All About Roofing Blog | PJ's Roofing

January 23, 2020 in Roofing

Replacing Asphalt Shingles with a Metal Roof

Keeping tabs on home maintenance is one of the best ways to preserve its value. When you find a problem, keep in mind that– regardless of upfront expenses– addressing these issues before they degrade far enough to cause further damage will also end up being economical in the long run.

So if it looks like 2020 is the year to replace your deteriorating roof, the first question you should ask yourself is “Do I stay with the existing roofing material, or try a different option?” For example, despite its higher initial cost, metal roofing is likely to save you time and money over the years. Compared to asphalt shingles that typically last 15-18 years, metal roofing has a lifespan of 60 years or more and requires only minimal maintenance. A metal roof also reflects heat, making it more energy efficient than a traditional asphalt roof.

If you’re intrigued by the benefits of metal roofing over traditional asphalt shingles, there are a few things to keep in mind. When you get the quote, remember that you’re buying a higher-end, more durable product that requires a more complex installation. There are other factors that will play a role in determining the cost of your new metal roof including:

• Location. A new metal roof with identical specs in an expensive market like Washington, DC or northern Virginia is likely to cost 30-50% higher than it would in the middle of the country.

• What’s Your Square Footage? Contractors measure roofs in square. One square is equal to 100 square feet. Typically, the greater the square footage of your roof, the less you will pay per square foot. Surprisingly, very small orders (200 square feet or 2 squares of custom-sized sheet metal panels) can be very expensive.

• Design type matters. Another significant (but fortunately more controllable) factor to determining metal roofing costs is the type you decide upon. The least costly metal roofing option, corrugated or ribbed steel, could run $6.00 to $8.00 per square foot installed, depending on the gauge of the metal and the type and quality of the paint finish required for your climate. A metal shingle roof could cost between $8.00 and $13.00 per square foot installed, while a standing seam metal roof may be $10.00 to $16.00 per square foot installed.

• How complex is the installation? If you have a complex roof with chimneys that require flashing, many angles, dormers, sidewalls, and/or skylights, sidewalls, your installation will be higher.

• What type of metal do you want?
• Steel is a common and acceptable metal for roof fabrication. For most residences and buildings in the Frederick area, we recommend:
– G-90 Galvanized or “hot dip” steel with a zinc oxide coating and Kynar paint finish is the most affordable option. Interlocking steel shingles and tone-coated shingles and tiles are typically made from G-90 galvanized steel.
– Galvalume to fabricate residential, standing seam panels. Galvalume steel provides longer-lasting protection against rusting and corrosion than does galvanized.
• Aluminum provides longer-lasting protection from corrosion, and is generally considered a more durable option than steel for use in coastal areas.
– Aluminum shingles start at around $9.00 per square foot including trim.
– Aluminum standing seam panels are fabricated and cut to order. Expect an initial base cost of around $12.00 per square foot.
• Copper and Zinc are premium quality metals whose price depends on the weight and thickness of the shingles or standing seam pans. Installation is more complex and expensive, especially when dealing with 16-20 oz. copper standing seam panels, which require soldering.

When properly designed and meticulously installed by an experienced PJ’s Roofing crew, a metal roof can reduce energy consumption, providing cost savings and immediate return on your investment. Choose from a broad spectrum of materials, colors, finishes, and gauges give you the look and performance you expect. At PJ’s Roofing, our experts are ready to help you select a new metal roof that will be perfect for your home.

December 16, 2019 in News, Roofing

What’s Trending? Roofing Styles & Materials for 2020

Unless you’re in the construction business, you may not be aware that roofing styles and materials trend just like fashion, music, and topics on Twitter. In fact, every year, roofing styles and materials fall in and out of favor– and 2020 is no exception.

If it’s time for you to consider a roof replacement for your home, your best bet is to reach out to a local roofing company who can advise you on the best solution for your practical and aesthetic needs. In the meantime, think about these options for roof replacement styles and materials to get an idea of what you like and find attractive:

Roofing Styles

Flat – This may be the simplest and often the least expensive type of roof to build, but there are considerations that can’t be skipped. Because it won’t drain well, a flat roof needs to be expertly waterproofed. For those in urban areas who wish to turn their roofs into more livable surface area, a flat roof design would be a great choice.
Shed – Like a flat roof, a shed roof is a single plane. However, a shed roof is slanted– higher on one side than the other– which allows for far better drainage than a flat roof.
Gable – A gable roof is another style of roof that is relatively easy to build and suitable to many different climates. A two-sided configuration that both slope down from a central ridge, a gable roof creates space for an attic and additional insulation. A vented gable room doesn’t collect debris like fallen leaves, nor does it allow snow or ice to accumulate.
Hipped – Picture a central ridge from which two long sides and two shorter ones slanting downward. Because its eaves can be configured to provide shade to western and southern windows, the design of a hipped roof is ideal for warmer weather. Its wind and moisture resistance also makes it a good choice for climates where there are frequent rainstorms.
Pyramid – A pyramid roof is similar to a hipped roof, except a pyramid is topped by a sharp peak instead of a flat ridge.
Mansard – Another variation on a hipped roof, there are two slopes to this unique style of roofing. The lower slope contains dormer windows, and is much steeper than the upper slope. Mansard roofs are especially useful for those who want to maximize their living space, as this style allows for an additional story under the roof.

