and that you have an inventory of your possessions.

By documenting your home piece-by-piece, you’ll be able to tackle the project with less stress and fewer distractions. It’s not only easier on you, but it creates a better, more thorough document at the end.

We hope you find this  guide helpful, and good luck with your future projects!