JM Roofing & Siding

August 16, 2021November 3, 2021

5 Ways to Save Money on Your Energy Bill This Summer

This summer season has undoubtedly been hot! And with this intense heat, we are all spending money and energy on trying to keep our homes as cool as possible. Since these costs can really add up, we want to help give you a few ideas on how to save some money this summer on your energy bills.

Here are five tips for saving money on your energy bill during the summer season:

Turn off your air conditioning when it’s not needed.

Keeping your air conditioning turned off when you’re sleeping or not home can result in significant savings. Before you leave the house and won’t be home for an extended period of time, be sure to raise the thermostat. If you can manage with fans or open windows at night, turn off the air conditioning before going to sleep.

Clean your air conditioner vents.

For air conditioning to properly function, the filters, coils, and other elements all need to be cleaned and maintained regularly. Built-up dirt and dust can clog the airways, making it more difficult for your unit to efficiently produce and dissipate cool air. If it’s been a while since the last time you changed the filter, do so as soon as possible.

Block the sun rays.

The sun’s intense rays entering through your windows can heat up your home more than you may think. Utilizing window coverings and treatments can help you save some energy and keep your home cooler.

Take advantage of natural ventilation.

If there are cool breezes at night where you live or you notice the temperature has dropped, take advantage and open your windows for some natural airflow.

Utilize fans.

Instead of blasting the air conditioning, turn on your fans! Ceiling fans can help keep a room 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to turn down your A.C. No matter the type of fan, don’t forget to turn them off when you’re not in the room.

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!

July 15, 2021November 3, 2021

5 Summer Home Decorating Tips

Are you looking to add some new decorations to your home’s exterior for a more summery look? We’ve got you covered! Summer is all about enjoying time outdoors, basking in the sun, embracing nature, and having fun, so let’s help the outside of your home match the season to help you and your family enjoy the summer vibes.

Take a look at these summer exterior home decorating tips:

Pops of Color

Though neutrals are always a great option when designing and decorating your outdoor spaces, color is a must, especially during the summer months. Pops of colors such as blues, reds, oranges, and yellows are perfect for getting in the summer mood. Try adding these colors in pillows, wreaths, plates, paint, art, decorative items, and more.

Think Cozy

One of the best parts of summer is enjoying more time outdoors in the beautiful weather. When decorating an outdoor space, say your patio, porch, or balcony, think about comfort. Don’t skimp on comfortable seating, cushions, pillows, and more. When your space is cozier, you’re more likely to want to spend time there.

Upgrade Your Outdoor Entertainment Materials

Entertaining outdoors is a big part of summer, so make your outdoor space the place to be! When it comes to hosting, you need to have the right tools and materials such as plates, utensils, napkins, and glasses, giving you a great chance to get creative. Find fun colors and prints that are summer-themed for the perfect accessories your guests will love.

Lighting Makes The Difference

To ensure your good times outdoors this summer don’t have to end when the sun goes down, you need some fun lighting! From string lights to lamps to candles, there’s plenty of options to create the perfect lighting for your outdoor areas that will surely enhance and tie together the space.

Include Elements of Nature

If you’re struggling with decorating your space, you can always embrace the outdoors and add natural elements for an elegant summer feel. Plants, bamboo pieces, woven baskets, and more make great additions to just about any outdoor space.

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

July 15, 2021November 3, 2021

Factors To Consider When Deciding on a Roof Type

A roof will last for decades, so it’s important to take the time to choose the ideal roofing material for your home and your needs! There are many factors to consider since there are a wide variety of roofing materials to choose from, so don’t rush the process of finding your perfect roof.

If you’re planning on redoing your home’s roof, consider the following factors when selecting the type of roofing system you want for your home:

The Style of Your Home

When deciding the best roofing materials to create your home’s brand new roof, looks will be an essential part of making your decision. A nice roof that matches the rest of your home not only increases your home’s value and curb appeal but will have you falling in love with your home every time you pull back into the driveway. Be sure to consider coloring, style, and more when choosing the roofing material, so it looks just right and matches the rest of your house.

Cost and Longevity

Every roofing type will have a different material and installation cost. Every material also has a different longevity, so it’s important to consider how much you are able and willing to spend on your new roof. Asphalt shingles are considered the cheapest and most popular material, but it needs to be replaced every 15 to 25 years, while slate is the most expensive option, but it can last for nearly a century.

