We have four full seasons of weather here in the Greater Philadelphia area and your roof is one of the biggest investments that will protect your home.  It is also one of the most important. A properly installed, well-insulated roof using quality materials will last decades and will protect your entire home from moisture damage and heat loss. But different roofing materials have different life expectancies. It’s important for you, the homeowner, to know all your options. At M&K Renovations, we have industry knowledge about all the materials needed in building your roof and the different grades of quality available. We’ll help you sort it out in order to choose the best combination of materials within your budget to help your roof last as long as possible. 

Parts of a roof

There are many parts of a roof, including:

Frame (rafters): These are the wooden boards over which your roof is laid. Unless water damage has occurred, your rafters and framing do not usually have to be touched when laying a new roof.

Decking (sheathing): Wooden sheets are laid over the roof frame to provide support for the roofing material and a nailbed for the shingles.

Underlayment: Underlayment is a waterproof material that protects the shingles against resin from decking and protects decking from moisture.

Roofing material (shingles etc): This is the upper layer of your roof, the part you see.

Eaves: Your eaves are the parts of the roof that overhang the side of your house. They include the soffit (the part underneath that is parallel to the ground) and the fascia (to which gutters are usually attached).

Flashing: Flashing is the material installed around roof features such as vents and chimneys in order to prevent water from penetrating and to direct the water off the roof and into gutters.

Gutters: The gutters are attached to the eaves to catch rain and melting snow that runs off your roof. 

Choosing quality materials

While most homeowners only consider the top layer – the visible roof – when choosing materials, the materials used in each layer of your roof will have a significant impact on the longevity of your roof. 

Decking: Any parts of your current decking that show wear and tear or moisture damage should be replaced. The most common form of decking today is sheet decking, either plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Plywood is sheets of solid wood and comes in various thicknesses, from 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch. OSB consists of wood chips that have been pressed into flat 7/16 inch sheets. OSB is slightly less expensive and considered stronger than plywood, but plywood is stiffer and holds fasteners better. 

Underlayment: New underlayment will be laid for your new roof. Options are asphalt-saturated felt, rubberized asphalt, and synthetic. All three are waterproof, although the asphalt-saturated felt becomes less waterproof over time. It is the least expensive and easiest to install, but it tears easily and gradually deteriorates. Rubberized asphalt underlayment is 100% waterproof and seals better than felt, but is more labor-intensive to install. The synthetic underlayment is becoming the most popular underlayment because it has the longest lifespan, is resistant to UV penetration, tearing, and fungal growth, and withstands the widest temperature swings.

Roofing materials: In Southeast Pennsylvania, the most common roofing materials used are asphalt shingles and metal. Other roofing materials include wood, slate, clay tiles, and concrete tiles. These are often used as accents or for houses of a very specific style. 

Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles come in a dizzying array of styles, levels of quality, and cost. They can be the least expensive roof or one of the most expensive. Typically asphalt roofs can last from 15 to 40 years, depending on quality and weather conditions.

Metal roofs: Metal roofs vary in lifespan, as well, but almost all metal options will outlast the asphalt shingle option. The least expensive, steel, lasts for 30 years or more. Copper roofs can last more than 70 years, but they are expensive and subject to expansion and contraction. Zinc roofs are the most durable, last over a century, and are the most expensive.

Wood shingles: Natural wood looks wonderful and generally lasts 25-30 years with regular upkeep. They are more expensive than asphalt but less expensive than metal.

Clay and cement tiles: Tiles look stunning, can last up to 100 years, and are comparable in price to steel roofing. 

Gutters and flashing: These two elements are absolutely critical to preventing water penetration below your roof and into your home. High-quality materials should be considered for these elements, especially since the extra expense would probably not significantly impact the overall cost of your roof. 

At M&K Renovations, we’re your roofing experts on the Main Line and in the surrounding Southeast PA area. Contact us today at (610) 353-2895 so we can help you choose the right materials within your budget to help your roof last for generations.

If you missed cleaning your gutters in the spring, there’s no time like the present, as summer weather and thunderstorms with heavy gusts of wind could be around the corner here in Southeast PA. You want to make sure your gutters are in good repair so that they can keep your house dry inside when it’s wet outside. 

