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There’s nothing better than sitting inside on a hot summer day with the air conditioning on full blast — or at least, that’s what you think until the first bill comes. With energy use on every homeowner’s mind, finding a compromise between comfort and cost can sometimes be a balancing act. We’ll, we’re here to tell you that your home could actually help save energy rather than use it, thanks to cool, metal roofs.  

Cool Roofs

A cool roof is one that has been designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional roofs. On a hot summer day, traditional roofs can reach temperatures of 150 degrees or more. However, on that same day, a cool roof would be around 50 degrees. Though cool roofs can be made from several materials, one of the most popular options lately have been metal roofs. Metal roofs are able to reflect solar energy that would normally be absorbed into your attic .

The energy efficiency of a roofing material is determined by its:

• Solar Reflective Index (SRI): All materials absorb some amount of heat. An SRI will tell you how well (or poorly) a material reflects and absorbs sunlight.

• Thermal Emittance: How much of the sun’s heat is absorbed by the material. If a material has a high thermal emittance rate, it will be easily able to radiate and expel the heat it traps. This prevents the heat from entering and circulating around a house.

Additional Benefits of a Cool, Metal Roof

• Reduce energy use, especially in the summer
• Limited sun absorption can prolong the life of your roof
• It can lower the temperature of rooms that do not have air conditioning (like attics, garages, and storage closets)
• Lower peak electricity demands
• Reduce local air temperatures

 

To learn more about your metal roofing options, call us today at 203-299-0716 to learn more and request a FREE ESTIMATE. Let our experienced roofers help you!

When it comes to choosing a roof, most of us are only thinking about one thing, the look! While the color and material you choose is certainly important, you also need to consider the structure of your roof. Deciding on a slanted or flat roof might not be as fun as looking at color samples, but it’s incredibly important if you want to get the most out of your roof. If you’re deciding between a flat or low-slope roof, here are a few things to consider. 

A Flat Roof

As the name implies, a flat roof is just that — flat. To create a flat roof, builders lay the material one over the other several times, until they have a watertight seal. Typically, these are more commonly found on industrial and commercial buildings rather than homes. 

Advantages

• • Flat roofs are perfect for cities and more congested areas, because they allow you to utilize every inch of your home or building.

• Flat roofs are also less expensive because they are easy to design and construct.

Disadvantages

• Because the roof is flat, water and snow can easily pile up. This can lead to leaks, water damage, and mold.

Low-Slope Roof

A sloped roof is constructed in two separate parts, then joined at a ridge in the center of your house. Both parts of the roof slope at a slight angle down and away from the house. Low-slope roofs are more popular in residential communities and small towns.

Advantages

• • • Because they lay on an angle, low-slope roofs can easily repel snow and water.
  • Low-slope roofs can be made out of almost any material, including wood, asphalt, metal, and slate.

Disadvantages

• Because they are more difficult to build, low-slope roofs are usually more expensive.

Which is right for me?

If you’re deciding on a flat or low-slope roof, the choice typically comes down to where you live. If you live in sunny Florida, a flat roof is a cost-effective way to utilize every inch of your home. But if you live in the northeast and are accustomed to snow, a sloped roof will always be a better option.

Whether you know exactly what type of roof you’re looking for, or need some help deciding, JM Roofing & Siding has been the experts in roofing replacements and repairs for over 15 years! If you’re home is in need of a new or updated roof, make sure to give us a call at (203) 299-0716!

Did you know that the Great Wall of China isn’t actually visible from space? Or that bulls are colorblind and can’t see the color red (fun fact: they’re attracted to the waving of the cape, not the color!)? The world is full of misconceptions and misinformation — especially about metal roofs. That’s why we’re taking a minute to set the record straight and correct these common metal roof myths.

Myth: They attract lightning.

Fact: We’ve all heard the story of Benjamin Franklin outside in a lightning storm with a kite and a key, so we understand the thought behind this, but it’s completely false! Metal does conduct electricity, but electricity is not drawn to it. And because metal roofs are non-combustible, they’re actually safer than other roofing materials, like wood.

Myth: It will sound like hail every time it rains.

Fact: Since they’re usually installed over an attic space and insulated, metal roofs are no more noisy than other types — they’re actually quieter than asphalt roofs.

