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March 1, 2023 in Roofing, Tips

5 Signs Your Roof Has Snow Damage

Spring is on the horizon. You can almost feel the heat beating down on your shoulders. And just as you’re looking up, hoping to catch some of those sun rays, you just might find you’re actually surprised at what you see. You might see signs of snow damage to your roof. 

Here are some common signs.

1. Damaged Shingles

Shingles that have disappeared or now look rough, split, or cracked are all signs of a roof damaged by snow. As it melts, water can build up and improperly drain or leak. This can cause a multitude of problems such as bug infestations or mold growth.

2. Warped Walls

Another sign of a snow-damaged roof is a wet attic, damp walls, or paint that has air bubbles under it. These are all likely to be the result of snow melting and leaking from the roof.

3. Downed Tree Branches

This is another sign your roof may have sustained damage. Large branches are likely to be heavy, and the weight of a snowstorm may pull them down onto your roof and cause damage.

4. Clogged Gutters

With a gutter that’s blocked, the water from snow melting simply has no place to go, and it can’t properly drain. It stays put and stagnates on your roof. The weight of the water builds up, attracts bugs and mold, and emits a rotting odor.

5. Lingering Snow and Ice

Lingering snow and ice is an indicator of a long hard winter with heavy snowfall. The longer it’s there, the more time it has to build up and cause damage. It’s something you’ll want to take into consideration when you’re evaluating your roof as spring begins. 

How to Prevent and Fix Snow Damage

While it might not help you immediately, prevention is always preferred over a repair job. At the start of winter and all throughout the season, ensure that your gutters are clear of debris, leaves, sticks, rocks etc. This will allow room for any snow to melt, and then the resulting water will have a way to drain properly, instead of pooling on your rooftop.

Trimming away any heavy tree branches or limbs before the start of winter is a good idea too.  After all, if a branch isn’t there to begin with, it can’t fall on your roof! 

Check your shingles before a single flake falls. If they look beaten up now, snow will only make matters worse. Naturally, that could be hard on your roof. Get them checked before the temperatures drop, and you might be able to prevent further damage.

If your roof can’t handle lingering snow and ice, winter could be harmful to it. If you want to be sure this isn’t the case, have your entire roof professionally inspected before the start of winter. This will let you know how much snowfall your roof can withstand so you can develop a prevention plan. Better safe than sorry! 

Another way to keep snow from building up on your roof is by using heated coils. These work to raise the temperature on top of the roof so the snow melts quickly rather than building up. Since it’s the weight of snow that has potential to cause a great deal of damage, anything that can melt it quickly is something you should consider investing in.

Fix it

What if the worst does happen? What if your roof does sustain snow damage? How do you go about repairing it? The next question that needs to be answered is, “Does the roof need a repair, or does it actually need to be replaced?” Of course, the answer depends on how damaged the roof is. This can be a challenging determination for you to make on your own, so a professional evaluation is recommended. 

Monitor your Roof

So you’ve checked your roof and haven’t found any serious issues. Time to move on, right? Actually, we recommend keeping an eye on it throughout the winter… especially if your roof is flat. Check for snow and ice buildup when you’re walking to or from your car. If it sticks around for a while, waiting may no longer be an option. Remove it before it has a chance to cause damage. That said, it is not recommended that you climb onto the roof in an effort to remove the snow yourself. There are professionals with methods and specialized tools who can work for you to accomplish this task. 

Give a call to the pros at PJ’s Roofing. We’ll evaluate your roof for you and let you know if action needs to be taken. May your roof survive the winter!

June 30, 2022 in Roofing, Tips

Roofing Basics: Everything You Need to Know

When tackling a roofing project, whether it’s repairs or to-the-decking replacement, there’s homework to be done. That’s why we’ve put together a list of roofing basics to keep in mind during decision time.

Roofing Components 101

There are seven integral components to a roof system:

Rafters: Like scaffolding or a skeleton frame for your roof, these wood or metal slats inside the home support both sheathing and shingles.

Sheathing: Also known as decking, this board or sheet material attaches to the rafters and serves as the roof’s ground floor. 

Underlayment: Paper-like and water-resistant, this material is placed over decking to protect your home from the elements. From thunderstorms to snowmageddons, underlayment works in tandem with membrane and vapor barriers to keep air and water from permeating through the layers. 