Parts of a gutter

Your gutters are made of many individual parts that all need to be in good condition in order for your gutters to function properly. The long sections along your roof line are simply called sections, which are often joined together to extend the entire length of the roof. Some gutters are fitted with gutter guards of some sort to deflect debris. The end cap closes the section at the end so that water stops flowing along the section and is directed down the downspout.

Downspouts often have elbows, which direct the downspout toward the side of your house. Without the elbows, your downspout would probably hang a foot or more away from the side of your home, making it very susceptible to damage from wind or debris. It is more secure against your house. The spout and sections are all secured to the house with various types of hangers and straps.

The downspout should lead down to a splash block or a pipe that directs water at least six feet away from your house in order to avoid moisture collecting along the foundation. 

What can go wrong

With so many different parts, there are a lot of ways things can go wrong. First, while gutters look horizontal to the naked eye, they should have a slight slope in order to direct water towards the downspout. Too little slope and the water sits and creates an environment for mold and mosquitoes and increases the risk of rusting out the gutters. Too much slope and the water rushes too fast into the downspout. The pressure of rapidly moving water can cause sections and hangers to come loose. 

If your gutters aren’t fitted with a gutter guard, debris easily fills them, especially if there are trees near your home. This debris can also create a moist environment for mold and rust, and it can run down into your downspouts and create clogs, especially in the elbows or at the base of the downspout, which can cause water to accumulate around your foundation, potentially causing serious damage. 

Backflow is another problem. If gutters are not properly slanted away from the side of the house or are not positioned the proper distance from your house, water can flow from the edge of the roof underneath the roofing material or down the side of your house. This can cause serious water damage inside your home. 

Finally, just the general passage of time can cause the parts of the gutter to come apart, hangers to loosen, and metal to rust. If you have gutter guards, they could be dislodged by strong winds or heavy debris and no longer function as intended. 

Cleaning your gutters

As gutter experts, we are well aware of the dangers associated with cleaning gutters along a roof that is more than one story high. If you have a rancher or low gutters, you as the homeowner may be able to clean the gutters without a ladder. But we do strongly recommend you call an expert to handle higher gutters because tragedy does sometimes strike when a homeowner is trying to clean gutters without the proper equipment or training. 

If you have a hose with an extension, you can try to flush debris out of your gutters while you remain safely on the ground. If any elbows or downspouts within reach seem to have gotten dislodged, you can reconnect them and add caulk to any small leaks. If you see any loose nails from gutter hangers, tap them back into the wall or trim carefully to tighten your gutters’ position against your house. But as previously mentioned, unless you’re an expert, you won’t be able to tell whether your gutters are positioned properly to direct water away from your home and down the spout correctly.  

If you notice any other issues with your gutters or you suspect leakage into your home, please contact an experienced contractor to help you. Avoid choosing someone randomly or someone who comes to your door soliciting. 

At M&K Renovations, we have years of experience and many testimonials from happy customers to assure you that we will always do what’s best for you as a homeowner. Call us at (610) 353-2895 from anywhere in the Philadelphia, PA area to see how we can help you.

Many homeowners are considering adding solar panels to their roofs in order to decrease their electric bills and to utilize a renewable energy source to help reduce negative effects on the environment. Adding solar to your home can add significant value – some suggest as much as $15,000, which would offset much of the cost of installation. Some real estate agents also believe houses with solar sell faster than houses with traditional energy only. 

There are several downsides to solar, however, the first being cost. Adding solar panels or solar shingles can be quite expensive, even if the cost can be offset by resale value and savings on your electric bill. Some homeowners take out a loan or use a home equity line of credit to help with the upfront costs. Another option is to lease panels through a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a solar company. In this arrangement, the company owns the solar power, collects the energy, and sells it back to you at a rate lower than your utility rate. 

The other drawback to solar energy is that it only works when the sun is shining. Therefore, solar panels are more worthwhile in areas of the country with consistent sunshine than in areas with shorter summers and significant cloud cover. In our Philadelphia area, solar energy can provide savings on your energy bill, depending on the number of peak hours of sun and the current cost of your electricity. 

What to do with your current roof

Solar panels can be installed on an existing roof if the roof is in good condition. Not only the top layer – shingles, tiles, metal – but also all the underlayers need to be in good repair – no warping, water damage, or poor installation. Solar panels are heavy and need a strong foundation. 

