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!

Why is My Roof Leaking?

Flooded residential house. Water dripping from roof.

We’re no stranger to how much rain April can bring to the east coast. However, it’s not always because of a downpour that homeowners run into leaking issues! A leaky roof can be a very annoying problem, and there are many reasons why your roof might be leaking. Knowing what the issue is will help you fix it, so we have some reasons as to why you’re having problems:

Installation Issues

To start with, let’s talk about problems with installation. If you’ve had any work done on your roof recently, then there is a chance that the contractor might not have installed flashing correctly. This could leave room for vulnerable areas in your roof, such as near your chimney or skylight. Be sure you check in with your contractor and that they are reliable with their service!

Rotting

After being exposed to the elements for so long, the shingles on your roof will start deteriorating and start letting water into your home – as well as an infestation of mold spores that can spread quickly throughout your house if not treated immediately! If you notice any water coming in through the ceiling or walls, it is time to take action and replace your old roof with a new one.

Faulty Shingles

Faulty shingles are often a leading cause of water leaking into your home, and after a heavy rainstorm, this could be a lot worse. The storm can weaken the bond between the roof deck and any installed roofing materials like shingles or tiles, leading to leaks in your ceiling. It’s essential to inspect your roof for any signs of damage from these storms, especially if you live in an area where hail falls frequently.

Emergency Roof Repairs in 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!

Why Is My Roof Creaking?

Are you ever just relaxing at home when suddenly your roof lets out a loud creak, loud enough to wake the neighbors? Not only is it startling, but it also could be the result of another underlying issue. It’s normal for homes to make noises here and there, especially if they’re older. However, there are a few specific reasons why your roof creaks all day and all night long. 

Nighttime Creaking

If you notice an increase in roof creaking at night, it’s most likely because of the temperature changes that occur then. Shifting humidity during any season also causes this, and it’s nothing to be too concerned about. It’s the most common during spring and summer, as your roof’s material is warming and cooling constantly, leading to constrictions in the base. 

Weather 

One of the more apparent reasons for home creaks is the weather. From strong winds to heavy rains, most wood-structured buildings will make noises. However, if you find that your roof is making sounds even when the wind is very low, you may need to call in a professional to assess your structure, considering it might be on its way out, especially since your home has weakened over the years. 

Popping Sounds

If you begin to hear louder, more prominent popping sounds, don’t panic! No matter how concerning it sounds, it’s usually just the result of your home’s interior reacting to temperature changes. Lumber and other materials will shift and budge, creating the loud noise you’re hearing. If it still concerns you and happens during moderately temperate days, it can’t hurt to call up a professional to take a look. 

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!

Changes Spring Will Bring to Your Home

Chamomiles with blurred house in background in spring

We can’t wait to welcome spring, but not every change it brings is a positive one. Of course, there are longer days, new blooming, and warmer weather. However, there are also some significant weather changes and temperature fluctuations that homeowners aren’t always prepared for. Here are some of the most common changes spring will be bringing to your home this year:

Poor Air Quality

People with allergies or asthma know full well that spring is the worst season for those with respiratory issues. If your home’s indoor air quality was already poor, then spring will begin to make it even worse. The pollen mixed with the dust and debris that build up in air ducts will only make things more complicated, especially if you like to open the windows on nice days!

Better Curb Appeal

On the more positive side of things, spring is the season that allows your curb appeal to prosper. With the flowers blooming and green in the trees and grass coming back, that picture-perfect home will really shine. Now all that’s left is to upgrade your siding to look brand new, and your house will look fantastic!

Rainy Days

We all know the saying “April showers bring May flowers,” but these showers can often end up being pretty intense. Your home’s roof will be facing a lot more downpours than usual, and if it’s not up for the task, you could be facing some potential leaking issues. Be sure to work with a roofing contractor to ensure your home is ready to take on heavy amounts of rain this season. 

Roofing and Siding Experts of Norwalk

When it comes to ensuring your roofing and siding 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!

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!