Shingles: These are made from a variety of materials––metal, wood, slate, and composite materials––and protect the exterior from the weather. Typically, shingles are measured in squares. For example: if your roof is 2,000 square feet, and a square of shingles equals 100 square feet, you’ll need 20 squares of shingles for the job. 

Flashing: Its purpose is to prevent water damage by sealing joints on the roof where they change direction. Typically sheet metal is installed directly on top of the joints. 

Trim: This is installed to protect the seams of the roof’s hip or ridge, which is also known as the peak, or highest point. 

Drainage: Melting snow and rainwater need somewhere to drain. Drainage needs are measured by using the slope of the roof which is determined by the rise in inches for each foot of space that lays horizontally, which is also known as the roof’s “run.” 

Elements of Design

Now that we have an idea of what goes into the function of a roof, the design components are next.

Gable Wall: The triangular parts of the home extending from the eaves to the peak of the roof.

Ridge: The highest point or peak of the house.

Centerline of Ridge: Also known as the verge, this is the wall or rafter underneath the roof’s edge where a gable ends.

Valley: The areas where two sections meet and slope downward. 

Eaves: The edges that hang over the home’s exterior walls. 

Hip: A high point where two roof sections meet.

Abutment: A vertical area, such as a wall or chimney, that meets the roof.

Dormers: The sections of the home protruding from the roof. Not all roofs have them, yet they are designed to bring natural light into an attic or third-floor space. 

Your Roof Replacement/Repair Checklist

This checklist will help you gather information while deciding which system will work best for your home’s needs:

• Age of roof and when it was last installed or repaired
  • Remember: asphalt shingles typically last 20 years and wood shakers close to 30 years.
• If original or restored, are there two or more layers of shingles?
• How is your roof ventilated?
  • Mold and mildew can occur without proper airflow, leaving home air quality unhealthy.

• Quick attic check for:
  • Gap-free insulation layer in the attic to protect from warm or cool air loss.
  • A vapor barrier under insulation and next to the ceiling to prevent attic moisture.
  • Open, vented spaces for unrestricted airflow. There should be 1 foot of vent space for every 100 square feet of attic space. 
  • A minimum of 1 inch between the layers of insulation and roof sheathing.

• What type of shingles do you have?
  • Research the warranty
  • Investigate best, durable material for your climate and conditions

• What is your roof’s fire rating?
  • Class A, B, or C? Class A materials––clay tiles, fiberglass asphalt composition shingles, and metal roofs––have the highest resistance to fires beginning outside your home. 

• Which shingles are best for your roof’s pitch and slope grade?
  • Low pitch and 1–3 inch slope—steel or water-tight material
  • Medium pitch and 4–12 inch slope—asphalt and composite shingles
  • High pitch and 5–12 inch slope—wood shaker or slate shingles

When you need to know more about the longevity and current condition of your roof, contact the professionals you can trust at PJ’s Roofing. Our full-service team is here to help, no matter the size or scope of your roofing project. Get in touch today!

April 19, 2022 in Roofing, Tips

Common Spring Roofing Problems to Look Out For

Spring is here. Look down, and you’ll see beautiful flowers and green grass. Look up, however, and you may see problems with your roof, or even worse, you may not see these problems at all. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for.

Animal Nests

You’re not the only one who thinks your home is a warm and cozy place to spend winter. If you’re hearing noises in the attic or crawl space, seeing animals hanging around one area of the roof or home, or finding droppings, you may have an unwelcome visitor.

You’ll need to find the hole, usually created due to a structural weakness, and block it. Check for points of entry under the eaves, around loose or missing shingles, on the corners of the roof, and even around gutters.

Remember that animals who feel threatened are dangerous. Even squirrels, although small, are fierce when cornered. Never approach these animals on your own.

Leaks

A sure sign of a roofing problem is finding interior leaks. Brown spots, bubbling drywall, paint that’s separating from the wall, mold, and wet surfaces are all indications of a water problem with your roof.

Leaks don’t necessarily start where you’re seeing the issue. Water travels along pipes and internal structures from the source of the leak and makes damages appear elsewhere in your home.

The good news is that a professional roofing contractor can often find the source of the leak and repair it rather than having to replace the entire roof. 