If your asphalt shingles are 10 years old or more, you should probably replace the roof when adding solar panels, which will last about 25-30 years, around which time their energy output will have significantly diminished. Since asphalt tile roofs have a similar lifespan, your roof will begin to deteriorate before the panels and may require replacement before the panels do. This would require the added expense of removing and re-installing the panels, with the risk of some being damaged in the process. 

Therefore, it is often more convenient to install a new roof and solar cells at the same time. This also gives you the flexibility to choose the best options for you: solar panels, tiles, or shingles. 

Roofing options

Solar materials can be installed over part or all of the roof. Solar panels are raised above the existing roof, while shingles and tiles often replace the roofing materials, in whole or in part. There are many solar panel companies, providing many options of size and style. There are several leaders in the solar shingle/tile industry, especially Tesla, CertainTeed, and SunTegra. 

Tesla’s roof tiles are glass-faced with water-transfer printing, which makes the tile look similar to slate, clay, or shingle. These tiles replace asphalt shingles or other roofing material; the tiles are your roof. Tesla calculates your annual power use and only installs up to 100% of your average use, so you may also have some non-photovoltaic tiles that do not collect energy. A Tesla roof is beautiful and energy-efficient, but it is also very expensive. 

CertainTeed Apollo II is a roofing system that lies almost flush on top of your existing asphalt shingle roof. It looks sleek and could actually extend the life of the shingles beneath because they are protected from the elements. This option is less expensive than Tesla, but also has a lower watt output per square inch. The product is very sturdy and can hold up against heavy storms. 

SunTegra comes in tile or shingle options. The shingles can be applied directly on your asphalt shingles, blending in nicely if the roof is dark. Tiles are meant to replace concrete roof tiles. They have very good watt output and have a 25-year power warranty and 10-year product warranty. 

Solar shingles/tiles are considered more attractive and have a higher home value than solar panels, but they are expensive, less efficient than conventional panels, and more difficult to install. Thus, panels continue to be more popular, and come in many more options, as well. 

At M&K Roofing and Siding, we have worked with many homeowners to add solar energy cells to their homes. We will walk you through the many alternatives and help you choose the best option for your needs. Contact us today at (610) 353-2895 to get your solar energy project started.

If you have your roof regularly inspected for damage or deterioration, you may be able to catch minor issues before they become major problems. At M&K Renovations, we will do a free inspection to make sure your roof and materials are in good condition and we’ll recommend repairs if we notice any problems developing. 

Typical roof problems

Deteriorating roofing material: Sometimes this is fairly easy for you to spot just by looking at your roof, but usually, if you can see it easily, it’s not a small problem anymore. We look for bare spots, loose shingles or tiles, debris in gutters such as granules from asphalt shingles, and cracks along junctures.

Cracked or deteriorating flashing and sealants: Flashing is a metal barrier (sometimes rubber) installed under shingles or tiles and around roof elements such as chimneys and vent pipes to prevent water penetration. Sealants may also be used in the sloping valleys where two roof planes come together. Over time, metal can corrode or deteriorate and rubber and sealants can shrink, harden, or crack from the elements or general age. When this happens, water can get under the roofing and cause leaks, rot, and mold.

Clogged gutters: This is pretty easy to fix, and if caught early, we can prevent backed-up water from rotting your roofing material.

Ice dam buildup: This is common when gutters are clogged, but it can also be a function of roof design or just the result of a long, cold winter. Ice builds up on the edge of the roof, preventing melting snow from draining. Both the weight of the ice and the standing water can damage the roof’s surface and/or allow moisture to penetrate.

Sagging roof: Some sagging may be visible from the ground, but we can look at the various roof planes of your home from more strategic angles to detect the beginning of a sagging or drooping roofline, which could be evidence of underlayment deterioration or even improper installation.

Possible repairs

How we fix the roof depends on the type and the extent of the damage. 

• Loose shingles can be easily and quickly replaced if caught before underlayment is damaged by moisture. 
• Flashing and sealants can be easily repaired and replaced, but again, we will look closely for any damage to the underlying materials. If water has damaged the underlayment or the roof deck (the wood sheets upon which the roofing material is laid) we would recommend replacing those materials. 
• Clogged gutters can be cleaned out by the homeowner, or we can do it. Ice dams should certainly be broken up and their cause determined and rectified if it has something to do with the design of the roof or gutters. 

