Posted on

Home Exterior Spring Cleaning Checklist

Cleaning service washing building facade with pressure water. Cleaning dirty wall with high pressure water jet. Power washing the wall. Cleaning the facade of the house. Before and after washing

Have you done your spring cleaning yet? Well, don’t forget to take your cleaning to the exterior of your home too! Get the most out of your landscape these warm-weather months by taking the time to ensure everything is clean, tidy, and ready to enjoy all spring and summer long.

Here’s what you should consider including on your checklist for exterior spring cleaning:

Do An Inspection

Take some time to do a walk around your home and look closely for any issues. Pay close attention to your roof, siding, windows, doors, and decking for signs of leaks, mold, breaks, and other serious damage. Getting any problems addressed and fixed as soon as possible will ensure there isn’t further and more costly damage to your home.

Clean Your Gutters

Spring is the perfect time to give your gutters the maintenance they need! The fall and winter season likely clogged your gutters with leaves, sticks, and other debris that needs to be removed so water can safely flow through and the gutters can adequately do their job. Be careful while up on your ladder, and call a professional if you can’t do the job yourself.

Power Wash

Your home’s exterior surfaces have endured a lot of harsh weather and external conditions that have likely led to dirt build-up and grime. The best way to get a fresh clean is to power wash. Power washing, also referred to as pressure washing, uses a high-pressure water sprayer to easily clean surfaces such as walls, floors, decks, siding, and fences, so they look like new and free of any dirt.

Check Your Garden

Your garden wants to grow beautifully this summer, so give it the TLC it needs. Clear away any weeds or leaves, add fresh soil, trim and prune any shrubs and watch your plant life grow! If you want to do some updating, consider planting more flowers, shrubs, vegetables, and more to get the most out of your landscape and really embrace nature.

Ready Your Entertaining Areas

One of the most enjoyable parts of the warm weather seasons is spending it with friends and family. Outdoor entertaining is great unless your space is dirty and uncomfortable. Whatever you have in your outdoor space, such as couches, tables, fire pits, barbecues, and more, take some time to rake leaves and debris away, clean and disinfect surfaces, and set up any decorations that bring the whole area together.

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!

Posted on

How Does Heat Affect My Roof?

Hot weather in summer overheat home roof from sun burn.

Summer is just around the corner, and many homeowners wonder how the heat will affect their roof. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen in the past years, hot weather can lead to many costly issues! That is why now is an excellent time to assess how your roof will hold up in the coming months. Here are some things you should consider when thinking about what the heat will do to your roof:

Shingle Issues

Roofs absorb sunlight which can cause it to get hotter than the air temperature. When roofs get too hot, they expand upwards and then contract downwards, which causes shingles to dry out faster. You’ll find that this leads to cracks that then leads to leaks, and leaks are hard to deal with after they cause too much damage. Your home’s structure could be endangered, so it’s essential to ensure that your shingles are in good condition before it gets too hot outside.

Mold Growth

A hotter home may lead to mold growth because warm, moist air encourages the formation of mildew and other types of fungus on surfaces such as wood, paper, or even skin. Mold growth and rotting wood on your shingles could mean a lot of trouble, more trouble than some leaking. This means the integrity of your roofing will be compromised, putting you and your family in danger. Have a licensed professional take a look if you suspect you have mold on your roof!

Increase in Energy Costs

As your home gets hotter inside due to the heat outside, you may notice that your air conditioner works harder than usual, which means higher energy bills and more strain on your unit. It also helps to regulate the temperature inside your house by providing shade on hot days and allowing sunlight in during colder months.

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!

Posted on

Why Is Curb Appeal Important?

The weather is warming up, and many homeowners turn their attention to the outside of their homes around this time. One thing that a lot of people do not realize is how important curb appeal can be!