Myth: Metal roofs will hurt your resale value.

Fact: Nope, not true! While metal roofs may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they are becoming more and more popular, thanks to their energy saving abilities and sleek look. Home’s with metal roofs sell just as regularly when compared to other homes on the market.

Myth: Metal roofs will look awkward on your home or in your neighborhood.

Fact: When most people think of a metal roof, they picture a shiny silver slab of metal, or the tin man sitting on their house. In reality, metal roofs come in a wide variety of colors, textures and styles, and can match any traditional, Victorian, ranch, modern, or colonial home. 

Here at JM Roofing & Siding, we offer a variety of metal roofing options, including tile, slate, shingle, and cedar shake roofing. All of these roofing systems provide an authentic look without the drawbacks of mold growth, rotting, high maintenance, or unreasonable costs.

To learn more about your metal roofing options, call us today at 203-299-0716 to learn more and request a FREE ESTIMATE. Let our experienced roofers help you!

If your refrigerator isn’t cold, you know it’s time to repair it. If your water heater isn’t heating your water, you know it’s time to repair it. It’s easy to tell when certain things in your home need to be fixed, but what about your roof? Surprisingly, a leak isn’t the only indication that you need to repair your roof. There are plenty of other, more subtle signs that it’s time for a roof repair. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to have your roof inspected.

Curled or warped shingles. As shingles age, they start to lose their shape and become disfigured. Not only are misshapen shingles unsightly, they’re a sign that your shingles are past their life expectancy and can’t properly protect your home anymore.

Cracked or peeling shingles. Cracked shingles can let water through the roof and into your home. They’re also a sign that years of rain, wind, and snow have taken a toll on your roof.

Bare or “bald” spots on your roof, caused by missing shingles. If you’re missing patches of shingles (and haven’t experienced a storm recently), it means they’re no longer strong enough to withstand everyday weather. In addition to your damaged roof, weak shingles can come loose and hit your car or a neighbor’s house.

Moss growing on or between your roof. If you notice moss growing on your roof, it’s a sign that you have excess water in your roof, and therefore water damage.

Dark streaks caused by airborne algae. Like moss, algae is another type of plant that loves a damp surface. If you notice dark streaks down your roof, it likely means you have water damage. Excess water can weaken your roof, and in severe cases, cause it to collapse.

Our experience working with highly respected brands allows us to provide new roof installation that lasts for years and is done within the manufacturer guidelines to protect your warranty. No matter what roof type you have, JM Roofing & Siding can ensure the quality and durability of the replacement!

“Should I go with light or dark grey siding? Should it be smooth or textured? Should it be glossy or matte?” When it comes to designing the outside of your home, everyone wants their siding to look the best it can. But before you get too caught up in the design elements, make sure you ask yourself an important question – “What materials should I choose?” Though this question usually isn’t on the forefront of a homeowner’s mind, it’s an important one. The materials you use when siding your home could mean the difference between not having to touch it for 20 years, or replacing panels every few years.

If you’re thinking of residing your house, here are just a few reasons why fiber cement  is one of the best options.  

Fire and Heat-Resistant

Unlike vinyl siding, fiber cement won’t melt or warp if it’s on a house that gets a lot of direct sunlight. And in the unfortunate event of a house fire, fiber cement won’t catch or spread the fire.

Long Lifespan

Fiber cement is made from sand, cement, and cellulose fibers – a.k.a some pretty strong materials. While the upfront cost may be a bit more than aluminum or vinyl, fiber cement will last an average of 3 times longer.

Impact-Resistant

Hail, fallen trees, and flying soccer balls are no match for fiber cement. No matter what happens, this material likely won’t dent or crack.

Perfect for Areas that Experience Extreme Weather

If you live in tornado valley, or are prone to hurricanes, fiber cement siding can handle strong winds and extreme weather tearing off your house and blowing away.

Low Maintenance

There is little maintenance that needs to be done when it comes to fiber cement siding. That means, you don’t have to treat or stain it before it’s put up, or wash it too often. The only maintenance that it really needs is a bit of recaulking – but even that only has to be done about once a decade.

 

If you’re thinking about getting fiber cement siding, JM Roofing and Siding offers pre-painted HardiePlank siding in a wide palette of colors to match any design style. The color is applied and heat treated to form an extremely durable finish that will outlast any other paint application by years. We promise that the siding we install will protect your home, save energy, improve the appearance and enhance the value of your property.