A poorly-installed roof does not always need to be completely replaced. We will evaluate the real problems and correct what is critical to keep water from working its way under the roofing material and into your home. 

However, if your roof is over 20 years old and has a variety of problems, it may actually be more cost-effective to replace it. Starting over again with new materials can not only give your house a great facelift, but it can also make it more watertight and eco-friendly. Roofing products have improved dramatically in the last 20 years, giving homeowners an almost endless variety of choices, with materials that are more weather-tight and energy-efficient than ever before. 

Give us a call at (610) 353-2895 for a free inspection to make sure your roof is keeping your home dry and warm.

Maybe you’re reading this post because you searched online for “roofing company near me” or “best roofing company.” We know you want a great roof that is going to last for years and protect your home right down to the basement. You want it at a fair price from a trusted company with years of experience and many happy customers. At M&K Renovations, these are our goals for our customers, too. We have 40+ years of experience providing high-quality home renovations in the Philadelphia area and neighboring communities. 

Steps in Choosing Your Roof

When we begin the reroofing process with you, we design the project with you every step of the way. We come out to your home and take pictures, then superimpose different options onto your house so you get a true sense of the look and feel of each until you find what you want. We review your budget and evaluate with you the various colors and roofing options – asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and slate. We discuss what may be best in your situation and what will achieve the look and feel you want, increase curb appeal, and protect your home – all within your budget.

Once you’ve chosen your design, including flashing options that may enhance the look of your roof while preventing moisture from penetrating below the roofing material, we will work around your schedule to begin the roof replacement process. 

Steps in Replacing Your Roof

If there are no additional problems, such as wood rot or deterioration in decking below your existing roof, the process should go very quickly, only 1-2 weeks. Our pre-inspection usually identifies existing problems, which allows us to factor the time and the cost of repair into our estimate. By repairing any damage, we can ensure the longevity and waterproof quality of your new roof. 

First, we will prepare the job site, protecting the landscaping next to your house as much as possible. We will remove the old roofing and inspect the deck for any problems we may not have been able to see in the initial inspection. It is common for older decking to begin to deteriorate somewhat.

We prepare the deck by replacing or correcting any warped or uneven surfaces in order to ensure a flat, smooth, finished roof. At this point, we are prepared to apply the flashing around all joints and edges and around any features such as chimneys and vent pipes. Flashing is critical to prevent the entrance of water below your roofing system and to direct water off the roof and into your gutter system. It is installed under your roofing material. 

Once everything else is prepared, the final roof material is laid. During the process, we clean up the area every evening before we leave so that you don’t have to look at a mess. And of course, when we finish the job, we do a final clean-up and take all our equipment with us, leaving you with no signs of our presence except a beautiful new roof. 

What About Gutters?

A final note: Now is a great opportunity to rethink your gutters. You’ll probably want your gutter system repaired or replaced in order to enhance your new roof and improve the system of water removal. With your permission, we’ll inspect them and recommend any repairs or replacements. New gutters can be very affordable and worth the cost.   

Contact us at (610) 353-2895 today from anywhere around the Main Line area so we can get started on your new, beautiful roof to enhance the value and safety of your home.

The two most popular roofing materials in Southeast Pennsylvania are asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Both come in a wide variety of styles and colors, and either would work well on most homes. There are pros and cons for each material, so we work with our clients to walk them through the differences and help them choose just the right product to produce the desired look at the best price.

Range of available styles

Shingle roofing has a classic look and can be manufactured in almost any color and style, even to mimic the look of wood shakes, slate, or terra cotta tiles. Metal roofing has come a long way since the early days of limited standing-seam roofing options made of corrugated tin. Now it comes in a variety of metals for different needs and looks, such as zinc, tin, steel, aluminum, and copper. 

Pros and cons of each product

Let’s take a look at the differences between these two products in cost, durability, installation, maintenance, and energy efficiency. 

Cost: The price of metal roofing varies significantly among the different materials, with tin and aluminum being moderately priced and the others being rather expensive. Asphalt, however, is generally less expensive than the metal options. 

Installation and maintenance: In addition to the cost of the product itself, roofing installation is more expensive for metal roofing and less expensive for asphalt. The difference can be significant, depending on the type of metal roofing you choose. Asphalt is also easier to repair, and simple repairs can be performed by the homeowner. Asphalt shingles are small and easy to handle, while metal sheets are large and cumbersome. In fact, trying to repair a metal roof yourself could void its warranty.