Roofing Materials

Asphalt Shingles – Easily the most often-used residential roofing material in the US, asphalt shingles are an easy-to-install and economical option. Fiberglass or an organic material like cellulose can be used to reinforce asphalt shutters to provide greater strength and longevity without altering their appearance.
Clay and Concrete Tiles – Clay tiles can be flat, scalloped or ribbed, and are extremely durable. Because they are very heavy, they should only be installed professionally. Like clay, concrete tiles are durable, heavy, and add interest and texture to a roof, but they are also less expensive.
Metal Roofing – When it comes to weather resistance, metal roofs are at the top of the list. Metal shingles and panels are available in stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc.
Wood Shingles and Shake – A popular choice for hundreds of years, wood shingles and shakes turn an attractive, subtle shade of gray with exposure to the elements. Shingles are typically cut by machine; shakes have a more roughly-hewn look, as they are usually cut by hand.
Slate – Available in traditional shades of green, grey and black as well as exotic purples and reds, slate roofing brings a unique elegance to roofs of all types.

November 22, 2019 in Renovation, Roofing

PJ’s Roofing Donates Time to Renovate Frederick Rescue Mission’s Rescued Treasures Roof

Over the weekend of November 16th and 17th, PJ’s Roofing donated time and material to rebuild the roof over the Frederick Rescue Mission’s Rescued Treasures building. Prior to the renovation, the roof had to be covered with a tarp to keep water from leaking through, but even this method didn’t fully work. We were able to provide a structurally sound roof for the building and ensure the leaks become a thing of the past!

The Rescued Treasures building was in dire need of a new roof that kept water out.

A big shoutout goes to ADS Trash for lending us a dumpster for this project. The area was kept tidy (by construction standards) because of this generous contribution!

PJ’s Roofers worked hard over the weekend to give this building the upgrade it deserved.

Rescued Treasures exists to provide free clothing, coats, shoes, backpacks, sleeping bags and linens for those experiencing homelessness or just have needs. Those served include students, veterans, the disabled, the elderly, the working poor, and those who are homeless.

Rescued Treasures also provides the opportunity for job seekers to shop for clothing for a new career. PJ’s Roofing was honored to be a part of this important renovation. We are always happy to give back to a community that has supported us year after year, especially when we can make such a difference for those in need.

November 15, 2019 in News

Thank You For Voting For PJ’s Roofing!

We would like to thank everyone who voted for us as Frederick Magazine’s “Best Roofing Company in Frederick”! Stay tuned to this blog to see how the results turn out!

October 10, 2019 in News

PJ’s Wins Best Roofing Company For 5th Consecutive Year

Breaking news! For the 5th year in a row, we were just named Best Roofing Company in Frederick and we couldn’t be happier!

We would like to thank EVERYONE who voted for us in the Frederick News Post’s 2019 Best of the Best Awards! Thank you so much and we look forward to a great 2020!

September 12, 2019 in News, Roofing

Roofing Trends That Can Help Revitalize Your Home

Once you have lived in a home for some time, it’s easy to just overlook its faults and see it the same way you’ve always seen it. However, homes change over time, and portions of your home are certainly not in as good of condition as they were years ago. One area to pay particular attention with regard to aging is the roof. As the years go by, and Mother Nature takes a toll, the condition of your roof is going to degrade.

If you are ready to do some work in an effort to revitalize your home, consider the trends below.

Playing It Safe – With Regard to Color

Rather than trying to turn heads with the color of your residential roof, the current trend is to stay a little closer to the middle of the road. That means keeping the tones rather neutral, with something like a grey or light brown to blend in nicely into the surrounding environment. The precise color you select for your new roof will obviously depend on a number of factors, such as the look of your home as a whole, the landscaping you choose, and even the aesthetic offered by the rest of the neighborhood. It’s certainly okay to pick something that stands out a bit, but if you are interested in keeping with current trends, you’ll remain somewhat on the conservative side of the palette.

Keeping It Minimal

This next trend matches up closely with the first point we made, as neutral colors can be seen as a minimalistic choice. In addition to the color, other decisions that can keep you on the minimal side of the ledger include avoiding intricate designs, bold lines, etc. Opting for a clean look is something that will serve you well not only in the short term, but also in the long run as trends evolve over time. Keeping things simple is rarely going to be out of style, so even when other trends come along, you will remain proud of the roof you have chosen.