 

Last spring, you spent all day outside painting your house. Several hours and a dozen gallons of paint later, your home looked perfect. But then just the other day you walk outside to find that all of last year’s hard work has gone to waste, because your paint is already chipping after a long winter. If this has ever happened to you, we feel your pain! If your paint has started peeling, here are a few reasons why that might be and what you can do to prevent it.

Why is my paint peeling?

• Poor prep work: Paint has a hard time adhering to just siding. Before you paint, prime your house with a gloss primer.
• Sun exposure: Houses that sit in direct sunlight can suffer the worst from peeling paint, because the sun causes it to bubble and chip off.
• Weather: Rain, wind, and snow can all cause your paint to weaken and begin peeling off in large strips.
• Dust: If your siding was dusty or dirty when you painted it, the paint is less likely to bond with the surface and will peel more easily.

What to do.

• Always clean your siding before you paint it. Get rid of any dust and mildew that can make it difficult for paint to adhere.
• Paint when the temperature is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer (but not hot) weather will help your paint dry faster and smoother.
• Let each coat of paint sit for several hours. Sometimes paint feels dry to the touch before it actually is. Painting over paint that has not fully dried can create a weaker bond than if you were to let each coat dry properly.
• Not all paints fair the same in the sun or rain, so do some research before choosing your paint and get a type that will best fit your home’s needs.

Unfortunately, though painting your siding is a less expensive alternative to residing, it doesn’t last as long. At JM Roofing and Siding, the siding we install will protect your home, save energy, enhance the value of your property, and last for years. Whether you’re looking to replace or update your siding, we’ve got your house covered! For more information, give us a call at 203-299-0716.  

To repair or to replace: that is the question. While this may not have been the existential crisis Shakespeare was referring to, deciding what to do with a faulty roof can still be tricky. Your roof is the main protector of your house, so you don’t want to let it fall apart – but you also don’t want to throw money out the window (or roof) by fully replacing a roof that’s still in good shape. If you’re trying to decide on whether you should repair or replace your roof, your answers to these questions may help you decide.  

How old is my roof? This is probably the most important question you should be asking yourself. The average roof lasts about 20 years, so if your’s is showing signs of damage after 30 years, you should look into replacing it.

How extensive is the damage? If you are only missing a few shingles here and there, or are getting water in the house for the first time, you can probably get away with just repairing the damaged section.

How long has the damage lasted? If you have repaired the same spot several times, yet every major rainfall you get water leaking into your house, then it’s probably time to admit you need to replace that entire section of the roof.

Can I match my existing shingles during a repair? If you only need to repair a small area of your roof, check to see if you have shingles left over from your last repair or if your local hardware store still has them in stock. Some people hate the idea of a mismatching roof, while others don’t mind it as long as it extends the structure’s life – so, to each their own on this one.

What is the weather like in my area? If you live in an area that suffers from heavy wind, rain, and snow, your roof is more likely to be damaged. If you think it’s finally time to replace your roof, talk to your contractor and try to find the material that’s the most durable. It may cost you a bit more up-front, but your future savings will thank you!

For 15 years, JM Roofing & Siding has been a family owned and operated residential roofing company serving New Canaan, Greenwich, and Norwalk areas. We’re the experts in roofing replacement and repair, so if your home needs some maintenance after the long winter, or you need a last minute emergency roof repair – give us a call at (203) 299-0716!

 

No one ever wants to find mold in their house – it smells, can be toxic, and is hard to clean. But maybe the only thing worse than finding mold in your house, is finding mold on your house. A moldy roof is more than just unsightly. In extreme cases, mold and mildew can cause your roof to collapse. If you have mold on your roof, here is how you can get rid of it for good and ensure your family’s safety.

Why Does Mold Grow on a Roof?

Mold and mildew thrive on organic matter. Now you may be thinking to yourself – “my roof isn’t made of living matter?” but unfortunately, the materials that fall on your roof often are. If plants and leaves fall onto your home before a heavy rain, mold can start to grow.

