JM Roofing & Siding

Woodpeckers, and squirrels, and bugs– oh my. If you have noticed that your wood siding has been being picked at and destroyed, you could be dealing with some annoying pests. These critters can cause long-term damage for your home and siding. Make sure you know what might be eating away at your wood and how to prevent them from ever doing it again! 

Squirrels

What they do: Squirrels will eat away at your siding in an attempt to get into your house to build nests. Not only will the scratching wear on you, the destruction of your siding will as well. 

What you can do: Make sure your attic vents and vulnerable spots are blocked. This will prevent them from making nests. More directly, you can apply a taste repellent called capsaicin to spots with signs of chewing. It’s made up of a chemical found in chili peppers, so it’s sure to keep them away without harming them!

Woodpeckers

What they do: It’s in the name! They will peck at your wood siding all day long and leave holes and cracks in it. 

What you can do: You can start with placing bird feeders, ones specifically meant for woodpeckers, around your home. This will keep them preoccupied on something else besides your siding. Another option is to place shiny or reflective materials on the side of your home, which makes it less appealing for these birds. 

Termites

What they do: They start from the bottom of your home and chew their way all up your siding. Before you know it, you’ll see signs of decay and damage all over. 

What you can do: Termites can devastate your home if not discovered quickly. A good way to test if you have an infestation is to tap your siding, to listen if it sounds hollow or not. If so, you’ll need to call an exterminator to take care of the issue for you! Make sure you have frequent inspections, because termites are often not easily spotted until heavy damage is done. 

Protect Your Home

When it comes to ensuring your roof 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!

Picture this: you’re finally outside and enjoying the weather during summer, you look up, and see that your roof is somehow sagging at certain parts. Seems strange, but it is more common than you think! Here is what it means if you have a sagging roof line:

Why Roof Lines Sag:

There are a few different factors that can cause your roof line to sag.

• Heavy winds: when big storms roll in, strong winds can cause all kinds of damage to your roof. Most of all, it can shift different pieces of it and cause sagging to occur. 
• Too many layers of shingles: If not done correctly, your roof could have been given too many shingle layers. If certain areas become more heavy than others, sagging will start to be an issue. 
• Structural issues: The inside of your attic and roof will show just exactly how it’s been holding up over the years. The rafters, which are the sloped boards that make up the skeleton of your roof, hold much of the weight overhead. If there is any kind of compromise to these structures, your roof won’t be able to stay straight. 
• Bad beams: Depending on your roof type, you might be relying on beams to hold everything up. If one of these beams, or even the central beam, is compromised, then you could be facing extreme line sagging. 
• Old age: Over time, your roof just can’t handle its own weight or outside factors as much as it used to. It could rot and decay over the years, leaving the structure to curve.

How to Fix A Sagging Roof Line

In all honesty, the best way to fix this problem is by calling a professional. Then, you can get your roof replaced or have your inner structures holding your roof updated. You don’t want to try and fix your beams and rafters by yourself, as it could lead to further damage. Consulting a professional is your best option, since they will be able to tell the root of the sagging.

When it comes to ensuring your roof lasts and is safe for your family, you need to hire the best Norwalk roofing 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!

The roof of your home is more important than you realize! It affects how safe the inside of your house is, and is a huge part of the overall beauty of your place. For both practicality and style, your home needs to have the perfect roof over it. We understand that it’s not an easy decision, so as the experts we have a few options for you to consider! 

Affordable Options

You don’t need to break the bank in order to get reliable and safe roofing! Asphalt shingles are affordable and the most used material in modern homes today. They usually last 15-25 years, remaining durable throughout each season. 

Long-Lasting Options

When it comes to options that last a lifetime, here are some materials to consider:

• Metal and slate: The most durable and strong options for your home are metal and slate. It might not seem like it, but these two provide a natural looking style for your home as well. 
• Copper: The natural patina from copper roofing allows it to last for extremely long periods of time! It can be used as a complete cover or as just an accent for your home.
• Steel and aluminum: These types can last two to three times longer than asphalt shingles. Not only that, but they are considered the best energy saving options! They help keep your home cool during warm seasons, so you don’t have to run your HVAC system like crazy. 

Stylish Options

If your top priority is the aesthetic of your home, the possibilities are endless. Cedar shingles add a rustic and natural feel to your home, while standing seam applications can bring your place to life with a more modern design. Even metal roofs come in many different kinds of textures and colors, so you have so much to choose from! 

Choosing The Right Roof

When it comes to ensuring your roof 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!

It is well known that winter is a rough season for your house’s siding. However, summer comes with its own kinds of trouble and potential damage! From the heat of the sun to the unpredictable rain, there could be a lot of siding threats you’ll want to be prepared for. Here’s what all homeowners should consider before summer hits: 

Check For Mold & Mildew Growth

Not only can mold and mildew grow on your roof, but it can show up on your siding as well! This could cause long term damage, as the spores travel and infect the interior of your home as well. Some preventative measures you can take is to make sure your gutters are healthy and working properly. Broken gutters lead to excess water fall on your siding, causing mold build-up. Also, vinyl siding and energy efficient options are made to combat these kinds of problems, so consider switching.

Refurbish Paint Job

Think of siding as the skin of your home. When you sit outside in the sun for too long, you’re risking sunburn and long term damage, especially when you don’t practice proper protection. Those intense rays can do the same to your siding. WIth a protective layer, you can ensure your home is ventilating properly and keeping you cool. If damage is already done, it might be time for some repairs and replacements.