So what is curb appeal?  It’s what people see when they first pull up to your house, and it sets the tone for their visit. It’s more than just a front door, and here’s why:

Makes It Easier To Sell Your Home

Curb appeal makes it easier for potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the home you’re selling. This will make buyers more likely to want to buy it, which means they’ll be more willing to offer a higher price. You’ll be able to sell your home more quickly since potential buyers are more likely to fall in love with a property that has beautiful landscaping and an inviting exterior. Not to mention, it’s less work they’ll have to do once they move in.  

Boosts The Look Of Your Neighborhood

It’s not just you and your home that a nice exterior will help! Curb Appeal boosts a neighborhood’s attractiveness. This includes public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, etc., but also properties themselves. Property values will increase when homes have good curb appeal.

Reduces Energy Costs

It may come as a surprise, but with excellent curb appeal, homeowners can help decrease the overall cost of their energy bills. This is because trees help cool down your house during hot days, which leads to lower utility bills. Keeping up with curb appeal also involves improving drainage systems in yards with poor drainage or fixing leaky gutters. When handled properly, you’ll also be able to keep repair, maintenance, and energy costs down. 

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!

Posted on

4 Signs Your Roof is on The Verge of Collapsing

roof of a house burned and caved in.

Many homeowners and property owners that suffered from a roof collapse will mostly agree that they never expected it to happen. Because of this, it’s crucial to be aware of any signs or conditions that can leave your roof damaged and with the potential to come crashing down.

Here are some of the most common signs that your roof is about to give out:

Roof Leaks

If you notice a roof leak, this means that water is flowing into your roof deck. Leaks should never be overlooked, and they typically are a sign of a more serious problem than just cleaning up some water. Finding the source of the leak and fixing any structural damage is crucial.

Sprinkler Heads Pushing Downward

If you notice the buildings’ sprinkler heads are pushed down out of their secured position, there could be a roof collapse very soon. This indicates that there is immense pressure pushing down on your roof, so much so, the ceiling and sprinkler heads are starting to fall. If you get your roof repaired, be sure to have the sprinkler heads fixed too, as they’ve been damaged and may not function in an emergency.

Cracks In The Walls or Ceiling

Another indication of a pending roof collapse is noticeable cracks inside throughout the ceiling or down the walls. These cracks don’t occur without reason, and it’s likely that reason is weight building up on the roof, whether it be water, snow, debris, or something else. Immediate action to remove whatever is on the roof is necessary.

Sagging or Warping Structures

The support structures of a home or building can only support so much weight, so if there is weight building up on top of the roof, these structures will start to sad, warp, and eventually collapse. Door frames as well will begin to distort in shape from the heavyweight. 

Whenever you notice any of these signs, it’s essential you call a trusted roofing company to assess and fix the situation before devastation occurs.  

Roofing Replacement in Norwalk, CT

When you need your roofing system replaced so it 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!

Posted on

Are There Carpenter Bees In My Siding?

Eastern Carpenter Bee Flying in Springtime

Are you noticing holes in your home’s siding and some bees buzzing around? You may have a carpenter bee infestation on your hands! Don’t worry; these bees won’t hurt you, but it’s crucial to handle the situation before it gets worse.

What Are Carpenter Bees?

These large, black and yellow bees love wood! Their appearance resembles a bumblebee but with a shiny, black abdomen instead of a fuzzy exterior. These bees may look scary, but the males don’t have stingers, and the females rarely sting, only if aggravated. 

Carpenter bees are accurately named because of the perfectly round, half-inch wide holes they drill into wood to make their nests. The females use their sharp teeth to carve out these perfect circles through the soft wood, where she lays her eggs.

Carpenter Bee Damage

Carpenter bees prefer to make their nests in soft, unpainted wood, such as the backside of fascia boards, window trim, porches, siding, and other elements of your home’s exterior. Woods such as pine, cedar, cypress, and redwood are the most ideal as they are softer and easier to carve. Some signs of carpenter bee nests include: 

  • Half-inch in diameter round holes in the wood
  • Piles of sawdust around the holes
  • Scraping sounds from inside the wood
  • Fan-shaped stains around the holes

Just a few tunnels are not much to worry about, but if there is a serious infestation, problems such as structural damage, water damage, and stains can occur and become costly fixes. 