A Focus on the Environment

Finally, the last point we are going to touch on is a trend that everyone should hope will stick around for the long run. The use of environmentally-friendly roofing can not only do favors for the world around us, but it can also do a great job of protecting your house. One piece of the sustainability puzzle involves using materials that can be sourced in an eco-friendly manner, and also can be replenished over time. Also, roofing that does a good job of insulating a house can be helpful to the environment, as less heating and cooling energy will need to be used to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. One of the best options on the market today with regard to environmental impact is metal. A metal roof offers excellent energy-saving performance, it can last a long time, and it will look great, as well.

August 19, 2019 in Gutters & Downspouts, Roofing

Roof & Gutter Cleaning – Best Practices

As a homeowner, you know that maintenance is inevitable. Even the highest-quality home will need to have ongoing maintenance performed to remain in proper working order. One task that you should not overlook is roof and gutter cleaning. Your roof is the first line of defense for your home against all kinds of weather conditions, so keeping it in good condition is essential. Let’s take a look at some of the key points to understand related to roof and gutter cleaning.

Safety is Always #1

No matter what, the focus of your efforts when cleaning your roof and gutters should be safety. There is no need to put yourself at risk when trying to perform this maintenance task. If you don’t have the right equipment – such as a sturdy ladder – or if you are at all uncomfortable with heights, simply hire someone to do the work for you. Paying to have your roof and gutters cleaned is not particularly expensive, and it will be worth it if it means avoiding doing work that you aren’t comfortable with. Only proceed with doing your own work when you are confident in your abilities and know you have the right equipment for the task at hand.

Remove Debris Carefully

Assuming you feel confident in doing this work yourself, get started by taking the debris off of your roof and out of the gutters and downspouts. Things like leaves and small branches may have landed on the roof from nearby trees, so gather them up and dispose of them properly. Allowing debris to remain on your roof can cause problems in the long run, as it will gather in the gutters and prevent water from running away properly. Unless you have numerous large trees around your home, cleaning up the debris should be a relatively quick and straightforward task.

Address Moss Problems

In some areas, moss is a significant problem on roofs. When a roof has plenty of shade, and cool and damp conditions are present, moss can thrive. It might not look too harmful at first, but moss can do damage to your roof over time if allowed to remain. However, while you might be tempted to scrape it off, that’s not the right approach. Instead, use a moss killing product which can be applied directly to the moss so it will die off on its own. If you were to scrape the area affected with moss, not only might you damage the roof, but the moss would be likely to just grow right back.

An Overall Review

While on the roof, take a careful look at the condition of the surface to determine in any repairs are necessary. Hopefully, you’ll find that your roof is in good condition and doesn’t require any further work, but it’s always smart to check. If you do find one or two spots that need to be addressed with a repair, bring in a professional so you can make sure it is done right the first time.

July 19, 2019 in Roofing

Six Modern Trends in Metal Roof Replacement

To the layperson, it might seem like the construction industry moves rather slow. After all, if you are just looking at buildings from the street once they are finished, they don’t look much different than they did years ago. Within the industry, however, nothing could be further from the truth. There are always exciting new trends to monitor, and amazing new materials and techniques to put into action. In this article, we’d like to shine some light on six trends in the world of metal roof replacement.

Keep It Clean

One of the trends you’ll notice if you look around at other metal roofing jobs is a shift toward simple, clean aesthetics. More and more, the projects that are being completed are using straightforward designs without much extra ‘fluff’. This style allows the natural beauty of the metal roof to shine through without interference from unnecessary design features.

Sustainable Products

This is a trend that extends far beyond the metal roofing industry. People are quickly becoming conscious of how their decisions impact the natural world around them, and plenty of buyers are demanding products which are sourced in an environmentally-friendly manner. Also, those same buyers are looking for products that can help reduce the amount of energy that a home uses on a day to day basis, further reducing their overall impact on the globe.

Light Tones

There are plenty of colors available to you when you opt for a metal roof, but you might not feel like making too much of a statement with a bright shade. Instead, you could do like many others and pick something light that will still add visual appeal to your home while not drawing too much attention.

Match It Up

Keeping with the discussion on colors, you could also opt for a single shade throughout the roofing project, including gutters and trim. It’s traditional to use different colors for each of the roof, gutters, and trim, but that tradition seems to be shifting. A single color for all three offers an interesting look, and it just might be a look that you enjoy.

Going Bright

Okay – so above we mentioned that one of the trends is to use light tones, and that’s true. At the same time, other homeowners are feeling like being a bit bold, and those projects tend to be finished with bright metal roofing in any number of various shades. If you do decide to pick a bright color, make sure the project will be approved by your homeowner’s association (if you have one) before you go ahead with the job.

