All About Roofing Blog | PJ's Roofing

April 19, 2021 in Roofing

Heavy Rain, Hail & High Winds: Roof Damage from Weather

When it comes to safety and security, few things are more important than the integrity of the roof over your head. Yet last year alone, severe weather—including heavy rain, hail, and high-speed winds—caused close to $15 billion in damages to homes in the United States alone, accounting for nearly 40 percent of all homeowners’ insurance claims.

Unlike some parts of the country, the Mid-Atlantic region doesn’t often have to deal with the most severe types of weather, like hurricanes and tornadoes. That said, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding states are not immune to heavy rains, hail, and high winds, which can be extremely damaging to roofs.

Heavy Rain

An intense downpour or a series of moderate rainstorms can cause severe roof damage. Heavy rain can cause shingles to buckle or curl, especially if they are already showing signs of wear and tear. When shingles are worn down, they begin to deteriorate, making them more likely to break in a rainstorm. And once there is even a small area of your roof exposed, your interior is very likely to incur water damage. Addressing minor issues immediately keeps damage from spreading and ultimately saves you from the cost of more extensive repairs.

Hail

The type and severity of hail roof damage differs according to the type, age, and slope of your roofing material, the size of the hail stone, and the speed and direction of the wind. It may not be a foolproof method for evaluating the likelihood of storm damage to your roof, but knowing the size of the hailstone involved is a good place to start.

¾ inch: Property owners often discount possible roof damage after storms with smaller caliber hail because they underestimate its impact. Depending on the wind speed of the storm, hail as small as ¾ of an inch can cause serious damage to your home’s roof, metal fascia, vinyl siding, gutters and downspouts, and window screens. It can also dislodge granules from asphalt shingles.

1 inch: In addition to damage caused by smaller hail, stones that measure 1 inch can also cause significant bruising to shingle underlayment. Again, wind speeds will determine the severity of damage.

1¼ inch: It’s hard to believe, but just a quarter of an inch more in size makes the potential for hail damage much more significant. Even with minimal wind speed, hail of this size is potentially very damaging to your roof.

1½ inch: Depending on the duration of the storm, the amount of hail, and the speed of the wind, this size hail is almost certain to cause severe damage to your roof.

1¾ – 2 Inch: Hail of this size can actually penetrate plastic vents, ridge caps and other softer roof components. In combination with high winds, hail in this range can wreak havoc on your roof, causing both cosmetic and less obvious but still serious damage.

2” Inch: If your area suffers a storm that brings hail of this size with it, it’s not a matter of whether you will have damage but rather where the damage is. Because it’s difficult to see all the damage your roof may have sustained with the untrained eye, arrange for a professional roof inspection as soon as possible.

Some hail damage is immediately noticeable. For example, it’s easy to spot the broken edges on your shingles or shakes. However, be sure to look carefully near your gutters for less obvious signs of high-impact hail damage. Chances are that if hail was heavy enough to dent your gutters or downspouts, it may have caused damage to the surrounding roof.

When combined with high winds, hail can also cause roofing shakes or shingles to crack, leaving the roof with bare spots. The impact of hail on a roof can shatter the shingle’s surface, causing it to pull away from the underlying mat and exposing the fiberglass. Hail can also fracture the fiberglass mat. Less visible but even more serious, a fractured fiberglass mat seriously compromises the integrity of your roof.

High Winds

High winds can weaken your shingles’ self-seal strip, causing the shingles to blow completely off. Wind damage will often affect the edges of the roof or areas of the roof that have already seen damage/wear. Once it’s ripped off some shingles, it could start a domino effect and pull up other linked shingles.

In addition, high winds, with or without driving rain or hail, often cause more subtle damage to your roof, such as granule loss, punctures, and bruising.

Granules are the sandpaper-like outer coating of the shingle. High winds can strip the granules from shingles, exposing the asphalt coating to the elements. This degrades the material’s performance, leading to accelerated aging and poor performance. Severe weather can cause shed granules to pile up in your gutters.
Bruising is the soft, spongy area on or around the spot where shingle granules are missing or displaced. It results when the hail has placed enough pressure on the shingles that the fibers within the mat have loosened and have started to come apart.

Experts in roof evaluation can usually feel divots or indentations in this area that are not apparent to the untrained eye. Because bruising is not outwardly noticeable, you may be tempted to ignore it. However, because bruised areas on your roof are not protected by a thick layer of granules, they are susceptible to future damage from temperature gradations and more.