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees in Your Home’s Siding

If your siding has fallen victim to these ferocious carpenter bees, there are a couple of things you can do to solve the infestation:

  • Find the nests – Locate where all of the nests are. Carpenter bees are very active during the day, so it shouldn’t be difficult to spot where they are flying. 
  • Utilize an insecticide – Buy a proper insecticide, and follow its directions to spray it to the target area safely. Doing this at night, when most of the bees should be inside their nest, will guarantee the best results.
  • Replace your siding – If the infestation is too severe, it may be time to replace your home’s siding. Reach out to your trusted local siding company to help replace the siding safely.

Roofing and Siding Experts of Norwalk

When it comes to ensuring your roofing and siding 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!

Posted on

Why is My Roof Leaking?

Flooded residential house. Water dripping from roof.

We’re no stranger to how much rain April can bring to the east coast. However, it’s not always because of a downpour that homeowners run into leaking issues! A leaky roof can be a very annoying problem, and there are many reasons why your roof might be leaking. Knowing what the issue is will help you fix it, so we have some reasons as to why you’re having problems:

Installation Issues

To start with, let’s talk about problems with installation. If you’ve had any work done on your roof recently, then there is a chance that the contractor might not have installed flashing correctly. This could leave room for vulnerable areas in your roof, such as near your chimney or skylight. Be sure you check in with your contractor and that they are reliable with their service!

Rotting

After being exposed to the elements for so long, the shingles on your roof will start deteriorating and start letting water into your home – as well as an infestation of mold spores that can spread quickly throughout your house if not treated immediately! If you notice any water coming in through the ceiling or walls, it is time to take action and replace your old roof with a new one.

Faulty Shingles

Faulty shingles are often a leading cause of water leaking into your home, and after a heavy rainstorm, this could be a lot worse. The storm can weaken the bond between the roof deck and any installed roofing materials like shingles or tiles, leading to leaks in your ceiling. It’s essential to inspect your roof for any signs of damage from these storms, especially if you live in an area where hail falls frequently.

Emergency Roof Repairs in 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!

Posted on

5 Things To Know During Home Renovations

Thinking about starting a renovation project for your home? This can be a time-consuming process, and there are always plenty of little details to keep track of. It’s essential to take the time to do it right and plan for everything that could go wrong to avoid any costly mistakes. When planning your next renovation project, be sure to keep these five things in mind:

1. Have An Idea in Mind

It’s important to start with an exact or somewhat exact idea of what you’re looking to get out of this renovation project. It will be easier for a contractor to give you the correct estimate and tell you if it can be done on your budget. Whether you’re adding new space to your home or renovating your roof, sit down and plan out your ideas first before picking up the project. 

2. Establish a Timeline

If you are thinking about renovating your home, you should know how much time will be needed for each phase. Any renovation project can range from a few months to one year from start to finish. This includes design and construction phases and other necessary tasks like choosing materials and furnishing rooms in between these two processes. The process can take longer if there’s something wrong with the property or home’s structure.

3. Research Your Contractor

No matter what type of renovation project you’re planning, the key to getting it done is to make sure that you find a contractor who has had experience with similar projects. A contractor’s past jobs will show if they have completed a project like yours in the past and give you an idea of how much work they are likely to need for your job. 

4. Know If You Need Permits or Insurance 

Many people have found that when they start a renovation project on their home, they may not be aware of the specific permit requirements for certain jobs in their area. If you are unsure about what type of permit is required for your next project, contact your local municipality office or building department before starting work on the renovation. 

5. When is The Best Time to Start?

The best time of year to start on your renovations is right after winter. The climate is usually milder during this time, and there is less risk of being caught out by unexpected snowstorms or heavy rains. Spring is also a good choice, but it can be very wet and humid at this time, so make sure the contractors know what they’re doing. 

Roofing Renovations 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!

Posted on

Why Is My Roof Creaking?