Metal roofs are very sturdy and are not easily damaged, but being hit by a tree branch or heavy hail could dent the metal. And if not properly installed, metal sheets could lift off or bend up in strong winds. Asphalt shingles can also blow off in strong winds, but as mentioned, they are easier to replace and repair. However, asphalt shingles do not weather well; over time they deteriorate from the sun’s UV rays, there are many more opportunities for water to seep under the roof between damaged shingles or around flashings, and they can grow mold or lichen in the shade, whose roots will further retain moisture and break down the shingles. So while asphalt maintenance is fairly easy and inexpensive, metal generally requires less maintenance. 

Durability: Metal is more durable than shingles. While the average asphalt roof for a home is expected to last 15-20 years, metal can last 40-70 years. This can be a significant factor when considering the relative cost of each product. How many times would you be likely to replace your asphalt roof in the 40-70 years that your metal roof would last? 

Energy efficiency: Contrary to what we might think, metal roofs are actually cooler than asphalt roofs. Metal reflects heat rather than absorbs it, which can potentially translate into lower utility bills for you. In addition, metal roofs are often made from recycled material and can easily be recycled again. While it is possible to recycle asphalt, it is a laborious process and therefore asphalt usually ends up in a landfill. 

Which roof is best for you?

We encourage you to look at many pictures of houses similar to your own to see what colors and styles you like. Then drive around your neighborhood and town, looking at how different roofs look in real life. When you have an idea of what you like, come in with a few photos or online images so we can get a feel for your preferences and help you choose the best product at the best value. Call us today at (610) 353-2895 to get started.

If a tree or large branch falls on your roof, do not try to fix it yourself, and do not take it lightly. While every situation is different and sometimes there is only minor damage, the damage may also be significant, and you may not be able to tell right away. It’s best to have an expert survey the situation as quickly as possible. You should take immediate action if a large branch or a tree falls on any part of your house. 

Steps to take

1. Make sure everyone is safe. It may be best to get everyone out of the house, or at least away from the part of the house that the tree landed on if you felt a significant impact. If anyone is hurt, call 911.
2. Check that power lines and gas lines have not been affected. If they have, turn off your gas at the meter and/or call your electric company immediately. If you believe there are any other possible hazards, call 911.
3. Inspect the visible damage outside. You may have noticed cracked walls or broken windows inside, but also try to see what exterior damage may have occurred. However, do not climb up on the roof or use a ladder to get closer! Please leave that to the experts. Try to stand at a distance, or maybe ask neighbors who have a good view from the second story of their house if you can survey the situation from there. If major damage has occurred, or if you feel unsafe, lock up your house and find somewhere else to stay until the house is repaired.
4. Call your insurance company and report the damage. Take as many pictures as you safely can in order to document the situation as thoroughly as possible.
5. Contact a reputable tree service and roofing or renovation company. At M&K Renovations, we have vetted licensed tree experts who have a long list of satisfied customers. We can quickly provide you with the best tree service for your needs and expertly assess the damage to determine the next steps for your particular situation. 

What M&K can do for you

As a general contractor with deep ties to the very best subcontractors in the region, M&K will coordinate the quick repair of your home, relieving some of your stress and helping you feel confident that your house will be as good as new – or better – when we’re done. 

We will manage the removal and clean-up of the tree and other debris, provide you with the assessments you need for your insurance company, and suggest the best approach to fixing the damage. We will then dive in to make those repairs quickly and efficiently. We have even had clients who see the unexpected damage as an opportunity to make some long-desired upgrades. Be sure to discuss that with us when we evaluate the needed repairs. 

Our number one goal is to see that you are safely back in your home as quickly as possible. If you experience damage to your property from fallen trees or other accidents, contact us so we can start right away.   

At M&K Renovations, we know how important it is for a historic home to maintain the architectural elements that make it unique. Most of these elements were developed for practical purposes of keeping water out of the house or preventing large slabs of ice or snow from falling on people or objects below. Others were purely for decoration. Some of those features include rake boards, cupolas, roof combs and roof cresting, wedges along dormers, and other features that have become hallmarks of historic homes along the Main Line.