Unlike other areas of your home, you can’t always see the damage that may have happened to your roof. Yet staying on top of repairs is critically important to its longevity. Following a severe storm, have your roof inspected—especially if you can see debris on the ground or other telltale signs that some roof damage may have occurred out of sight.

Remember that even though there is no tried-and-true way to protect your roof from being damaged by heavy rain, hail, or high winds, a well-maintained roof will hold up better against the element than one that has sustained even minor damage in the past. Don’t ignore even the smallest issues—keeping up with relatively small repairs as they occur is far better than having to replace your entire roof prematurely—or risk damage to the contents of your home.

March 18, 2021 in Roofing

What Can Happen If You Put Off Roof Repair

Being a homeowner is not for the faint of heart. In addition to all the things you’d like to do to enhance your home’s comfort and value, there always seems to be a list of must-do items that require your attention—and resources. That can be frustrating, but when it comes to roof repairs, don’t put those off. Delaying necessary roof repairs can create serious, expensive consequences, endangering your home, health, and financial security if you don’t address them promptly and thoroughly.

Delaying roof repairs can cause:

Health Issues
Even a small leak in your roof can allow mold, mildew and/or bacteria to develop in the wet spots where the water seeps in. As those areas of moisture expand, more will grow exponentially, working its way into the walls, the attic, and below grade. When these nasties grow indoors, they contaminate the air, threatening your health. Many people are very sensitive to mold, mildew and bacteria—to the point they develop severe respiratory illness or ongoing allergies.

Structural Instability
If your roof is leaking, and the leak is left untreated, your home can incur some serious internal damage. The wooden support beams that create the infrastructure will begin to rot and become unstable—in the worse cases, your roof will eventually collapse.

Delaying roof repairs won’t solve the problem.

Walk your roof after big storms or high winds and check for signs of damage. If any shingles are missing, torn, broken, or punctured, get a professional roofer in there to fix the problems pronto.
When your roof starts leaking, it will spread quickly to other parts of the house, weakening both the roof and the rest of the home’s infrastructure. Holes and cracks in your roof allow insects, rodents and other animals to get into your home, contaminating your living area and possibly spreading disease.

Putting off roof repairs is more expensive.

When you notice roof damage, ignoring it will only lead to the damage getting worse over time and more costly to repair. When you don’t act promptly, the damage may even spread from the roof to other parts of your home, including the walls, joists, rafters and more. Should the roof and ceilings collapse, it will be considered as a roof failure and you will need to remove and replace the entire roof. If mold, mildew, and other toxins have taken over your home, you’ll have to call in a professional service to clean it. You will also have to call a pest control company to remove any insects and animals that entered your house. Putting off roof maintenance and minor repairs only opens the door for more serious problems that will be considerably more expensive to repair.

Don’t Count on your insurance to cover certain costs.

While your homeowner’s insurance policy typically covers damage from natural disasters like storms and strong winds, it’s not likely to pay you for repairs that have resulted from neglected minor issues. If the insurance company’s claims examiner sees evidence that you have your roof, it’s possible that your claim will be rejected.

In the worst cases, putting off roof repairs can create issues that are threatening to your health and more expensive to repair. Ignoring the signs of roof damage can morph into problems that are too severe to fix while the house is occupied. Imagine having to move out of your home entirely to fix problems that could have been remedied years ago for far less money and much less disruption.

At PJ’s Roofing, we understand the importance of living in a healthy, structurally sound home that retains its value over time. We offer financing options to make roof repair or replacement affordable for a wide range of budgets.

February 19, 2021 in Shingles

What Are Roof Shingles Made Of? | All About Asphalt Shingles

What makes asphalt the shingles of choice for so many modern homes?

Besides being affordable and economical, asphalt shingles for homes are versatile, durable and long lasting—providing maximum protection for your roof while minimizing cost. And while they may look basic in design and fabrication, don’t be fooled: asphalt shingles are actually carefully engineered, multi-layered components whose simple appearance belies their complex structure and function.

What does an asphalt shingle consist of?

The typical asphalt shingle is composed of three distinct layers:

Fiberglass Mat

The strength for which asphalt shingles are known is a function of the fiberglass base layer, or mat, which helps give them their signature durability. As the name suggests, fiberglass is made from tiny pieces of glass that are heated to extreme temperatures, and then extruded through narrow holes to create glass filaments. The filaments are woven together to create a flat sheet, which is cut down to the size needed to create the base layer for the asphalt shingle.