Cleaning

Regular cleaning and washing will help keep your siding healthy this summer. There are certain ways to go about washing your siding, depending on what kind you have. Here are some examples: 

• Vinyl siding: clean at least twice a year with powerwash. 
• Wood siding: lower areas can be brushed and washed down by hand, while higher areas can be washed with powerwash. Wood siding can often face many kinds of water stains, so make sure you know how to remove them too. 
• Fiber cement siding: never use an abrasive cleaner when washing fiber cement siding. You’ll only need your garden hose and cloth to get the job done.

When it comes to ensuring your roof 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!

Besides longer days, summer also brings intense heat that can require the air conditioners in your house to run constantly. Because of these factors, it may be harder to keep your home energy efficient throughout the season. However, if you have the right roofing options, you could potentially keep your house from wasting energy throughout the entire summer! 

Slate Tiles

When it comes to slate roofing, you will have a durable and long lasting roof over your head. Not only are they sturdy, but they are very adept at keeping your home cool! If you choose a lighter colored slate tile, your house can reflect summer heat easily, saving you energy. 

Metal Shingles 

Slate tiles aren’t the only durable material to add to this list. Metal roofs can last a lifetime, avoiding any storm damage throughout the summertime. Not only that, but the factory applied coatings and reflectivity of the metal will deflect the sun’s heat energy and reduce the workload on your air conditioning.

Solar Roofs

Perhaps one of the most well known ways to create an energy efficient environment from your roof is through solar panels! With a solar roof, you don’t need material that will bounce the heat away. Solar panels help save energy during sunny seasons and make your home a greener place! 

Roofing and Siding Experts in Norwalk

When it comes to ensuring your roof 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!

For many homeowners, summer means spending a good majority of time in their yard.  However, in order to prepare for some lounging and barbecuing, you need to make sure your backyard is ready for the season ahead! By doing these tips now, you can sit back and relax later. Here’s the work you need to put in so you can enjoy your summer in peace: 

Keep Grass Fresh

You probably have already broken out your lawn mower and gardening tools, but it’s important to inspect them regularly to make sure they last all season long. For your summer routine, cut your grass at least once a week and water your lawn every day or every other day, depending on how hot it gets outside.

Control Pests

From moles to mice, you don’t want your yard being ruined by any unwanted furry fiends. You can prevent them from making a home in your backyard through animal friendly ways, such as applying castor oil to any areas you notice tunneling in. The animals don’t like the smell! If you find the issue is greater than you expected, contact your local pest control. 

Invest In Automatic Irrigation

To save you time, you can invest in automatic irrigation for your yard. This will maintain that fresh, green look for your grass and keep your flowers growing properly! It’s an upgrade that is sure to make your life so much easier, especially during the warmer months of summer. Bonus: it’s a great way to prevent water waste, too. 

When it comes to ensuring your roof 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!

Have you noticed gross, black streaks lining your roof as the weather gets warmer? These dark spots aren’t dirt and mold building up, you could be dealing with algae. While not extremely dangerous, roof algae can still cause your shingles to fall off. But, where does it come from? We have some answers below: 

Weather and Environment 

Depending on the location, algae growth is more common in coastal areas that can reach high humidity levels. Northeastern United States can often see a moderate amount of growth on their roofs, especially in spring and summer. Wherever high humidity lives, algae is bound to follow as moisture is it’s biggest encourager of growth.

How Algae Spreads

Algae spores are airborne, which means it can travel from item to item once formed. It can even stick to your clothes or pets! The worst part is that once one roof in the neighborhood has these black streaks, the rest of the houses may get them too. 

How To Get Rid Of The Streaks

While it might seem overwhelming, the process of getting rid of these black streaks is easy. All it really takes is a simple roof cleaning! Unfortunately, there aren’t very many options for permanently getting rid of algae. However, regular maintenance will make sure it doesn’t build-up. 

When it comes to ensuring your roof 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!

Fewer components of a home are more vital to its comfort and safety than its roof. Various issues can contribute to this pertinent structure’s deterioration over time. One such matter is inadequate ventilation.

What Poor Ventilation Means For Your Roof

The Formation Of Ice Dams

On poorly ventilated roofs, warm air often becomes trapped. During the winter season, such events can precipitate the refreezing of melted snow that typically collects around the roof’s edges. Over time, frozen ice damn form because water cannot properly flow off the structure. Trapped water leads to increased moisture on the roof, which can lead to shingle damage and, ultimately, leakages that could seep into the home. 

Damaged Underlayment

The underlayment is placed directly atop a roof’s deck and cushions other roofing materials, such as shingles. Underlayment serves as an added protective barrier from harsh weather conditions like precipitation, wind and temperature extremes. Improperly ventilated roofs allow excessive heat to accumulate. As time progresses, this occurrence can damage this structure and eventually cause leaks.

Sagging

Inappropriately ventilated roofs often contain excessive moisture contents. Over time, water weakens the adhesive substances holding the roof’s materials together. This often precipitates a sagging and warped appearance. Moreover, such circumstances could pose a severe collapse risk for anyone traversing the structure.

Contacting Us

Our team of experienced and professional roofing contractors look forward to serving the roofing needs of Connecticut residents. Homeowners who notice any of the preceding concerns are urged to contact us as soon as possible. We can perform a thorough examination of the roof, identify the underlying problem and make the needed corrections.