More Than Roofing

You may decide that you like the look of your roofing so much that you actually want to use it on more than just the roof. Believe it or not, this may be an option. If you are doing more than just a roofing project, consider employing the use of your metal roofing on one or more of your walls to create an interesting visual feature.

June 20, 2019 in Roofing

Metal Roofing: The Best Choice for All Types of Weather

The more time you spend researching roofing choices, the more you realize that metal roofing is a great choice for many situations. Not only does it look great and offer a relatively affordable solution compared to other options, it is also great at dealing with weather. If you are working on a roofing project in an area that is subjected to harsh weather on a regular basis (like here in the DC metro area), you will at least want to consider the possibility of opting for a metal roof.

Holding Firm in the Wind

If you aren’t familiar with how metal roofing works, you might think that it would be at risk of flying away in the wind. With a good metal roof, this just isn’t likely to happen. Since there are not separate shingles to consider, you don’t have to worry about losing sections of your roof to a wind storm. Instead, as long as you have a heavy metal roof that is installed properly, the wind should just whip right on over.

Channeling Away the Rain

One of the most common weather conditions your roof will face is rainfall. Obviously, when the rain comes down, your roof needs to keep it from leaking into your house, and it needs to funnel the water away, so it doesn’t cause problems later on. A metal roof will allow the rain to slide off the house without any trouble, and a coating that is applied to quality metal roofing will keep it from rusting as the years go by. Some potential buyers also have concerns about the sound that might be produced by a metal roof in a rainstorm, but that shouldn’t be an issue as long as you have sufficient insulation.

Reflecting the Heat

When the sun is shining brightly, you probably aren’t too worried about the condition of your roof. After all, a beautiful day filled with blue skies sure seems like it would be easier on a roof than a nasty storm. However, for some roofs, a day of hot sunshine can be a problem, if the temperatures rise high enough. Fortunately, metal roofs are great at reflecting heat away. The surface of the roof will be hot during the heat of the day, but it will also cool quickly after the sun goes down.

The Lightning Factor

One other concern some homeowners have about using a metal roof is the thought of lightning being drawn to the roof. When lightning strikes, it simply finds the fastest way to get to the ground, often through a tall tree or similarly prominent object. So, your house is at no greater risk for a lightening strike than it would be with a different type of roof. In addition. A metal roof won’t catch fire, so you may even feel a bit better when dealing with an electrical storm than you would with a material that could burn. In the end, no matter what kind of weather conditions your home has to face, a metal roof is ready for the task.

May 17, 2019 in Skylights

Skylights: Five Advantages You May Not Know About

Skylights are an attractive feature to add to a home for a variety of reasons. If you have been thinking about adding a skylight to your current home, or if you’re trying to decide whether it is worth adding one to a home you are building, the five advantages we have listed below may help you make up your mind.

#1 – Privacy Benefits

Wait a minute – how can punching a hole in your roof actually improve privacy? Well, it comes down to how you are going to access some natural light inside your home. Most people enjoy natural light, and if you don’t have a skylight, you will need to keep your shades open in order to let that light in. With a skylight, however, you can keep your shades closed and still have some nice light entering the space. This might not be as big of a deal in the living room, where the shades will often be open, but it can be great for bedrooms and bathrooms.

#2 – Environmental Benefits

We would all do well to use less electricity. By reducing our dependence on the power grid, we can do the environment around us a big favor. Toward that end, letting in natural light through the use of a skylight will allow you to keep the lights in your home turned off more frequently in the daytime. Adding just a couple of skylights isn’t going to dramatically reduce your power usage, but every little bit is a step in the right direction.

#3 – A Great Look

If you take pride in the way your home looks and you work hard to keep it in good condition, you may love what a skylight can add. The light they bring it can illuminate your home in ways that just aren’t possible with artificial lighting. Of course, if it is the aesthetic that you are worried about above all else, consider working with a professional designer to place your skylights in just the right spots.

#4 – Feel Good

Letting more sunlight into your home can improve your access to vitamin D, and vitamin D has been shown to boost mood in many individuals. If you live a lifestyle that has you inside throughout much of the day, it’s easy to feel a little bit down – even if you don’t know why. While adding a skylight certainly isn’t a guaranteed way to feel better, getting more vitamin D through sunlight access may be beneficial.

#5 – See Clearly

Do you have trouble seeing in parts of your home from time to time, even during the day? Depending on the design of your house, there might be some dark corners that are hard to illuminate even with artificial lighting. A skylight may solve this problem, at least during the daylight hours. As long as it is placed in the right spot, you can use a skylight to make it easier to see some of those notoriously dark spots in your house.