While asphalt shingles are by far the most popular form of roofing for residential homes – four out of five houses have asphalt shingle roofs – metal roofing is quickly growing in popularity, particularly in the Philadelphia area and suburbs. We are seeing more and more metal roofs around the Bucks County area, providing accent texture and color, and other local counties are also following the trend. 

Metal roofs are now the second-most popular roofing choice among American consumers. Homeowners are choosing metal for their new construction, and many are choosing to replace or cover their old asphalt roofs with a beautiful new metal roof. 

Benefits of a metal roof

Metal is a superior product for roofing in many ways, and with the myriad of options in design and color now available, M&K Roofing and Siding has had many clients choose metal over asphalt for its many benefits. 

1. Metal is one of the longest-lasting roofing options. While more expensive than asphalt shingles, it can last much longer. Asphalt typically lasts 20-30 years, but metal lasts 50 years or more. Other roofing materials that last 50+ years include slate, simulated slate, and clay or concrete tiles, which cost significantly more than metal. So if you’re looking for a long-lasting roof, metal is the most economical option. 

2. Metal is easy to install because it’s lighter and because there are fewer pieces to install than asphalt shingles. Instead of coming in small pieces that have to be carefully laid on top of each other, metal comes in sheets that install faster and that fasten in place more easily than hundreds of separate shingles. 

Metal can even be installed directly over an existing asphalt roof if your installer has closely inspected the sheathing and the rest of the roofing substrata to confirm that it is in excellent condition. At M&K Roofing and Siding, we inspect roofs very carefully before doing that, because if you install over an existing roof that has any problems, you will eventually have to repair it, and you will have wasted your new roof. But if your house is fairly new and you want to change your look, laying on top of asphalt is an option.

3. Metal is more weatherproof. Here in Southeast PA, the weather is brutal on roofs. We are blessed with a moist environment year-round and the pleasure of four seasons. But these blessings are really hard on our roofs (and siding). We experience the occasional heavy snowfall, high winds, and heavy rains, and while we rarely see hurricanes or tornadoes, they do happen from time to time. In 2021, seven tornadoes tore through the Philadelphia area in a matter of hours, tearing whole roofs of asphalt shingles right off many houses. But metal roofs have been known to withstand winds in excess of 140 miles per hour.

In addition, metal reflects heat, keeping the house cooler in the warm summer months and saving on air conditioning. While a metal roof would also reflect heat in the winter, the metal can be installed over insulation or with an air space, which will prevent the cold of the roof from penetrating into the home. This installation practice will also decrease noise from the roof in a hard rain. 

4. Metal roofs shed snow and rain and work well on low-pitched roofs. Rain does not have time to rest on a metal roof and sink in anywhere. Snow and ice can build up on asphalt shingles, but this is not a problem with metal roofs, because they heat up faster than surrounding surfaces and quickly melt snow. 

5. Metal roofs are low maintenance. If your home is near trees or any part of it is in the shade, algae and fungus can grow on asphalt. This can create moist conditions that can speed up the deterioration of the roof or seep into the house and cause great damage. So it’s essential to keep an asphalt roof clear of growth. And because asphalt roofing is made of many small parts, a homeowner should look closely at the roof a couple of times a year, especially after storms, to see if any damage needs to be repaired. Additionally, the asphalt gradually degrades and sheds the small mineral granules that cover the surface of the shingles.   

Metal has none of these issues. It wears well, and the fastener technology has improved significantly in recent years, so even the fasteners rarely need to be replaced or repaired.

There are many other benefits we could list, but these are some of the most important. Asphalt shingles are still a great option, as are the other choices, but metal has some distinct advantages that are worth considering. 

Contact us today at our Main Line office, (610) 353-2895, for a free evaluation. We have the experience and integrity to give you an honest assessment of your roof and recommend the best materials for your home and your budget.

Selling a home in the Philadelphia area nowadays requires the homeowner to really think critically and plan ahead. Some questions you should ask are: What are homebuyers looking for currently? How can I get my house to catch their attention online, where most buyers look first? How can I make my house so appealing that buyers will pay what I ask? At M&K Renovations, we can help you answer many of these questions. 

Curb appeal used to mean just making your house look great from the road. Now it means making it look great online, too. Many buyers search through websites with thousands of houses on the market. You need to make your house look good in the picture so people will click to learn more.

The exterior includes things like the roof, siding, windows, garage door, front door, landscaping, hardscaping, and outdoor lighting. Some improvements may be simple, like power washing your siding if it’s fairly new and in good repair. Others may require financial investment and professional help. Consider any of these changes you may need:

Roof: If your roof was installed correctly, an asphalt shingle roof should last between 15 and 30 years. Metal roofs last even longer. But all roofs need regular maintenance. Have it inspected by a trusted roofing company, one with testimonies of many happy customers in the area. A disreputable company could recommend improvements you don’t need. At M&K, as homeowners ourselves, we treat our customers as we would want to be treated and give fair and honest free consultations. A new roof is definitely a big selling point, but if your roof is still in great condition, you may be better off spending the money in another area.