Asphalt Layer

Placed over the fiberglass mat, the primary purpose of the asphalt layer is to keep moisture from seeping through. Rather than relying on the blown-in method of years past, the asphalt layer is built up through the application of a specialized asphalt compound known as styrene-butadiene-styrene. This material increases the durability of shingles by making them more impact-resistant and helping to hold the top granules firmly in place.

Granule Covering

The gritty material on the top of the asphalt shingle is typically crushed rock sealed and protected with a ceramic coating. These granules protect the asphalt layer against damaging UV rays, help make them fire-resistant, and give shingles their color—allowing consumers to create a unique aesthetic for their home’s exterior. Because granule loss can compromise the integrity of the roof, manufacturers typically apply up to 50 percent more granulations than required to cover the asphalt shingle. This overage compensates for granular erosion that can compromise the integrity of a home’s roof.

Why Choose Asphalt Shingles?

When it comes time to upgrade your roof, modern asphalt shingles are a wise choice. Their tri-layer construction of a fiberglass mat, asphalt layer, and granules contributes to excellent longevity and performance—making them a durable option that prevents damage from water and impact that can be installed affordably.

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.

December 24, 2020 in Roofing, Shingles

Why Asphalt Shingles Are Still a Great Home Roofing Choice in 2021

Just because something’s new doesn’t mean it’s better.

New roofing materials have entered the market place this year, giving the thoughtful homeowner even more choices for repair and replacement. Progressively engineered materials have potential, but conservative, dependable roofing companies like PJ’s Roofing will still be directing consumers to evaluate their options in light of durability, dependability, affordability, ease of care, and curb appeal—likely keeping asphalt shingles in high demand in the next five years.

Durability

Asphalt roofs are leak-resistant if properly installed, and they can last up to 30 years or more. Because the material is neither too light (which means less chance of uplift problems) nor too heavy (requires no reinforcement), this type of roof is likely to last a long time.

Dependability

When installed with fiberglass matting, asphalt shingle roofs are also fire-resistant. They bear up well under strong winds, typically staying put in even the gustiest summer storms or winter blizzards.

Affordability

Asphalt roofing systems offer an excellent value for the money, and are one of the most cost-effective options available to Frederick area homeowners. A reputable contractor will give you complete pricing up front, as well as payment options and financing plans if needed.

Easy Care

In addition to offering one of the simplest installation processes, asphalt roofs are among the simplest for homeowners to maintain. They can be easily adapted to fit angled or steep roofs, and repairs are usually straightforward and relatively inexpensive when performed by a knowledgeable, reputable professional.

Curb Appeal

Asphalt shingle roofing isn’t a cookie cutter solution. From natural looking, rough-hewn shingles to overlapping designs with 3-D effects, your choice of shingle and installation are many and varied. You can choose from a wide variety of colors to complement your color scheme or select asphalt shingles that resemble slate roofing or cedar

How the newly engineered roofing materials are integrated into residential design, and how well they perform, remains to be seen. Asphalt shingles, while perhaps an old stand-by, continue to offer some of the best value on the market in terms of longevity, attractiveness, and affordability.

November 25, 2020 in Roofing

Which Roof Material is Right for You?

Fortunately, twenty-first century roofing materials are made to withstand a wide variety of temperatures and fluctuations. Therefore, choosing a particular material over another based on the climate where you live is not as critical as it once was. If you’re in the market for a new roof, there are many materials to consider that will work well no matter where you live, including:

Slate Tile

This is the gold standard for durability in many different climates and in all kinds of weather. With a lifespan of up to one hundred years, you can expect your slate roof to stand up to multiple layers of ice and the heaviest snowfalls. Slate’s high density also makes it an outstanding insulator, capable of keeping the temperature of the interior of the home it protects stable year round. If you live in an area where lack of rain and fire risks dictate a certain type of roofing material, slate should lead your list of durable, safe options.

If there’s a downside to slate, it would be its weight. Slate shingle roofing tiles weigh between 800 and 1500 pounds per square foot. Before you decide on a slate roof and its many advantages, you will need to have a professional contractor evaluate your roof structure to be sure it is sound and strong enough to support these materials.

Metal

Over the last 20 years, the demand for metal roofing rose from a 3.7 percent share to 14 percent. This is due in part to the fact that, like slate, metal roofing materials are solid options for both colder and warmer climates, and are also likely to last a long time.

