Blog

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.

March 20, 2020 in Roofing, Tips

It’s Spring! Time to Inspect Your Roof.

It’s been an exceptionally mild winter in Maryland, and it looks like we’re in for an early spring!  Get out and enjoy the warmer weather and the early spring flowers and foliage— just don’t forget to take stock of your home and property while you’re out there.

Just because Marylanders didn’t have to deal with a blizzard during the winter doesn’t mean your home— especially the often-forgotten roof— wasn’t affected. Even if winter’s rain and winds didn’t cause your roof serious damage, you should still do a walk-around to catch any minor issues that could cause greater damage down the road.

General Wear and Tear

Start your spring survey by checking for things like rust on your gutters or areas of your roof that seem to be sagging. These tend to be large areas that are easy to spot from the ground.

Gutters and Downspouts

No matter how clean your gutters were when you winterized last October, chances are rain and wind have filled them up again with dried-up leaves and other debris. Clean, functional gutters are the key to your roof’s drainage system. Efficient water run-off protects your soffits, siding, and shingles from damage, so make it a priority to unclog them completely.

After you’ve cleaned out the visible debris from your gutters, move on to an equally important part of your home’s drainage system— your downspout. Try using a hose or a plumbers snake for hard-to-reach areas.

Once your gutters and downspouts are clean and clear, check your roof’s drainage system for additional damage, including missing fasteners, holes, and areas that may be sagging.

Inspect the Shingles

No matter what they’re made of, the shingles that cover your roof are critically important to the integrity of your roof. Save “walking your roof” for the professionals, but you can usually see the following issues with your roof easily from the ground:

• Missing Shingles. Have these replaced immediately. A missing shingle can result in a weak spot in your roof, causing it to leak and exposing it to damage like rot and mold.
• Buckling Shingles. If the framing underneath your shingles retains moisture, the shingles on top can shift or buckle. Replace these right away, as they have the potential to tear or crack, causing serious damage to your roof.
• Curling Shingles. Shingles that have been installed improperly will begin to curl at the edges. Have these fixed promptly to avoid further damage.
• Blistering Shingles. When moisture gets trapped inside a shingle, a blister develops that can easily burst, causing damage to the roof’s infrastructure. Unlike most problems with your shingles, blistering can be hard to spot from the ground. Consider arranging for an annual, professional inspection to catch any blisters that may have developed on your roof’s shingles.
• Stained Shingles. See any streaking or stains? Either of these usually means that your roof’s ventilation system is damaged, or there’s a leak somewhere else. Even if you’re an accomplished DIYer, think twice before tackling this repair. Contact a professional roofer.

Evaluate for Mold

If you catch mold or mildew early— before they seep into your roof’s foundation— simple remedies like zinc or lead control strips usually contain the problem. If mold has spread, or is covering a large area, call a roofing professional to contain the problem. Don’t delay, as mold that spreads to the interior of your home can be dangerous to you, your family, and your pets.

Trim Branches

Overgrown vegetation and hanging tree limbs threaten the integrity of your roof. This is a much easier job in the spring when trees are just beginning to “leaf out”, as opposed to summer and early fall when they are likely to be in full bloom. Keep them trimmed back if you have the knowledge and the equipment. If not, don’t take a chance— there are professional services that can take care of this for you at far less risk to your life and limb. (Cutting back branches will also reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning leaves out of your gutters in the future.)

Check from the Inside Out

Go into your attic and look up. If you can see any light anywhere, you have a hole somewhere there shouldn’t be. Assess for any water damage and mold/mildew growth. Mold and mildew have a particular smell, so survey with that sense, too— even if you don’t see anything, that telltale smell might mean something is amiss that you can’t see. Call the professionals for a more thorough inspection

Some people may be able to work through this list on their own. However, many will prefer to call in the professionals. Bringing in the experts can make the process more efficient and thorough. At PJ’s Roofing, we have the expertise and experience to provide you with a comprehensive inspection, followed up with any repairs needed. Call us today and start a tradition of an annual roof inspection.