Are you ever just relaxing at home when suddenly your roof lets out a loud creak, loud enough to wake the neighbors? Not only is it startling, but it also could be the result of another underlying issue. It’s normal for homes to make noises here and there, especially if they’re older. However, there are a few specific reasons why your roof creaks all day and all night long. 

Nighttime Creaking

If you notice an increase in roof creaking at night, it’s most likely because of the temperature changes that occur then. Shifting humidity during any season also causes this, and it’s nothing to be too concerned about. It’s the most common during spring and summer, as your roof’s material is warming and cooling constantly, leading to constrictions in the base. 

Weather 

One of the more apparent reasons for home creaks is the weather. From strong winds to heavy rains, most wood-structured buildings will make noises. However, if you find that your roof is making sounds even when the wind is very low, you may need to call in a professional to assess your structure, considering it might be on its way out, especially since your home has weakened over the years. 

Popping Sounds

If you begin to hear louder, more prominent popping sounds, don’t panic! No matter how concerning it sounds, it’s usually just the result of your home’s interior reacting to temperature changes. Lumber and other materials will shift and budge, creating the loud noise you’re hearing. If it still concerns you and happens during moderately temperate days, it can’t hurt to call up a professional to take a look. 

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!

Posted on

Changes Spring Will Bring to Your Home

Chamomiles with blurred house in background in spring

We can’t wait to welcome spring, but not every change it brings is a positive one. Of course, there are longer days, new blooming, and warmer weather. However, there are also some significant weather changes and temperature fluctuations that homeowners aren’t always prepared for. Here are some of the most common changes spring will be bringing to your home this year:

Poor Air Quality

People with allergies or asthma know full well that spring is the worst season for those with respiratory issues. If your home’s indoor air quality was already poor, then spring will begin to make it even worse. The pollen mixed with the dust and debris that build up in air ducts will only make things more complicated, especially if you like to open the windows on nice days!

Better Curb Appeal

On the more positive side of things, spring is the season that allows your curb appeal to prosper. With the flowers blooming and green in the trees and grass coming back, that picture-perfect home will really shine. Now all that’s left is to upgrade your siding to look brand new, and your house will look fantastic!

Rainy Days

We all know the saying “April showers bring May flowers,” but these showers can often end up being pretty intense. Your home’s roof will be facing a lot more downpours than usual, and if it’s not up for the task, you could be facing some potential leaking issues. Be sure to work with a roofing contractor to ensure your home is ready to take on heavy amounts of rain this season. 

Roofing and Siding Experts of Norwalk

When it comes to ensuring your roofing and siding 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!

Posted on

Unlucky Home Emergencies

shot of green wreath outside of the house

Home emergencies can happen whenever, whether it’s due to weather conditions or aging. When you do run into these unlucky emergencies, know that you have us to come to assist. But what kind of sudden issues might arise if you don’t have the luck of the Irish on your side? Here are a few examples:

Roof Leak

Even the seemingly smallest leaks can mean major emergency roof repairs. Homeowners tend to put off fixing a leak when it is a small drip in their house, but that’s a bad idea. Anytime water is visible inside your home, you should call a professional immediately. It could lead to mold or mildew within your home or decomposition in your home’s foundation. It is difficult to remove and dangerous to your family, and you can prevent decay by contacting us as soon as you notice a leak.

Hail Damage

Winter isn’t over yet, and we could be facing some potential hail storms in the future. While most roofing materials can handle small hailstorms well, systems that produce large hailstones or even small stones and high winds can wreak havoc on your rooftop. If protrusions are caused on the material or vulnerable areas, it could open up the chance for water to leak in. 

Wind Damage

The stormy season is on its way and windy days. This can lead to some significant damage to your home. Not only can the heavy breeze cause shingles to rip off and create dangerous projectiles, but it can also cause surrounding trees to fall into your home’s siding or windows. Once these spots have been hit, it’s an open opportunity for water to get in. Professionals can come in and prevent damage to your interior walls and belongings.

Emergency Roof Repairs in 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!