Metal roofing excels at handling extreme temperatures, especially when treated with highly reflective paint or coating. A simple re-coating can make the roofing new again despite many years of wear. In warm climates, the coated surface of a metal roof will reflect the sun, keeping the temperature of the home it protects stable. In colder climates, this same coated surface makes the metal surface smooth and slick, making ice and snow slide off quickly before it can accumulate.

Like slate, metal roofing is fire-resistant and needs minimum maintenance. It can also last three times longer when compared to a typical asphalt shingle roof. A metal roof is much lighter than one made from slate. Installed correctly, a metal roof will help your home obtain and maintain optimal temperature year round, lowering your energy bills.

Depending on a variety of variables, a metal roof will cost anywhere from $7 to $10 per square foot. While this represents a more substantial investment than an asphalt roof, the long-term energy efficiency and higher resale value you can expect with a metal roof on your home make it a sound choice.

Shingles

Traditional shingles are an affordable choice for all types of weather. Keep in mind, however, that while these roofs are effective protection against extreme weather for multiple years, they can crack and incur other weather-related damage should they encounter really harsh conditions.

If you’re looking for more longevity, wooden shakes (a certain type of shingle) can provide up to thirty years of effective service. And because they circulate air so efficiently, wooden shakes can help save you energy, too.

“Super shingles” offer four times more protection than regular shingles—which also means they deliver four times more energy-efficient benefits. Especially if they come with a lifetime warranty, super shingles are an excellent choice for roofing material no matter where you live.

Clay Shingles

Recognizable by their rich, earthy tones, clay roof shingles have more to offer than just aesthetics. Not only are they thermal-resistant and fire-retardent, clay roof shingles are eco-friendly, too. They are also well known for maintaining temperatures at both ends of the spectrum. Clay roof shingles can cost anywhere from $10 to $18 per square foot, and installation can be a bit more expensive, too.

EPDM

This is commonly called “rubber roofing”, also known as rubber membrane roofing or rolled rubber roofing. A mixture of slate dust, recycled tires, and sawdust, EPDM is relatively lightweight, easy to install, and costs significantly less than competitive roofing choices. Because they have very few seams, an EPDM roof has little chance of leaking and will last roughly 20 years.

Although the typical EPDM is black and absorbs heat, the surface is not easily damaged by UV rays—allowing them to hold up well in hot, sunny climates. It is possible to select an EPDM installation in a lighter color that will not only be more attractive within some color schemes but which will also help reflect more heat.

Because a new roof is a big investment, it makes sense to review your options with an experienced professional. Look at the pros and cons and make the decision that is right for you.

October 22, 2020 in DIY Tips, Roofing

How To Prepare Your Home’s Roofing For Fall

Most people really look forward to the falling temperatures and the beauty of the changing landscape that autumn brings. If you’re one of them, enjoy all the benefits of this transitional season-—just remember to spend a little time addressing the myriad of little things that can become big issues if you leave them unaddressed as winter sets in—especially with regard to your roof. From leaves to leaks to pests, fall brings with it some potential problems you’d be well advised to deal with now before they go from bad to worse.

Leaves

Even a thin layer of rotting leaves can cause big damage to your home’s roof. Not only do these dead leaves create the perfect cover for pests, the decomposition process creates compounds that damage many types of shingles.

If you’ve ever tried to move a pile of raked leaves after a rainy day or two, you can vouch for how heavy they get when they’re wet. Move those leaves on the roof before they get wet to keep your gutters from pulling loose, causing a lot of damage to your roof, trim, and siding.

Crooked gutters? Fix those, too. Misaligned gutters can’t channel water away effectively, causing them to overflow. Make sure to clean and align them regularly while leaves are falling, and finish the season off with a thorough cleaning once your trees’ limbs and branches are winter-bare.

Pests

Insects, animals, and birds will be looking for warmth as temperatures drop, and a leaf-covered roof will really tempt them to hunker down. These unwanted guests can cause a surprising amount of damage, especially if there are spots on your roof that are vulnerable. These small access points can easily be turned into large openings to accommodate the creature seeking shelter, allowing rain and snow to infiltrate your roof—never a good thing.

Having a professional walk your roof to look for pest damage, sagging structure, small leaks, missing or deteriorating shingles, or issues with insulation will prove to be a good investment as fall approaches. If squirrels, birds, or other wildlife are creating havoc up there, hire a professional to set humane traps before they settle in for the long, cold winter.

