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Snow Vs. Skylights

When it comes to heavy snowfall, as a homeowner, it’s normal to worry about specific areas of your home and how well they will hold up against the piling up of snow. But, it’s elementary to worry about your skylight as you are watching it become covered in white. Not every snowstorm means something negative for your skylight, but there are a few issues that you should keep an eye out for.

The Fear:

Most homeowners are nervous about heavy snow amounts on their skylights because they fear the weight might cause cracking or breaking in the glass. The truth is that snow poses no direct threat like this to your skylight! However, other issues can arise from high snow accumulation in this spot.

Reality:

Water damage is a real probability for some skylights after big storms! As snow melts, it can block the usual drainage areas. When these spots puddle up, and temperatures drop again, ice dams can cause increased pressure. It’s this pressure, not directly on the glass, that causes leaking and water damage around the skylight. So, how can this be prevented?

Proper Maintenance

The best way to avoid water damage and ice dams after a big storm are to clean off snow from your skylight. While brushing this area off, it will be easy to see if any cracks or dams have formed. When these issues are spotted as soon as possible, they can be treated and fixed before preventable damage occurs. You do not need to do this after every storm. Just take precautions for ones where more than five to eight inches accumulate. 

And, you don’t need to handle this alone! Our professionals can come to inspect your skylights and roof after a big storm to ensure no weather damage has occurred. With icy and snowy conditions likely, it’s best to leave it to a professional.  

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!

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Ways To Show Your Home Some Love

Love is in the air, and maybe now is the time to direct that love towards your home finally. When was the last time you gave it the attention it deserves? Take some time to change things up inside and outside your house, as every little touch-up and upgrade can do wonders for your home’s structure and look in the long run. 

Declutter

When was the last time you gave your home a good clean? This isn’t just including the washing, vacuuming, or dusting. To make your home truly clean, you must declutter your messiest rooms. Start by throwing away anything you know you don’t need, and then pick out items that you can give away for donation. We often have more than we need, so take your time and think the process through!

Do a Makeover

When was the last time you gave your house a lovely makeover? Consider little tricks like changing up your decorations, or maybe consider a big project such as repainting an entire room or two. We’ll be indoors for a bit longer, so there’s plenty of time to focus on creative projects that will benefit the look of your home in the long run. 

Paint Your Siding

Are you tired of the design outside your home? An easy way to fix that is by repainting your siding. Depending on the type you have and your experience, this could be a DIY project. But, we highly recommend getting in contact with a professional so that you can have that fresh, beautiful look done by the time spring hits!

Get Your Roof Restored

If you can’t remember the last time you gave your roof an upgrade, you might be due for one. Over time, our roofs become weaker. Getting this checked annually is the best way to ensure it will be safe for years to come, and getting your roof restored is a great way to make sure everything is brand new and ready to protect your home! 

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!

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Roof Leak Repair Steps

With the snow we just got this week, and the rainy season just around the corner, homeowners could be facing water damage problems even more than usual. When leaks start appearing throughout your roof, that’s when you know it’s time to call a professional. Here are some of the steps a technician will take when repairing the leaking problem and how they will help prevent future issues. 

The Steps

  1. Find the leak: It’s essential to narrow down the exact spot with the troublesome leak in it, not just a general area. Roof leaks start from specific locations; even if there are multiple, they can usually be narrowed down. 
  2. Secure curled shingles: The reasoning behind your leak can be caused by a few different factors, such as damage caused to the caulking, water finding its way through cracks and breaks, or from your shingles curling. For all three, your shingles will have to be secured back to normal while your leaky roof is being repaired. Professionals will use a fair amount of roofing cement to keep the underside of your shingles in place. 
  3. Replace damaged shingles: Any shingles found on your roof that show signs of cracks, rotting, and breaking should be replaced as soon as possible. A technician will help get rid of old shingles and replace them with new ones that will withstand wet and hazardous weather conditions.  
  4. Fix the flashing: Sometimes leaks are caused by weak spots around your chimney or dormer. This is an easy fix! All that needs to be done is a reseal in the joints in these areas with caulk. 

Keep In Mind…

Spot repairs won’t do much to extend the life of your roof over the years. If you continuously experience leaking issues, then it might be time to consider replacing your roof altogether. A professional can come in and assess the situation, guiding you through the best decision moving forward. Either way, your safety during any season is what is most important. And with us, you won’t have to worry about leaks and water damage during any season. 

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!

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How Does Snow Affect Each Roofing Material?

The winter season can take a heavy toll on your roof, with enormous amounts of snowfall and ice buildup possible. We still have a fair amount of snow coming through this year, and winter isn’t nearly over yet. So, depending on your roofing material, you might have to keep a close eye on those weather predictions coming up. 

First Things First, No Material Is Immune To Snow Damage

Sure, some types can withstand it better than others, but it could still leave an impact if the storm is large enough.