Windows: Modern windows have a 15-30 year lifespan as well, but they also need some upkeep. If you are experiencing drafts near your windows, if you’ve had water damage, or if you have trouble opening and closing windows, at least some need to be replaced, but it’s usually better to do them all at once. If they are functioning well, you may only need to paint the trim and maybe add shutters. Shutters or contrasting color trim around windows really catch the eye and improve curb appeal.

Siding: Clean your siding and check for any damage or warping. You could even consider replacing a portion of siding with stone veneer. This upgrade has a great return on investment. If your siding has signs of aging, consider new siding which also has great ROI.

Hardscapes: Buyers like to see smooth driveways and attractive, functional walkways. You can create a powerful look with a walkway and landscaping combination that complements your home. If you have an old farmhouse-style home, a meandering walkway through a cottage garden would look fabulous. If you have a conservative brick home, a straight walkway with boxwood bushes complements the traditional look.

Front door, garage: Your front door needs to be truly inviting. A new door is a small investment with a big return. A new garage door in an appealing color also has great ROI, because it’s a large feature whose color and design greatly affect the look of the house.

 Lighting: Create inviting lighting that adds safety when approaching the door at night, including lighting on the walkway. Good lighting around the house and driveway also makes homeowners feel safer, deterring possible prowlers.

These are the major exterior upgrades you should consider when you’re looking to add value to your home in order to help your house sell quickly and at a great price. For a checklist of things you can do that are divided into easy and free, modest cost, and bigger projects, read A Checklist for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell. For interior projects that add value, read Interior Renovations that Add Value to Your Home.  

Contact us at M&K Renovations at (610) 353-2895 for a consultation to discuss what exterior projects might make the most impact. Our professionals will examine your exterior and evaluate what repairs or upgrades may be best, then collaborate with you, our designers, and our building experts to develop a plan to help you get the most value out of your renovations.

Colder temperatures here in the Greater Philadelphia area bring big problems to roofs that are not in good condition. As the homeowner, you can do a basic check of your roof every year to make sure it’s ready for the winter weather. If you see anything that looks suspicious, call an expert to look deeper. 

Where to look on your roof

The first thing to do is to step back and look at your roof. Step way back. You may need to ask a neighbor if you can stand on their lawn or reach a higher elevation so you can see your entire roof surface. You’re looking for obvious things, like missing or broken shingles or a wavy look on what should be a flat roof. 

You’ll also need to look at flashing and boots around chimneys, vents, along walls where they meet the roof, and other features. Try to avoid going out on the roof. Let our experts do that for you. If you have a sturdy ladder and someone to hold it, or if you have a window that will give you a good view of some parts of your roof, use those methods instead. Flashing can rust, caulking around features can shrink, and plastic or rubber boots can dry and crack. All these conditions can let in moisture, which is your number one enemy as a homeowner. It’s great for your landscaping, bad for your house. 

Look for signs of moss or lichen, which is a sure sign of moisture retention. If your wall is rotting along the roof edge, that’s another sign of trouble. If holes were drilled into your roof for a satellite dish, solar panels, or some other feature, they can let moisture in, especially if the feature has since been removed and the holes have not been sealed. 

Check your gutters, too. Rain comes down to the edge of your roof and can cling to the underside of the shingle. If your roof doesn’t have a gutter apron on the edge to direct water from the underside of the roof into the gutter, the water could get behind the gutters and into your siding or under the roof boards. Clogged gutters can also push moisture up under the roof and behind the siding. And if you see a lot of debris from your asphalt shingles in your gutters, that’s a sure sign that they are past their prime and are starting to deteriorate. 

What to look for inside your house

Do you see spots around your ceiling fan in your bathroom? It may come from moisture extending down from the roof vent. Small stains on the ceiling could also signal a bigger problem. If you see mold on exterior walls, you may need to check the interior wall to see if it has worked its way inside. This might require removing some wall surfaces and insulation to see if there is any mold on the inside of the exterior wall material.   

Check the attic on a bright, sunny day, to see if you can see sunlight shining through any holes. Also, look for ceiling nails that missed the beams. If they aren’t properly sealed, moisture can follow the nail down into your home.

 Check yearly

By checking your roof at least once a year, you can usually stop small problems before they become big and expensive problems. But if you try to fix something on your own, you may not realize that damage has been done at a deeper level, which will just continue to worsen over time. That’s why we always encourage homeowners to check with us for a roof inspection. We know what to look for and we have the equipment and expertise to do it safely and accurately. 