Climate

It’s crucial to take into account your environment, including high and low temperatures, storms, and humidity. Humid climates can lead to an increased risk for mold and algae growth, while cold climates can cause ice damming and other problems. Because of this, it’s important to choose a type of roof that can handle the environmental conditions of where you live.

Energy Efficiency

Roofing types that are more energy efficient are becoming more and more popular for their abilities to save you energy costs long-term despite being more initially expensive. So, it’s important to consider if this is an option for you.

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

July 15, 2021November 3, 2021

Most Common Summer Roofing Problems To Watch For

Architectural close up shot of family home exterior over clear blue sky in Florida, USA

Summer is in full swing, and your roof is feeling the change in weather. The hot sun, stormy days, and humidity can all wreak havoc on your home’s roofing system, and as a homeowner, you must be aware of these potential dangers.

Every homeowner should keep an eye out for these common summer roofing problems:

Sun Damage

The summer heat may feel unbearable at times for you, so imagine how your roof feels! Those sun rays can be damaging and increase the aging rate of your roofing system. The roof deck can fade, the adhesion holding the materials together can melt, and shingles can buckle. Having a professional apply a sun-safe roof coating to the roof and staying attentive can help protect your roof during the summer months.

Storm Damage

Summer storms are no joke, and there is no avoiding them. As the years go on, it seems they get worse and worse, and your home’s roof is at serious risk of damage and destruction. Luckily, you can actively decrease this risk by clearing leaves and debris from your gutters, checking for any dead or loose branches and trees that could fall, and checking that your drains are not clogged before a storm arrives.

Following a storm, examine your roof for damage, and call a roofing professional to help evaluate and fix any damages.

Water Damage

As well as storms, there tends to be lots of general rainfall, which will take a toll on your roof and potentially cause leaks into your house and other serious problems. Regularly checking your roof for any signs of damage, cracks, and weak spots is essential during the summer months.

Moss Growth

During the hot summer months, algae and moss can grow on your roof’s surface, which can become a significant expense if it’s ignored. Over time, moss and algae will cause the structures to weaken and lead to leaks.

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

July 15, 2021November 3, 2021

Why Is My Home’s Siding Warping?

Home inspector checking out aluminum siding on house.

If, while outside your home, you notice that your siding has started to droop, buckle, or twist, then you’ve unfortunately encountered what’s referred to as warped siding. Not only does it look unattractive, but it can also be a sign of serious concern for the safety and well-being of your house’s structural integrity.

What Causes Vinyl Siding to Melt?

Vinyl is a type of plastic, and like other plastics, it can melt when exposed to too much heat over time. When the air becomes hotter, and the sun directs more thermal energy onto your siding, warping occurs, meaning the shape of the siding begins to change or droop. Poor quality siding panels or dark-colored siding are more likely to be warped in the heat.

Frigid winters can also exacerbate this process since the vinyl then contracts as the temperatures drop, making the warping worse.

What Should I Do If I Have Warped Siding?

If your home’s siding is warped, it’s essential to fix this issue so your home stays protected from the elements. Unfortunately, there is no easy fix to this problem. Your best option is to have the affected siding panels replaced since they can’t be brought back to their original shape and are no longer effectively protecting your home. On the brighter side, warping damage usually only occurs on one area or side of your house.

When replacing your siding, consider a lighter color or a different material if there are concerns about your home’s climate and the continuation of siding warping.

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. Our local siding company experts are licensed and insured to serve you in Norwalk, Connecticut, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free estimate!

June 15, 2021November 3, 2021

Which Color Siding Should I Choose For My Home?

A home with yellow siding done by JM Roofing

Are you trying to decide on the perfect color for your home’s new siding? It’s not always easy! You may be tempted to pick your favorite color or copy the neighbors, but remember you will be admiring your house for years and years to come, so you want it to be just right.

Here are some tips to help you find the right color for your home’s siding:

Let Your Home’s Style Guide The Way

Every home has a particular style of architecture by which it was designed, which means that specific colors may be better to match this design. Here are a few examples:

Tuscan – Working with warmer tones is best to match the stonework.
Victorian – Playful colors and bold combinations, especially with blues and greens, help Victorian homes stand out.
Mediterranean – Warm color palettes are ideal for matching the peachy tone of the terracotta roof.
Colonial – Often painted one color, colonial homes are known for their beautiful white siding with neutral or bold colored accents.
Contemporary – Homes with a more modern style with lots of shapes and textures often look best with a more neutral palette to let the architecture speak for itself.