Detecting Mold

The tricky thing about inspecting your roof is that it’s obviously hard to see the top of it while you’re standing on the ground. Take a walk around the outside of your house and keep an eye out for any dark, wet spots or green patches. If you’re able to see a few spots with mold, odds are it is further up your roof as well. From there, you should call a professional roofing company to secure and inspect your roof.

Getting Rid of Mold On Your Roof

To get rid of mold or algae, spray your roof with a 50 percent mixture of water and bleach. (Pro tip: this is the time when a lot of people like to break out their power washer, but trust us – that will only do more harm than good. Power washers can easily damage or rip off your shingles and cause more water saturation). When you’re done, give your roof another rinsing with just water.

With JM Roofing and Siding, your home’s roof is always in good hands. We offer roofing material made from asphalt, metal, copper, cedar, and slate – many of which are mold and algae resistant! For 15 years, JM Roofing & Siding has been a family owned and operated residential roofing and siding company, serving New Canaan, Greenwich, and the Norwalk area. If you need an emergency roof repair or roof replacement, give us a call at (203) 299-0716!

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” While that’s certainly true about people, it’s also true about your house! Don’t let all those big-budget renovation shows make you think improving your home’s curb appeal is going to cost thousands. Below are just a few of the cost-effective ways you can add charm to your house.

Paint the Doors, Trim and Shutters

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to brighten up your home and give it that fresh, clean look. But before you start looking at paint colors, remember that outdoor paint can easily chip and fade, so make sure you use a primer and top coat.

Install a New Mailbox

We know, who really gets paper mail anymore? Sure most bills and letters may be sent via the internet now, but most homes still have traditional mailboxes. Whether your mailbox is standing by the road or mounted to your home’s siding, a new one will add a hint of small-town charm to your entryway.

Update Your House Numbers

Peeling or fading house numbers not only look bad, but they can confuse first time visitors. Update your numbers with a new coat of paint, or really kick your design game up a notch and have 3D numbers installed on the side of your house.

Add Greenery

Trees, flower boxes, and shrubs make a home more inviting and lively. If your home is a neutral beige, grey, or white, this is a great way to add a pop of color just in time for spring. You can even use trees strategically by placing them in front of windows and rooms that receive a lot of direct sunlight.

Replace Old Lighting Fixtures

Outdoor lighting fixtures need to be replaced more frequently than indoor ones, because rain, snow, and wind can ruin their finish. If you already have the existing wiring, a new light fixture shouldn’t be too expensive.
For 15 years, JM Roofing & Siding has been a family owned and operated residential roofing and siding company, serving New Canaan, Greenwich, and the Norwalk area. We’re the experts in siding replacement and repair, so if your home needs some maintenance after the long winter – give us a call at (203) 299-0716!

It happens every year – the minute warmer weather hits, you make a list of all the great projects you want to do around the house. But week-by-week, life gets in the way and before you know it, there’s frost on the ground. The problem is, most of us plan renovations that are too big and time consuming, so we never really get around to doing them. So this weekend, embrace your inner handyman and tackle these two-day projects.

Install/ Repair Rain Gutters

Without gutters, rain water will erode the soil and foundation around your house and start to leak into your basement or crawl space. If you already have gutters, make sure they are not sagging or leaking. Gutters filled with leaves and other debris will cause water to flow over the side and damage your lawn.

Update the Garage Floor

When it comes to home repairs, few homeowners want to spend money on their garage. But a new floor is a great way to insulate your house and protect your car’s tires. Epoxy is one of the best flooring options because it’s stain and water resistant, wipes clean, and won’t chip.

Create a Jr. Toolbox

If you have a little ‘DIYer’ in the making, get them set up with their own homemade toolbox and set of tools. Create a simple rectangular toolbox out of wood and fill it with a handyman’s essentials: a hammer, wrench, nails, and tape measure.

Spruce up Your Entryway

Your front door and siding are the first thing people see when they arrive at your house, so make sure everything is in tip-top shape. Give your glass windows a good cleaning and paint the front door a new bright color. The winter can also be tough on siding, so paint over any areas that have chipped and replace panels that have come loose.

For 15 years, JM Roofing & Siding has been a family owned and operated residential roofing and siding company serving New Canaan, Greenwich, and Norwalk areas. We’re the experts in siding replacement and repair, so if your home needs some maintenance after the long winter – give us a call at (203) 299-0716!