Some materials used in historic homes are very durable, others less so. But eventually, like all roofs, the roofs of historic homes will need to be repaired and replaced.   

Common roofing of historic homes

Water damage is the biggest enemy of roofs. As roofing experts, we are absolutely committed to sealing every area that could allow water to seep under the roofing and into the house. Different historic roofing materials pose different challenges, but we understand the unique features of historic roofing materials used in the Main Line area and are committed to retaining the historic nature of your home while providing you with a high-quality, state-of-the-art roof that will last for years.

Common historic roofing materials include: 

Wood shingles: Wood is a beautiful roof material, but it has a naturally-limited life expectancy. Moisture seeps into the grain and ultraviolet rays break down wood fibers. Moss and fungus grow easily on wood surfaces, speeding decay and allowing moisture to accumulate in substructures and make its way into your home. 

Replacing wooden shingles on a historic home requires careful attention to such details as the original placement of the shingles, the presence of roof accents, and the maintaining of the historic appearance while minimizing leakage around chimneys, dormers, etc.

You can replace your wooden roof with modern wood shingles or choose from a wide variety of manmade options that maintain the look of real wood but increase life expectancy and durability. 

Slate: Slate is a common roof material in our corner of Pennsylvania. While it is quite durable, slate eventually begins to crumble, starting around edges and nail holes. This allows moisture to seep in, and with the constant freeze-and-thaw seesaw we experience throughout winter in our area, substructures can begin to deteriorate and sag under the heavy weight of the slate, speeding up the breakage and deterioration of the slate tiles. 

The issue with replacing a slate roof is cost. There are other materials that we can use to give you a look and feel similar to slate but are not as expensive. We can help you evaluate these options so you can make the right decision for your home.  

Clay tiles: Clay tiles resist deterioration from natural wear and tear for many years, but they are brittle. Their real enemy is impact – a falling limb can wreak havoc on a tile roof.

When replacing or repairing a tile roof, it is again very important to maintain the same look and design that was originally used while ensuring that the roof is water-tight. Alternative products are available that offer the look of clay without the brittleness. 

Metal: Copper was the first metal roofing. On many historic buildings, the telltale green of old oxidized copper roofing can still be seen. If this copper roof is replaced, it will, of course, look copper-colored – at least for a while.  

Galvanized metal roofs became very popular in the United States in the mid-1800s. Galvanization (steel or iron coated with zinc) was invented in France in 1836, after which galvanized roofs became the rage. Tin-plated iron, often with a stamped design made to appear like shingles, was also popular. Both of these materials were durable but less expensive than copper roofs. The metal was often painted to provide protection from rust. 

Painting a metal roof regularly can maintain its durability almost indefinitely. If your metal roof requires repair or replacement, we at M&K Renovations have the know-how to preserve the look and feel of your historic home while improving the quality and appearance of your roof. 

Work with experts

When it’s time to repair or replace the roof on your historic home, entrust it to builder-contractors who are experienced in working with your particular roofing material. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

Depending on your house’s design, your roof can contribute up to 40% of your home’s visual exterior, which makes it a critical component of your overall home design. At M&K Renovations, we help our clients think through all the factors in choosing just the right color for their roof, from concept to samples to installation. 

Conceptualizing your color options

When considering roof color, think about it within the context of your overall house style, colors, and setting, as well as your personality and style. 

What are the colors of your exterior walls, trim, and shutters? Is your driveway the usual blacktop, or does it have an unusual shade? Are you on a wooded lot with trees that will obscure a neutral-colored roof?

Consider the style of your home. Is it a ranch, Cape Cod, Mediterranean, Victorian, or contemporary? Each style home has traditional roofing, but you may want to try something a little different. 

Next, consider your own personality and style. Do you like to take bold chances with color and design, or do you prefer a more subtle, traditional look? Remember, your roof is going to last a long time, so you probably don’t want to do something too unusual. But you also want to make sure the house has curb appeal – and an attractive roofing choice can really make your house “pop.” 

If your home is quite close to other homes, you may want to also consider how your roof would look near your neighbors’ roofs. While you want your house to have a special appeal about it, you don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb. 