Pay Close Attention To Your Home’s Other Elements

If you don’t plan to redo your home’s roof, trim, doors, and other exterior elements with your renovations, it’s best to look at colors that match those pieces. Homes with a balanced and complementary color palette all around always have the best curb appeal.

Test Different Paint Colors Throughout The Day

It’s always important to get a visual before ultimately making a final decision. So, take some color samples and hold them up to your house. But don’t forget; colors will look different depending on the time of day and amount of sunlight, so be sure to check multiple times to see what looks best.

Get a Professional’s Opinion

They know what they’re doing! If you’re unsure of what color will look best, don’t be afraid to get some guidance from a professional siding installation expert. They have seen and worked on plenty of homes and can use their experience and expertise to help you make the perfect decision.

Contact Us Today For a Free Siding Estimate

The best way to up your curb appeal this season is by investing in comprehensive roofing and siding services. Our local siding company is licensed and insured to serve you in Norwalk, Connecticut, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free estimate!

June 15, 2021November 3, 2021

What Is The Average Lifespan of a Roof?

edge of Roof shingles on top of the house, dark asphalt tiles on the roof background.

Unfortunately, there can never be a definitive answer for how long your roof will last! Not all roofs are made the same, and the lifespan will depend mainly on the type of roofing material used. Other factors that could affect your roof’s longevity include the climate you live in, maintenance, and how well the roof was installed.

To get a general idea, here are the average lifespans of some of the most common roof types:

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt roofs are among the most commonly chosen roofing materials across the United States for their affordability and diversity in colors. An asphalt shingle roof should last between 15 to 30 years as long as severe damage doesn’t go unnoticed and unfixed properly.

Cedar Shingles

Wood shingles, specifically cedar, are becoming a more and more popular option for their rot and insect-resistant properties. They look great on just about any house and have a lifespan of up to 30 years or more when cared for and maintained carefully.

Metal and Copper Roofs

Metal and copper roofs are not only attractive, but they are incredibly durable and can last up to 70 years! One important factor to note is that some metals are thicker than others, and the thinner they are, the more quickly they will wear down.

Slate Shingles

Slate roofs amazingly can last up to a century-long because of how strong they are! Slate is a natural metamorphic stone that is very tough but beautifully looking, which is why it’s one of the most expensive roofing options. Slate tiles are also very easy to replace or fix if there are any issues.

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

June 11, 2021June 11, 2021

5 Common Spring Roofing Problems

Pigeons nesting on the roof and there are grass occur. When the rain falls water flows into the grooves under the roof is not. Water flowing into the roof, resulting in dirty ceiling, wetlands.

Spring is in full swing! Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to give your home’s exterior the care and attention it needs after enduring harsh weather conditions and cold temperatures. Your roof may have suffered some damage or issues, so be sure to carefully check your roof or have a professional roofer come to give a thorough inspection.

Here are some of the most common spring roof issues every homeowner should be aware of:

Nesting Animals

As the weather gets colder, your backyard critters will search for a safe spot to make their nest and keep warm. If your roofing system has any loose pieces, your chimney is dormant, or any area of your roof looks appealing to these animals, they may have built their own temporary home in these spaces. Listen for animal sounds or an increasing number of animals around your property. If you suspect any issues, call your local roofer to inspect and have any animals safely removed by a local company.

Clogged Gutters

Leaves, dirt, sticks, and more have likely gathered in your gutter system, creating serious clogs that need to be fixed. Gutters serve an important function to protect your home and roof, so adding gutter cleaning to your to-do’s is crucial. If repairs or a replacement is necessary, get it done as soon as possible, too.

Worn-out Chimney

Your chimney may have also suffered from the harsh weather conditions, especially if you live in an older home. Water can seep into any cracks in your chimney, and then when the temperatures drop at night, the water can expand and push out bricks and mortar that make up the structure. As this cycle continues, your chimney can collapse and damage your roof.

Shingles Missing or Damaged

Your roof’s shingles may have been broken, torn, or completely blown off, and they need to be replaced soon; otherwise, more severe damage can result. This is especially the case if the initial installation wasn’t completed properly.

Roof Leaks

With the increased rain during the spring season, you may notice active leaks in your house that likely are caused by roof damage. Calling your local expert roofers as soon as possible is necessary to protect your home from further, costly damage and a potential total roof replacement.

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

June 8, 2021June 8, 2021

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

May 14, 2021

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!