Damages Around the Chimney

Chimneys can be an endless source of roofing issues in the spring. From the structure crumbling or cracking to gaps between the chimney and the flashing material, small chimney problems can become big issues fast. 

During the winter, any small cracks on the chimney will expand and contract as ice and water gather in them. Signs that it needs attention can include obvious deterioration or loose flashing materials as well as interior leaks. Sometimes the repairs are as easy as replacing or repairing the flashing around the chimney, while other issues may require an overhaul of the chimney structure.

Damaged Underlayment

Gaps and missing shingles can mean damage to the underlayment of your roof. A professional roofing contractor can identify and replace the damaged materials, stopping any leaks or further damage to the roof’s deck. 

Misaligned or Missing Shingles

Signs of issues with your shingles can include curling, warping, and cracking. In the most obvious cases, shingles will be missing altogether or there will be obvious signs of them shifting. You may find roofing materials around the home’s exterior. Wind damages and overhanging branches are frequent causes of problems. 

Shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against weather. If you note any signs of problems with them, get a professional’s opinion on how to proceed. The repairs may be as simple as replacing materials on the damaged areas of your roof.

PJ’s Roofing is the preferred roofing expert for both residential and commercial projects in and around the Frederick area. Have a question or concern about your roof? Contact us for a consultation.

February 16, 2022 in Roofing, Tips

Top 5 Tips to Choose the Best Roofing Contractor for Your Home

A simple search of roofing contractors can send you down a spiral of confusion. Is it better to stick with a big name general contractor or an independent roofing contractor? How quickly can they get to my project? How much will it cost? Who has the best guarantee? Your choices can be overwhelming.

Here are a few tips to pick the best roofing contractor for your home:

Tip #1: Start With Online Reviews

The best place to start narrowing down your search is with online reviews and testimonials. Don’t be put off by one or two unrelated bad reviews if the majority of them are glowing; it’s not uncommon to find a customer who is unhappy regardless of the quality of the work. Be more concerned if several reviews are focused on one aspect of the company, such as timeliness, overall quality, or customer service. A pattern of bad reviews surrounding one or two areas of customer experience may be a good indication of a bigger problem with the company.

Tip #2: Pricing Should be Squarely in the Middle of Average

When it comes to pricing, everyone wants a bargain. Unfortunately, with roofing contractors, prices that are too good to be true…usually are. Heavily discounted services may cost you in different ways such as lower quality materials, sub-par craftsmanship, a lack of a warranty or guarantee, hidden fees, poor customer service, and slipshod project management. No one wants to pay too much for a roofing project, but beware of dealing with hidden pitfalls when choosing a “bargain” contractor. 

There’s no doubt that a roofing project is usually an unwelcome and unexpected expense. Choose a contractor that offers a wide selection of financing options.

Tip #3: Make Sure You get a Comprehensive Written Estimate

You’re not counting nails, of course, but you need to be aware of hidden project costs. Make sure the company does a thorough inspection of your roof and can give you an honest estimation based on what they’ve found. You never know what unexpected issues the project may uncover, but having a thorough written estimate in hand gives you a good idea of the rough cost of the project. Make sure to get estimates from at least three companies before choosing the right one for your home.

Tip #4: Warranty and Guarantee

Check the fine print for the contractor’s satisfaction guarantee. What options do you have if you’re not satisfied with the work, or if you run into an issue after the project is completed? How long after project completion will the satisfaction guarantee last?

A warranty is a slightly different side of the same coin. A warranty specifically covers the materials used in the project, such as the shingles themselves. To get the most value out of a new roof, look for warranties lasting fifteen to twenty years that can be transferred to a new owner.

Tip #5: Independent Contractor or Roofing Company?

There are differences between independent contractors and roofing companies. Both will be able to complete your project, but a one is far better suited for it. Can you guess which one? Independent contractors will usually take longer to complete the project, may not have access to high volume discounts and high quality materials, and may not provide the guarantees and warranties a roofing company can. Independent contractors typically source materials from a local home improvement store, limiting your choices in everything from quality to color. In addition, independent contractors will most likely subcontract projects to complete them in an agreed upon time frame. There are advantages to using them for various home projects, but a large roofing project usually isn’t one of them.