Give yourself the peace of mind to know that your roof will keep you warm and dry for another year. Call us today at (610) 353-2895. Family-owned and operated, we service the Philadelphia area from our location on the Main Line.

Your roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make. It protects your home and takes the brunt of the weather, the sun, and falling limbs, and because of this daily beating, the quality of the products has to be top-notch. Manufacturing warranties can help ensure the highest quality roofing materials. 

What is a manufacturer’s warranty?

Manufacturer warranties cover the roofing product against defects in materials, but they vary tremendously. For instance, some are lifetime and some are limited warranties; some warranties will allow you to transfer the warranty to the next owner; limited warranties vary in what they will cover. So it’s very important to read the fine print. At M&K Renovations, we make sure our customers understand the different warranties associated with different types of roofing materials so they can choose what’s best for their needs. 

How long do warranties last?

Again, this varies from product to product; however, there are some general rules. Generally, architectural shingles carry a “lifetime” warranty, meaning for as long as you own your home. Some will allow you to transfer your warranty to a new owner, although sometimes that transfer incurs a fee. Most 3-tab shingles carry 20-30 year warranties. Normally, roofing materials will last as long as their warranties, but it’s important to be covered for the unlikely event that something goes wrong. 

What is not covered in a manufacturer’s warranty?

Typical limitations to a manufacturer’s warranty include:

• Damage to other parts of the home from leakage caused by manufacturing defects
• Damage caused by improper installation or by repairs specifically excluded under the warranty
• Weather-related events, such as high winds, storms, lightning, etc.
• Structural problems with your home that caused the damage to your shingles
• Damage caused by installing solar panels or satellite dishes, etc.
• Discoloration due to algae, mold, paints, or stains
• Inadequate ventilation that caused damage to shingles
• Damage caused by other components of the roof, such as gutters, flashing, etc.

What are extended warranties or system warranties?

Some manufacturers offer a variety of levels of warranties. These super-warranties go by different names, such as “extended” or “system” warranties, and may cover many of the issues above. Some may even cover the cost of repairs.

In addition, installers and contractors should provide clear warranties for their workmanship. At M&K Renovations, we offer our customers a workmanship warranty to give them peace of mind knowing that we stand by our work. 

What other coverage options are there?

Many times, homeowner insurance policies will cover or partially cover damage to your roof, depending on the cause. “Home warranties” are a fairly new form of warranty that help cover the costs of repairs to major systems in the house, such as electrical, plumbing, and appliances. Depending on the policy, a home warranty may also cover your roof. 

Do you have any other questions about a new roofing project? Contact us today at (610) 353-2895 for a free initial consultation to help you get started. As we partner with you, we’ll discuss your vision and your style, go over all the best roofing options to reach your goals, and help you choose the best warranties to protect your biggest investment – your home. 

The various aspects of a roof work in concert with each other to make the roof waterproof, long-lasting, and attractive. The materials and hardware must be chosen by an experienced, high-quality roofer to ensure that your roof lasts for decades. 

Here in the Greater Philadelphia area (including the Main Line), there are many older/historic homes and larger custom-built homes that need special care when replacing a roof. Be sure to work with a reputable roofing company so the job is done correctly.

Materials

The major materials of a roof installation include:

• Decking/sheathing
• Ice and water shield
• Flashing
• Underlayment
• Drip edge
• Top roofing material, usually shingles or metal
• Vents and piping
• Pipe boots

The general roofing process

As any highly-skilled, experienced roofer knows, every roof is a little different and needs its own special attention, especially in the small details. That said, the typical roofing process for a home is as follows:

1. Remove old shingles (or other top layer), underlayment, and flashing.
2. Inspect existing decking for any damage. Decking, also called sheathing, is the layer of material laid on top of the roof frame – usually wood panels for residential homes.
3. Repair any damaged existing decking. Severe damage may have affected the framing below, which would need to be addressed.
4. Install ice and water shields in the roof valleys (the low area where two roof surfaces meet) and other vulnerable areas.
5. Install an ice and water barrier around the edges of the roof and nail it down for extra stability.
6. Install drip edges (this is installed in two phases – before the underlayment along the eaves, that is, the hanging edges of the roof, but over the underlayment along the rake edges, that is, the flat sides of the roof that don’t overhang).
7. Install the underlayment. The underlayment is generally a material made of felt, sometimes with synthetic, and rolls out looking something like tar paper. It comes in various thicknesses and designs and its purpose is to waterproof your roof, protecting the wood decking below.
8. Install pipes and vents (depending on the pipes or vents, some may be installed before underlayment or after roofing) and paint them to match the roofing material.
9.  Install flashing around chimneys, along walls, skylights, and other features. Flashing is generally a thin, rust-resistant material, such as copper, aluminum, or galvanized steel, and is usually – but not always – installed under the top roofing material. Different kinds of flashing are used for different features, are installed differently, and have varying costs.
10. Lay the top roofing material, usually shingles or metal roofing.
11. Install the ridge cap.
12. Clean up thoroughly. 