  • Metal: Metal roofing is one of the most sturdy roofing types of them all. It’s made to be weather-resistant and is a solid choice for home and business owners who live in colder climates. Snow and ice buildup is still entirely possible, but the weight won’t have too much impact. The only worry would be the freeze/thaw cycle that happens, which is dangerous to areas of your roof or gutters that already have cracks in them. It would be best if you still got annual inspections, even with metal roofing. 
  • Asphalt and wood: Two of the most common but slightly weaker options are asphalt and wood roofs. They are a staple choice for homeowners but can cause many problems if flaws aren’t fixed before the snow comes. Ice dams are entirely possible, as increased damage leads to increased water flooding in your attic or home. 
  • Slate: Also known as one of the most durable materials out there, slate is going to hold steady against any blizzard or icy night. However, similar to metal roofing, it’s not immune to damage. Any unseen cracks or bruises leave room for water damage and ice dams. 

How Do You Prevent These Issues?

The answer is simple: always keep up with regular maintenance checks. Having a professional come to take a look before and after a major storm is a great way to ensure your roof’s longevity for years to come. You can make sure it’s ready to take on the storm and make sure it didn’t sustain any long term damage afterward. Never skip on a routine check, especially during the winter 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!

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Winter Home Renovation Ideas

Not many homeowners consider completing renovation projects in the wintertime, but the secret is that many projects are more beneficial to get done during this time. Let the ideas start rolling, and begin thinking about what you want to get done during this season, well before spring hits. Here are some of our top winter home renovation ideas for homeowners like you to try:

Paint Up The Place

Take advantage of the extra time indoors you have to start repainting any rooms that could use a touchup. From your living room to bedroom, tackling any paint job is doable for anyone. It doesn’t take a professional and could prove to be a fun project for you and your family. Head to the nearest paint store and get all the materials you need to start!

New Door Installation 

Now could be the perfect time to replace your interior doors with a more luxurious, clean looking style. Getting rid of your old, dull entrances will welcome a fresh feel to the inside of your house for years to come. Not only that, but you can have them designed to match any new color changes you’ve made during your painting project or if you want to just upgrade to something different. 

Roof Replacement

Winter is the perfect time to begin a roof replacement job, especially before the heavy rains of spring hit. For roofs made up of asphalt, know that its shingles contain a strip of sealant that tends to react to warmer temperatures. So, during cooler temperatures, it’s less likely that the pieces will automatically seal. This causes the installation crew to take their time with each section, making sure everything seals properly. Any professional roofing contractor will let you know that yes, even though this might take longer, it’s a great way to ensure the materials are attached correctly and more accurately than if laid down during another season. 

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!

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What To Know About Winter Roof Replacements

The roof over your head is meant to keep you nice and protected during the wintertime. So, when you’re itching for a replacement or need a repair during this season, know there are options available. It’s important to note that, depending on your project’s size and scale, most winter roof replacements won’t cause you and your family to be replaced from the comfort of your own home. Here’s everything you need to know moving forward:

Should I Wait Until Spring?

If your roof requires an upgrade as soon as possible, it’s best not to wait. Despite what you may think, winter is actually one of the best times to get a roofing replacement. It can help your roof last longer if you decide to take on a project around this time. As long as you keep an eye out for any incoming weather storms, you can go ahead and book your roof replacement without worry. 

Why It Works Better In Winter

If your roof is made up of asphalt shingles like most of the country, you should know that the shingles contain a strip of sealant that tends to react to warmer temperatures. When working on a project in summer, spring, or even fall, the higher temps can lead to automatic seals during a project. In winter, the crew must hand-seal each shingle to make sure the sealant bonds correctly. While this does take longer, any professional roofing contractor can tell you that this is a great way to ensure every shingle is applied correctly and stays on for a long time. 

With The Right Crew, It’s Done Well

With an experienced crew, they will know when a job needs to be hand-sealed and how the weather affects the adhesives. They will also make it a point to follow any instructions or manufacturer guidelines that come with the glue they are using, as well as give you advice for materials other than asphalt. Here at JM Roofing and Siding, we want to provide you with a well-done job that will last you a lifetime. No matter the season, we’re here to help. 

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!

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Perfect Window Accents

Homeowners might not be leaving their windows open, but they are indeed going to leave the blinds up to let in some extra sun this season. And if you find yourself missing all the holiday decorations you had up back in December, now is your chance to invest in some beautiful winter window decor to spruce up your home’s look! There are many ways to brighten up these areas, even if the sun still sets reasonably early. Here are some of our favorites:

Candle Holders

This extra addition to your windows will help light up your house even after dark. You can find so many winter-themed ones online or in-store in all kinds of sizes and colors. Candles are often used more in the wintertime, bringing a sense of warmth for most homeowners. By adding these holders to your window, you’ll feel the full glow they have to offer both indoors and outdoors. 

Plants

When most people think of plants, they are reminded of spring or summer. However, potted plants can still thrive and look fantastic even during the colder months! Pick your favorite winter-themed pots and holders and fill the inside of your home with beautiful plants to add to each window. As a bonus, having many plants indoors helps create more fresh and clean air in your house. 

Non-Holiday Themed Decorations

Not everything needs to be centered around the winter holidays. Simple symbols that everyone associates with this season can also be the perfect accent for any window in your home. From acorns to snowflakes to seasonal fruit, you can get creative with what you choose. Let your imagination guide you! Your neighbors will look to you for inspiration for the rest of winter. 