PJ’s Roofing Checks all the Boxes

We provide residential roofing in and around Frederick County. With a large selection of materials and a history of satisfied customers and over two decades of experience, we bring you the styles, affordability, and solutions you need for any roofing project, large or small. Reach out to us and let’s talk about your needs.

January 14, 2022 in Roofing, Tips

6 Cold Weather Tips to Help Your Roof Survive This Winter

Winter is here, bringing with it snow, wind, ice, and other threats to your roof. Here are 6 tips to help your roof survive this winter.

1. Ice Dam Prevention

Ice dams are one of the biggest threats your roof will face during the winter. These occur when snow begins to melt as it warms, then refreezes into a top layer of ice when temperatures drop. This creates a barrier which traps snow and water beneath its icy surface. Eventually, this trapped moisture will penetrate your roof and drain into your home. Ice dam prevention involves snow removal from the roof, and stopping dam formation before it starts. 

2. Ice Dam Mitigation

If your roof already has an ice dam, you can take steps to break it up and allow normal water flow. Don’t ever get on your slippery roof, and never use hammers or chisels to break up ice dams! Here are a few safer methods:

• Fill panty hose with ice melt and lay it across the dams from roof point to gutter, allowing the tubes to overhang your gutters. This will melt snow and ice and create a clear path for water runoff.
• Refreeze the trapped water by directing cold air, such as created by a big fan, at the roof from inside your attic or crawl space.
• Plug in snow melting mats or cables to keep the ice and snow moving by warming roofing surfaces from the outside, melting the icy surface and releasing trapped moisture. Having these in place prior to icy conditions will keep the dams from forming.

3. Snow Roof Rake

Snow weighs over 20 pounds per cubic foot. That’s a lot of weight to ask your roof to support! Snow roof rakes are designed to remove snow from the roof. Featuring long poles and wide heads, some of these even have wheels on the rake head to make them easier to maneuver. They are lightweight and durable, extending to 20’ or more for a better reach. Proper snow removal from roof surfaces is one of the best ice dam prevention methods and will lessen the weight burden on your roof.

4. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches

If you didn’t do this already when readying your roof for fall, it’s not too late. Tree branches become brittle with heavy snow and ice, and are more likely to break off and cause damage to your roof and gutters, especially in windy conditions. 

5. Clean Gutter Debris

Debris in your gutters will stop them from draining properly, resulting in a build up of ice and snow. While icicles on gutters may look pretty, collapsed or damaged gutters are costly to replace and can cause significant damage to your roof and your siding.

6. Fix Roof Issues Now

Missing shingles, uneven roof surfaces, sagging sections of the roof, and water spots on your ceilings all indicate major issues with your roof that need to be addressed immediately. Professional roofing contractors are trained to spot potential problems and repair them before they cause significant damage to your home.

Contact PJ’s Roofing, servicing homes in Frederick and the surrounding area, for a winter roof inspection to make sure your roof will survive winter’s icy grip.

August 19, 2021 in Roofing, Tips

Financing a Roofing Project? Here’s What You Need to Know

The need for a roofing project usually presents itself when you least expect it, and chances are your finances aren’t ready for this type of expenditure. Your roof isn’t something you think about until it causes problems, such as leaking, rotting, and general wear and tear. Luckily, there are options available for financing a new roof, but what should you know before signing the dotted line?

1. Fees

Just because a company accepts financing doesn’t necessarily mean that they will do so without charging fees, often a small percentage of the finance agreement. These fees are in addition to fees charged by the lending bank, including early repayment fees, origination fees, and late payment fees.

2. Interest Rates

Whatever financing option you choose, you’ll be repaying with interest. How much interest the finance company charges will largely depend on the terms you choose, your credit score, your income, and other factors.

Beware of the 0-interest options. These are fantastic if you can pay more than the minimum payment each month. Paying only the minimum payment will most likely not allow the balance to be paid in full by the end of the term, and after the term expires, finance charges and interest will be levied against you from the initial date of the loan.

Divide the balance by the term and pay that amount rather than the minimum balance. For instance, a $12,000 loan, interest free for two years, will require monthly payments of $500 to be paid in full within the two year term. This is what you should pay, regardless of what the “minimum payment” would be, to ensure the balance is paid off by the time the 0-interest term ends.