Once you have a list of color options, begin exploring manufacturers’ websites. While shingles are a popular choice, other options such as slate and tile may work for your needs, so don’t dismiss them outright. When looking at shingles, you’ll notice that some are a single color and others are blended with different shades. Blended shingles can offer more options as you try to determine what will look best on your home. In fact, blended shingles are often a great choice if your siding is a single, unvaried color. However, if your home has stone siding with many shades, you may want your roof to echo a single shade of one of the colors in your stone. 

Sampling the color options

When looking at websites, keep in mind that your screen may not give a true representation of the color. At M&K, we can help you make sure you are seeing the color accurately and provide you with some sample roofing materials. We can also superimpose shingles you are considering on a photo of your house using an iPad to give you an accurate picture of what the change will look like.

Take the shingles home and put them up against your house. Lean them against the various elements of your home – trim, siding, etc. – to see how they look against the different colors. Consider also the effect of the light. How do the shingles look in full sunlight versus evening? If your home is shaded by trees, how does it look in the shade? Lighting can have a significant effect on how the color is actually perceived by our eyes. 

If possible, try to find homes that already have the roof color and style that you like. Drive by at different times of the day and see how it looks. 

Installation

Once you’ve decided on a color, style, and manufacturer, we at M&K Renovations have expert roofing contractors who know exactly how to install the roofing of your choice. As general contractors, we handle all the details for you, coordinating all the pieces of the project to make sure your new roof installation is completed on time, on budget, and with the greatest of care. Call us today at (610) 353-2895 to start finding just the right roof for your home.

Although Southeast PA and nearby New Jersey do not usually experience weather as severe as states farther north or south of us, the hurricane that blew through our area this past summer, dropping tornadoes that tore roofs off houses, proved that even in this area, we need to take extra precautions with our roofing materials. 

Many houses that did not seem to be damaged by the high winds may actually have hidden damage that could over time create serious problems. It may be time to assess the condition of your roof and consider the benefits of an upgrade.

Lifespan of roofing materials

The lifespan of your roof is dependent on a number of factors, including the materials used, the quality of craftsmanship of the installers, and the environment. Because of these variables, the lifespans of different types of roofs are given in a range of years.

Asphalt shingles, the most common choice, usually last 20-30 years, but if signs of wear begin to show, they should be quickly repaired or replaced before moisture gets underneath. Metal roofing can last 40-70 years; standing-seam metal roofing is becoming a popular option. Wood shakes can last for 30 years or more but need regular maintenance. Clay tile roofing lasts 50-100 years, and slate roofs, which are a traditional material in our area, can last 75-200 years! 

The lifespan of the roof is only one factor to consider when deciding if a new roof can save you money. Improvements in building materials in recent years are also an important consideration. 

Protection from inclement weather

Although we do not often experience the extreme weather more typical of Florida or New England, it is not uncommon for our tri-state area to be buffeted by serious storms. Roofing materials and installation methods have improved dramatically in recent years to withstand extremes in weather. 

In the 1990s, shingles were rated for 65mph winds. Today, shingles can rate for 120mph or even 130mph winds. Additionally, there are several different ways to attach a roof to the walls of a home: toe-nailed, clipped, and hurricane-strapped. Hurricane strapping can further strengthen your roof against high winds, protect your roof and your property from damage, and possibly save you money on insurance.

Moisture issues

Besides improvements in roofing tiles and shingles, newer underlayment materials are superior in protecting against moisture. Wood rot and mold set in when moisture gets beneath your roof underlayment or past the flashings that surround roof features such as chimneys, vents, and trim. This could cause very serious damage to your home. At M&K Renovations, we have had a number of clients whose homes have experienced damage from leaks in and around the roof. 

Moisture damage can be very expensive to repair. We recommend you examine your roof periodically and occasionally have a professional check as well. It is better to fix small problems than to have to pay for big problems later. (See our post about checking your roof.) 

Energy efficiency

It is estimated that 25% of heat is lost through a poorly insulated roof. If you have central air conditioning, you can assume that some of your cooling is also escaping to the outside. 

The Energy Star rating is given to building products that save a measurable amount of energy. Many insurers offer additional savings on your rates when you upgrade your roof, windows, and other features of your home with more energy-efficient materials. There are also some tax credits available for improving the energy efficiency of your home. 

Contact us today at (610) 353-2895 for a free evaluation of your roof. We have the experience and integrity to give you an honest assessment of your roof and make suggestions that will help you keep your home and property as safe as possible while saving you money.