Check Your Attic

A lot of people don’t realize it, but your attic is part of your roofing system. As such, beware of two possible issues: poor ventilation and inadequate insulation. For example, because warm air rises and exits at the top, and cool air is drawn in at the bottom, vents that are located at the top and base of the roof take advantage of natural airflow—regulating both temperature and moisture in the attic.

If moisture build ups and the temperature rises, your roof will heat up too much from the inside. The trapped warm air condenses, which means moisture damage isn’t far behind. Also as trapped heat rapidly melts snow and temperatures plummet, ice dams and leaks can occur, causing further damage to your roof. Troubleshoot this potential issue by having a professional check your insulation for bald or fraying areas, replacing promptly as needed. This evenly distributed insulation will halt roof damage while also helping to reduce your energy needs.

One of the most proactive things you can do is to hire a professional roofing contractor to do an annual roof inspection for you so small problems can be dealt with before they become big, expensive issues. Even if you’re not afraid of heights and consider yourself a veteran Do-It-Yourselfer, hire a professional roofing contractor with the experience, expertise, and tools required to do the best job possible.

September 15, 2020 in Skylights

The Beauty & Benefits of a Skylight

Few architectural details are more beautiful or inspiring in a private home than a skylight.

A well-chosen, an expert skylight installation not only brings approximately 30% more natural daylight into your living space, it can even save you money on heating and energy bills. Some are designed to give your home better ventilation, drawing warm air up to vent through and cooling a room to bring in fresh air.

Thinking about installing one is exciting and inspiring, but it also should also give you pause. After all, you’re contemplating having a hole cut in one of your home’s most expensive and important features—the roof. You can count on us to help you get it right…the first time!

The most important thing you can do to guarantee a pleasant process and a positive outcome is to hire a reputable company that uses quality materials to do the work. It’s far easier to get the work done right the first time than to try to address damages or recoup lost fees when you’re dissatisfied, so choose wisely.

Here are four considerations you should think about and discuss with your contractor:

Location

Exactly where your skylight is installed within your home’s footprint determines how much benefit you derive from it. Your rafters have a lot to do with placement, too. Securing a blueprint of your home will help you and your contractor select the best spot for your skylight.

In addition to the location on your roof, the angle or slope at which the skylight is installed will also affect the amount of light and solar heat absorbed into your home. A low slope typically admits more solar heat in summer and less in winter—which is the opposite of what most people want. Setting the skylight’s slope at roughly 10 degrees more than the geographical latitude of your home is often a good plan.

Glass

Skylights typically have tempered or laminated glass—which can break. If you have a lot of trees around your home, you need to understand that there is a risk of breakage to the skylight should a branch or bough fall on it. While tempered glass shatters into small, smooth pieces that fall to the ground, the film on laminated glass keeps the broken glass shards in place within the skylight’s frame—which is much less risky.

Mounting

Skylights can be curb-mounted or deck-mounted. Curb mounting requires a box structure for the skylight to be set on. If replacement is needed, curb-mounted skylights may not always need to be re-flashed, as long as flashing remains in good condition. Deck-mounted skylights have no box structure under them, giving them a lower profile that frequently results in greater energy efficiency

Features

Do you want to be able to open the skylight for ventilation? If so, would you like an electric, manual, or even solar-powered means of venting it? Are you concerned about letting too much passive heat and light into your home in the warmer months? You may want to consider factory-installed blinds over your skylight.

There’s a lot to consider, but a trustworthy, experienced contractor can help you through the process. Choose wisely, ask the right questions, make sound decisions, and prepare to enjoy the beauty and benefits of your skylight for years to come.

August 19, 2020 in Tips

How To Best Deal With Wind Damage To Your Roof

From blizzards to heat waves and everything in between, a high quality home roof that is installed in accordance with best construction practices is built to take the beating it gets year-round. However, there’s one element that can present a challenge to even the most durable roof: wind.

According to the National Severe Storm Laboratory (NSSL), winds clocked at 50-60 mph have the potential to damage roofs. And severe thunderstorms, say researchers at NSSL, regularly generate winds in excess of 100 mph. These thunderstorms account for more than 50% of all severe roof damage in the 48 contiguous, U.S. states.

Speed and severity, however, are not the only factors that affect the likelihood of wind damage. How your roof is laid out affects something called wind loading, which is the amount of force the wind applies to your roof. Houses with hip roofs tend to incur less wind damage than do gabled roofs. In addition, specific areas of the roof, such as eaves and corners, tend to be more vulnerable to damage than flats and other surfaces.

