Posted on

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!

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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!

Posted on

4 Ways Wind Can Damage Your Home

When it comes to strong storms, it’s not only the extreme rain homeowners need to worry about. Depending on where you live, high winds can also play a huge role in storm damage. Hurricane season lasts until the end of October, so make sure you know all the ways that high winds can damage your home.

1. Fallen Trees

One of the most obvious factors that leads to home damage is the impact from fallen trees and branches. If you have a lot of trees on your property, keep in mind that some spots in your home could face some serious damage. If you know a big storm is coming and you have enough time, try getting tree branches surrounding your home trimmed, or get an older tree taken down.

2. Downed Power Lines

When power lines come down, they can be cause for some serious danger! Not only could it damage your roof, but it could create an electrical hazard. Before inspecting if it caused any problems for your roof and shingles, make sure power workers come through and take a look first.

3. Shingle Damage

The wind itself can cause some issues for your home as well. If the wind speed is high enough, weak and old shingles can break or snap off of your roof. It’s important that you get your roof upgraded with strong roofing material, especially if it’s been a while since you have done so. Get this done before a big storm comes rolling in. 

4. Siding Damage

Again, the wind itself can do a great deal of damage for your siding, but so can flying debris. Your siding is the blanket and protection of your home, so any issues here should be fixed by a professional right away. Plan ahead by updating your old material, or schedule a checkup for any cracks and breaks in your siding.

Roof and Siding Storm Damage Repairs In Norwalk CT

When it comes to ensuring your roofing and siding lasts and is ready to endure extreme weather conditions, 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!

Posted on

Why Is My Siding Bubbling?

One common summer siding issue that many homeowners notice during the warmer summer months is bubbling and bulging. Though this could be due to the result of direct sunlight, there could be a few other causes. Here’s what to keep an eye out for: 

Too Close To a Heat Source

While siding such as vinyl is made to withstand heavy amounts of heat and sunlight, artificial heat may be the cause of your bubbling. This is the case in which a barbecue or a fire pit is too close to your siding. Direct heat like this will warp the material and cause the bubbling that you are seeing, so it’s best to keep artificial heat a safe distance away from your home. 

Unlucky Lighting 

While direct sunlight doesn’t hurt your siding as much, if sunlight were to reflect off of neighbor’s windows and doors and onto your siding, that’s a whole other story. This kind of direct heat will cause bubbling and warping, hurting your vinyl more than you realize. 

Water Damage

One downside to summer besides the extreme heat is the extreme weather. We often see days full of heavy rain. And, if your siding is already damaged or not properly installed, that water may lead to costly water damage. This is what will cause bubbling, but also plenty of other issues. In a case involving water damage, bubbling is the least of your concerns. 

Siding Experts of Norwalk

When it comes to ensuring your siding 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!