3. Terms

Choosing the right payment terms is an important consideration. Terms that are too long will incur higher interest rates, but terms that are too short may financially hinder your ability to repay the loan. Find a happy medium: what’s the most you can afford to pay per month? Once you’ve established a budget, you can find the best terms for your financing plan.

4. Saving Money on Your Loan

If you can, find a financing option that will allow discounts for things such as autopay and paperless billing. You may also consider a credit card instead of a financing option if you can find a zero interest card, or one with a lower interest rate than offered by the financing company.

In addition, if you belong to a credit union you may find financing options through your bank that can save you money in the long run.

Need a New Roof? PJ’s Roofing has You Covered!

PJ’s roofing is a proud partner with GreenSky Financing. We have two options to make financing easier for you, so you can get the roofing services you need right now:

Reduced Interest Rate for 84 months: Enjoy seven years of reduced interest rates on your roofing project.

No Interest if Paid in Full in 12 Months: Take a year to pay back your loan with interest free financing for up to a year.

Ready to learn more? Contact PJ’s roofing for a free consultation and quote, and make sure to ask about our special financing options.

June 18, 2021 in Roofing, Tips

How to Choose the Right Color Roof

Nothing enhances the curb appeal of your home like the condition and color of its roof. Replacing a roof is one of the largest investments you make, and it’s a decision you (and your neighbors) will have to see every day for the life of the roof.

Your roofing contractor can make suggestions and provide samples, but the decision will ultimately depend on your individual tastes and preferences. Here are seven tips on how to choose the right color roof for your home.

1. Your Roof Can Impact Your Energy Usage

Dark colors will absorb heat, while lighter colored shingles will reflect the heat and help to keep your home cooler. Your roof alone will not make a huge difference to your energy usage, but when combined with good ventilation and effective insulation installation, it may help. 

PJ’s Roofing Pro Tip: Some geographies may have specific guidelines when installing a roof, such as using lighter or more reflective materials to meet environmental standards.

2.Your Roof Color Can Hide or Enhance Your Home’s Features

The color you choose for your roof can change the perception of the home, making it appear smaller or larger. Light colored choices, for instance, will make the house appear larger and accentuate its positive features. On the other hand, dark colors may draw attention away from your home’s imperfections.

PJ’s Roofing Pro Tip: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a color for your home. An experienced contractor will be able to help you choose a great color to enhance your home’s best features.

3. Test Drive Your Samples Before You Choose

The quality of outdoor light varies widely depending on your home’s location. What seems to be the perfect color may not be as perfect as you think it is if your home has an unusual lighting situation, such as direct sunlight exposure all day on an otherwise bare lot, or exceptionally shady and surrounded by trees.

PJ’s Roofing Pro Tip: Never choose the color of your roof based on looking at samples inside. Choose your favorite colors and take them outside throughout the day to make sure they look as beautiful outside against your exterior as they do on your kitchen table.

4. Go Dark for Light

The idea of a roof’s color is to enhance your home. Your roof provides attention-grabbing contrast to your home’s exterior. Unless your exterior is very dark, a good rule of thumb is to choose a color that is darker than the rest of your home. Likewise, if your home is dark, choosing a lighter colored roof will give your home a contrasting “punch.”

PJ’s Roofing Pro Tip: Neutral colors may seem like an easy choice, but if your exterior is neutral as well you’re missing an opportunity to add a beautiful contrast.

5. Let Your Home’s Style be Your Guide

Traditional colors tend to work best on historically styled homes, while modern houses are more versatile for roofing colors. No matter what your home’s style, however, you are looking for a color to add contrast and complement your exterior aesthetic. Avoid monotone themes where the roof is the same color as the rest of the home.

PJ’s Roofing Pro Tip: Take a drive and look at homes that match your own home’s architecture. What color roofs are on them, and do you like the look?

6. Mixing and Matching is Not Always a Good Strategy

Ever notice how some homes have a perfect match of facade and roof while others look awkward? You’d never wear plaid pants with a checkered shirt, and the same concept applies with your roof color. If your home is finished with multicolored stone or bricks, for instance, it will most likely look better with a solid colored roof. Conversely, if the home has a solid colored facade you may be able to add a beautiful contrast with a multi-colored roof choice.