While window accents are a good way to keep your home looking great during any season, we also highly recommend regular roof maintenance! Keep up your house’s curb appeal all year long with us. 

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!

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Matching The Perfect Roof Material For Your Home

The process of choosing a new roof involves a lot more than just colors and styles. You need to take the material, cost, and installation time into consideration before making any final decisions. Luckily for you, we’re here to help you pick the right kind for your home. Whether you’re reinstalling a brand new roof or upgrading an old one, make sure you have all the information you need to make a perfect choice. 

Understanding Costs

Prices tend to vary on each roofing project. Take into consideration the current condition of your existing roof, especially if you’re remodeling. The older the materials, the more that needs to be stripped off and repaired. Some more factors to consider are your roof’s shape, how many chimneys you have, and skylights. These will determine how your bill will turn out. Make sure to contact your contractor to understand how every factor can lead to the final pricing. 

Types and Prices

So, what are some of your best options and the pricing that comes along with them? This list will help you determine what would work best for your home and budget.

  • Asphalt: This is one of the most used roofing materials for homes countrywide because it is inexpensive and easy to install. It’s lifespan usually ranges from 15-25 years and might require maintenance checks and repairs after rough storms. 
  • Wood: This material has been a staple piece for houses for centuries. It’s still a great choice, depending on where you live and what the fire codes in your area are. It is relatively durable, lasting about 25 years, but more expensive than asphalt shingles. 
  • Metal: A very durable type to choose from, metal roofing is made to last. It could lean more on the expensive side depending on how big your project is, but the protection you gain makes it all worth it. 
  • Slate: One of the most durable of all roof materials, slate is made to protect your home and leave repair and renovation costs low. However, it is the most expensive. The price is worth the length of life, so keep in mind how long you plan on living in your current home. 

Do any of these catch your eye? If so, we can help you with your installation or renovation project! 

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!

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Should I Leave My Holiday Lights Up All Year Round?

If you take a good look around your neighborhood, do you notice that there are a fair amount of people who secretly leave their holiday lights up way after the holiday season? Not many do, but you aren’t alone if you’re included in this scenario! It can be a grueling and challenging task putting those lights up there in the first place, so taking them down can take a long time. But, what are some of the consequences of leaving those holiday lights up there all year long?

Benefits:

The most common reason homeowners leave their lights up until next year is to avoid the hassle of set-up and take-down. It can be a difficult task getting on the ladder to set everything up. Not only that, but the process of taking everything down will be just as hard. The truth is that setting up for the holidays is never easy, so we don’t blame homeowners for opting for these simple solutions. However, we do have some warnings. 

Concerns:

There could be a few concerns to leaving your lights up all year round, including:

  • Curb Appeal: sometimes, having these decorations up during off-seasons could decrease your curb appeal. During months in summer or spring, your home will seem a bit off. It depends on the type and size, but still, it can end up being an eyesore. 
  • Susceptible To More Weather: Sure, our holiday lights are capable of combating heavy snowfall in winter. However, leaving them up year-long means leaving them at the mercy of weather conditions every season has to offer. Bulbs and wires could eventually break, which leaves you needing to buy an entirely new set to wrap next year. 
  • Could Lose Money: It might seem like it’s a great way to save on your bills, as you won’t have to buy new materials or hire anyone to help. However, as we stated above, once any bulbs break–it’s over. The whole line of lights will be ruined! 
  • Could Hurt Your Roof: Your roof is meant to protect your home all year round, but with a little extra weight and whatever materials you use to keep those lights in, you could end up harming your roof over a year. 

Roofing Experts of Norwalk

Our professionals are ready and willing to help you take down your lights at an affordable price, as well as inspect your roof for any damage caused during this winter. 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!

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How Does Winter Affect My Solar Panels?

Many homeowners don’t realize this, but solar panels do actually work in the winter. Their output ends up being less in the summertime, considering we get less sunlight, but they are still just as efficient in the cold. When it comes to heavy snowfall or cloudy days, homeowners should know all the facts regarding the changing of seasons and their solar panels. 

Your Solar Panels In The Snow

On days when we get heavy snowfall, and it covers your panels, it will not produce electricity for your home. However, the surfaces are designed in such a way that will allow snow to fall off. The surface naturally takes in the sun’s heat so that the snow will melt fairly quickly over time. You won’t lose too much in production after a storm, and you don’t even need to worry about cleaning it off yourself. 

Your Solar Panels In The Cold

Extreme temperatures might cause freezing and more on your solar panels. However, winter conditions can increase their performance. This helps cancel out any lost production when your panels are covered in snow. The system’s technology makes it so that the conversion of sunlight into power becomes stronger in freezing temperatures. 

Should I Clean Off My Solar Panels?

We recommend letting the panels do the work on their own. Even if there is a decent amount of snow on them, the sun will naturally melt off everything! There have been some instances where homeowners have tried to wipe off snow after storms but then accidentally caused damage to their system. You might not have a warranty, so avoid using hard edge tools or anything with metal.  

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 experts at JM Roofing and Siding are licensed and insured to serve you in Norwalk, Connecticut, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free estimate!