Where some poor-quality roofers cut corners

Some inexperienced or unscrupulous roofers may attempt to cut corners in order to keep the costs low. They may low-bid in order to get the job, or they may pocket the savings themselves. Watch out for these typical areas where a roofer might cut corners:

• Reusing old flashing material and old vents – new holes won’t go into the old holes in the old flashing or vents and new material may not fit snug around them, thus allowing water to seep below the surface.
• Cutting corners with the amount of roofing materials used
• Using the wrong types or sizes of nails or nailing techniques
• Not thoroughly checking existing decking and not replacing damaged parts
• Using 3-tab asphalt shingles for ridge capping instead of shingles designed specifically for the cap
• Not sealing vent and pipe boots properly under the shingles or metal roofing materials and ensuring a tight fit
• Using the wrong types of flashing

Cutting corners could significantly compromise the waterproof quality of your roof, decreasing its lifespan and possibly causing substantial damage to your home. You may be able to identify some of these issues by looking at the detailed estimate and the Scope of Work that should come along with the estimate. For instance, if the estimate doesn’t include flashing and the scope of work doesn’t include laying new flashing, you know they’re cutting corners. But it won’t be easy to tell if they are shirking on materials unless you compare their estimate to that of another, more reputable roofer.

To prevent the risk of falling prey to the wrong roofer, we recommend you only get estimates from roofing companies that are well established, local, and can provide you with a list of satisfied customers to contact. 

Keeping the roof over your head in great shape will protect your home for years to come. When you hire a local, certified, reputable, and experienced roofing expert, you can avoid roofing problems. 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. 

With the hot and humid summer weather in Southeast PA comes the threat of heavy rains and thunderstorms. If you took care of your gutters in the fall, as a good homeowner should, you may think you’re set for another year. However, gutters should really be checked and cleaned twice a year, in early fall and early spring, to prepare for the extreme weather that each season of the year can bring. 

If you haven’t yet taken time for this important task, we recommend having it done as soon as possible.  

Signs your gutters need attention

We recommend you clean your gutters whether you see problems or not, because once you see a problem, a lot of damage may have already been done. Signs you may have a bigger problem:

• Rainwater is overflowing from the gutters
• Gutters look crooked or sagging
• There are leaks in the gutters when it rains, or icicles hanging from them on cold mornings
• You notice standing water near your foundation
• Mold is growing along the edges of your gutters
• Squirrels and birds like your gutters 

Things that can go wrong if gutters aren’t right

Several problems with gutters that we often see are:

• Clogged gutters: Clogging allows water to seep under roofs and behind walls, creating mold and causing wood rot. It can cause waterfalls to land on your foundation and your landscaping, harming plants and doing potentially serious damage to your home.
• Gutter leaks: Old gutters can begin to leak at joints, causing rusting of your gutters and a possible slow dripping along walls that may go unnoticed for too long.
• Backflows: When a gutter is improperly installed, instead of water flowing off the roof into the gutter, it flows from the edge of the roof underneath the roofing material or down the side of the house. As with clogged gutters, serious water damage can occur.
• Improper gutter slopes: Gutters should gently slope toward the downspouts. If they do not slope, the water stands in the gutters. If they slope too much, water gushes and overflows. Additionally, if gutters get loose, they sag outward, again causing a waterfall over the gutters instead of down toward the downspout. Either way, water pours down onto your foundation.
• Clogged or leaky downspouts, drainpipes, or run-off areas that don’t direct water away from the house: When the downspout is the problem, the damage is usually found on the lower level, in the basement, or along the foundation. Water should not just pour out of the downspout and land a foot or two away from the house, thus seeping into the ground right near your foundation and causing untold long-term damage. Rather, it should be directed at least 6 feet away.
• No gutters: Yes, this is a serious problem, because it can lead to all the issues listed above.

There are many seemingly insignificant issues our experts can spot before it’s too late when we come out for a gutter inspection. Having your gutters professionally cleaned twice a year is not very expensive or time-consuming, and it’s a lot safer than trying to do it yourself. It’s also a lot cheaper than the very serious problems that can occur if a gutter problem remains undiagnosed and unfixed. 

Most of the water damage repair work we do could have been easily prevented with regular maintenance of gutters, windows, and roofs. We’d like to see you before any damage is done. Call us today at (610) 353-2895 for a free consultation.

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.

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.