PJ’s Roofing Tip: Multi-colored roofing choices can include shades of grays and browns that will add a ‘pop” of color to a solid colored exterior.

7. A Dark Colored Roof Will Not Hide Algae or Moss

The dark streaks and stains on your roof aren’t flaws with the shingles themselves, they are signs that a moss or algae is growing on your roof surfaces. You may be tempted to go with a dark colored roof to hide these stains, but the truth is that the streaking and patchy coloration will eventually show up on any color of roof. In other words, choose a dark color because it will complement your home, not because you think it will hide moss or algae stains in the future.

PJ’s Roofing Pro Tip: Don’t give in to the temptation to try to powerwash the roof. Roof algaes and mosses aren’t inherently damaging to the surface, just unsightly. Your roofing contractor can help identify the invading algae as part of a seasonal roof inspection, and eliminate it.

Ready for a Roof Color Change? PJ’s Roofing Can Help!

When it’s time to consider a new roof, don’t be overwhelmed with the wide choices of materials and colors available. PJ’s Roofing is your trusted partner for residential roofing needs, providing you with a wide selection of styles and colors, along with the expertise to help you narrow down your choices and make a decision that you (and your neighbors) will enjoy for years. Contact us today!

January 22, 2021 in Roofing, Tips

Home Roofing Trends To Watch For in 2021

The new year is here, bringing with it a variety of innovations and technologies that are changing homeowners’ buying patterns. As more environmentally conscious consumers begin making roofing decisions, Energy-Star™-rated roofing products are becoming more popular. Mixed-material options, concrete shingles, and roofing that accommodates other earth-friendly products such as solar panels is also coming to the forefront, along with innovative “solar shingles.”

Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the roofing trends we can expect to see grow in popularity in 2021.

Mixed Material Roofing

Roofing that combines traditional shingles with metal to create a hybrid option is one of the latest roofing trends. The combination of laminated shingles and metal roof panels on separate sections of a pitched roof has dynamic visual appeal.

Solar Panels and Solar Shingles

Increasing your home’s energy efficiency makes solar options popular as we begin 2021. Innovatively engineered, modern solar panels are more stylish and affordable than ever before—without sacrificing any energy efficiency. As technology continues to improve, energy-saving benefits will increase and costs will go down—making solar panels and solar shingles even more appealing.

Cool Roofing

Cool roofing materials reflect the visible, infrared, and ultraviolet wavelengths of the sun, thereby reducing the heat conducted into the building. It also absorbs non-reflected solar energy, significantly improving energy efficiency, reducing power bills, and relieving the burden on your home’s HVAC system. It also comes in an array of colors and designs that complement and enhance the curb appeal of a wide variety of home styles.

Metal Roofs

Popular over the past several years, metal roofing is a trend for 2021 that is not going away. With so many colors and styles, metal roofing allows homeowners plenty of opportunity to create a unique and custom look and feel for their largest investment. In addition to being environmentally-friendly (most are made from almost all recycled content), metal roofs are stylish and durable, requiring little maintenance. They also reflect and insulate well, thereby reducing HVAC bills.

Concrete Roofing

Concrete roofing tiles provide style, texture, durability, and versatility, and require very few costly repairs—a combination that places them high on the trends list for 2021 roofing options.

Synthetic Materials

Made out of recyclable materials, synthetic shingles are a great choice for sustainable roofing that’s eco-friendly and surprisingly affordable.

Asphalt Shingles

The roofing material of choice for many years, asphalt shingles will continue to be a popular choice in 2021. Asphalt shingles are durable, high-performing, and extremely affordable.

Residential Flat Roofing

Flat roofs are becoming increasingly popular to accommodate the modern styling of newer residences in 2021. Minimalistic, affordable, and eco-friendly, flat roofing options are easy to install, safer, and more accessible than other roofing systems. Solar panels can be added without too much additional expense.

Looking for an especially beautiful, nature-inspired shingle color for 2021? Aged Copper is a serene blend of earthy shades—like deep orange, sage green, and rich brown—that evokes the peaceful serenity of a walk in the woods. This nature-inspired shingle color will complement a wide variety of exterior color palettes, giving your home rich and enduring curb appeal.