How resilient your roof is also depends on materials and installation. Flimsy shingles of questionable quality installed using shortcuts and other sub-par construction practices equals a roof that is far more likely to lose shingles and become damaged by high winds.

Even a good quality, carefully installed, and well-maintained roof can become vulnerable to wind damage over time. As time passes, the sealant between the shingles can fail, causing them to curl and crack. Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing can also affect the integrity of the shingles or cause rot to the substrate or underlying structure. The result in both cases is increased vulnerability to wind damage.

Make it a habit to inspect your roof for damage after a storm. Look around for shingles or other roof debris that may have fallen to the ground. Because high winds can damage your roof without tearing them off completely, think about bringing in a licensed roofing contractor to survey it for possible damage. A professional can inspect your roof for missing shingles and examine it for signs of wear and tear—including shingles that are curling or that have become partially dislodged and damaged from flapping or flexing, and find any gaps where shingles may be separating it from the fascia or soffit.

If wind damage has occurred, a licensed roofing contractor will document it in writing accompanied by photos, give you a list of recommended repairs, and provide a cost estimate. Ask in advance, but this should be free of charge.

Wind damage to your roof is usually covered under your homeowner’s insurance but also check your contractor guarantee and your manufacturer’s warranty. If is determined that your roof has failed due to poor workmanship or sub-standard materials, you may need these warranties.

Addressing any wind damage to your roof, even if it seems minor, will prevent future damage from storms, freezing and other severe weather. Taking care of the issues today will prevent more serious and expensive problems tomorrow– because there are few things more important to you and your family’s comfort and safety than the roof over your head!

July 23, 2020 in News

How the Roofing Industry Successfully Responded to COVID-19

While most Mid-Atlantic states continue to report positive trends in the COVID-19 pandemic, the global health crisis is far from over. The roofing industry will continue to strengthen and fine-tune the measures it launched during the stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders issued at the height of the COVID-19 crisis.

For example:
• In the months before the pandemic hit US shores, roofing manufacturers ramped up production in their plants in anticipation of potential slowdowns caused by the virus’ and its resulting economic impact. In mid-March—roughly a week before New Jersey’s governor issued a stay-at-home order—companies like GAF enacted a trial “work from home” day for staff to identify and address issues that might affect productivity, establishing a baseline for remote operations that they have continued to improve upon since.
• The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) advocated for the roofing industry to keep crews working safely. At the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, NRCA lobbied local and national officials and launched a letter-writing campaign to have roofing designated as an “essential business” after many industries were forced to close by state and local governments. Their efforts kept roofing crews on the job in many states, and the association will continue to oversee trends so they can be proactive with their actions should a second wave of the pandemic threaten to close down the roofing industry again.
• Association conferences, sales expos, and educational events quickly moved to digital platforms, allowing contractors and others to virtually attend from the relative safety of their homes and offices. Many companies upgraded their website presences to offer more information and resources to roofers and launched innovative ways to communicate with members including telephone town halls and multiple video webinars.
• Roofing material manufacturers created digital tools for their customers and contractors, including instructional videos and educational webinar series. Roofing companies like GAF, CertainTeed, and Johns Manville launched COVID-19-related web pages outlining best practices, safety protocols, news updates, and links to additional information.
• Still, other manufacturers relied on social media and robust email campaigns to communicate with their members and associates. This allowed them to explain the measures they were taking to keep their employees and contractors safe while continuing to provide essential services to their customers. Even small companies took responsibility to send emails to their customers assuring that they were open for business—and taking the appropriate health and safety measures to continue operating.
• In addition to moving much of its workforce to their home offices, other companies, including Owens Corning, implemented strict cleaning and sanitation protocols, physical distancing, and employee health screenings at all of its locations. In line with many other roofing manufacturers, Owens Corning converted its annual “Owens Corning University Business Building Days” seminar to virtual sessions and created virtual sales kits to distribute to contractors.
• GAF also accelerated the production, testing, and release of an online version of its first at-home selling app.
• The development of a MyABCSupply™ digital program is helping roofing contractors by allowing them 24/7 access to their orders in real time.

Roofing installers, manufacturers and suppliers have shown themselves to be a progressive, forward-thinking group during the unprecedented demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to responding promptly and thoroughly to local, regional, and national guidelines and mandates, the roofing industry has positioned itself to monitor emerging trends and insights in order to be proactive if and when needed.