4 Factors J&K Roofing Commits to for Expert Roofing Repairs

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4 Factors J&K Roofing Commits to for Expert Roofing Repairs

4 Factors J&K Roofing Commits to for Expert Roofing Repairs

When it comes to something as important as your home, you want to know that your roof is able to provide the protection you need. After a significant weather event like a snow storm, or even throughout the changing of seasons, you may notice a leak, spot some missing shingles, or recognize any other signs of a damaged roof.

Who do you call when you have an issue?

There are a lot of roofing companies out there, and a lot of them will say they’re the best. But unless you know everything about how to choose a roofing contractor, you might find yourself paying too much or needing to have multiple roof repairs fixed over a short period of time.

J&K Roofing has a dedicated full-time Service Department that specializes in roof repairs, which is unique in the roofing industry. Other companies will simply replace your roof and then refer you to a different company when you have leaks, ice dams, wind damage, or other repair issues. Not J&K Roofing—we’re with you all the way!

Our Service team is professional, experienced, and personable. You’re in good hands throughout the entire year, including during winter months when ever-changing Colorado weather can be unforgiving. At J&K Roofing, we pride ourselves on our experience, expertise, and most importantly—our commitment to quality.

Common Roof Damage & Repairs

It can be difficult to determine if it’s time for your roof to be fixed or replaced, especially if you don’t know what to look for. To help, these are some of the most common types of roof damage and how to determine when you need to call for an expert’s evaluation.

Contact your local roofing company if you observe any of these issues.

Damaged Shingles

Shingles are made to stand up to the elements, but they can be damaged by high winds, hail, and snow. As they age over the years, your shingles are increasingly susceptible to damage. Look for signs of granule loss, broken or split shingles, missing shingles, lifted shingles.

Damaged Flashing

Flashing is a thin material (usually metal) that’s used to divert water away from walls, chimneys, and areas where the roof meets a vertical plane. To spot damage, look for signs of curling, broken parts or cracks, and leaks.

Gutter Maintenance 

Gutters are essential to a functioning, safe roof, as they catch water and debris. They should be cleaned at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. Look for signs of clogging, water overflowing gutters, areas pulling away from the roof, and ice dams in the winter.

Leaky Roof

Leaks are always concerning, but they don’t always indicate you need an entirely new roof. Many leaks stem from issues that can be repaired. A roofing professional can locate the source of a leak and repair the problem for you.

Poor Ventilation

Just as your shingles are essential to the proper functioning of your roof, so is proper ventilation and insulation in your attic. Look at your energy bill to see if you’re using too much electricity to heat/cool your home—this can be a huge indication that your attic isn’t ventilated properly. Also look for ice dams in your gutters and leaks.

The J&K Roofing Commitment to Quality

Now that you have an idea of what to look for related to roof damage, you can turn your attention to selecting a roofer that can complete your roof replacement or repairs and is available whenever you need them.

1. Available for Your Needs

Make sure your roofing company will be there when you need them, whether that’s for a partial repair or full roof replacement. Some of the damage and repairs listed above may require an entirely new roof or just a simple replacement, and J&K Roofing’s dedicated service department will help you understand your roof’s status and what needs to be done to fix it.

2. Expert Repair Experience

Not all roofing companies provide repair services, nor do all companies have the skill and experience in repairs that are necessary to complete a project the right way. It takes experience and a professional eye for the best type of repair for your given project, and J&K Roofing has been in the Colorado roofing business for nearly 40 years.

3. Clear Expectation and Communication 

We’ve all been there: you hire someone to complete a project for you, only for it to go over budget or beyond project scope due to ineffective communication. We fully intend to keep you updated on how your project is progressing, and we will inform you of any changes that need to be made to complete your roofing repair or replacement.

We’re dedicated to providing you the best roofing services in Colorado, and that goes beyond project completion. If you recognize any problem with your roofing after our team is gone, reach out to us and we will come out for a follow-up visit.

We stand by our work and welcome feedback to ensure customer satisfaction.

4. Great Customer Service

Above all, you want to have a hassle-free repair experience. Our team will manage a smooth process from start to finish, and we’ll do so with consideration, respect, and friendliness. No matter how simple or complex your project may be, we’ll take the time to explain what’s going on so you never feel left in the dark.

With J&K Roofing, there’s no guesswork—just great roofing replacement and repair services.

J&K Roofing Is Your Go-To Colorado Roofing Contractor

Whether your roofing project is a repair or a full replacement, our team of experts knows how to handle it. J&K Roofing has both experienced Project Managers and an experienced Service Department who are ready to tackle any roofing project you may need completed. We even have a handy checklist for selecting a quality roofer that you can use to help ensure confidence in your decision to work with us.

Get in touch with us today for a free inspection and to learn more about our approach to expert roofing repairs.

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5 Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Repairs in Denver

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5 Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Repairs in Denver

how to know if you need a new roof

Between 2018 and 2020, there were almost 313,000 hail insurance claims in Colorado, making it the second biggest state for hail damage over that same period.

With such stressful weather conditions every storm season—plus routine repairs and replacements due to aging and other damage—it’s not hard to imagine how frequently people seek out the best roofing companies in Denver, the Front Range, Colorado Springs and Northern Colorado areas.

To help get an idea of what you can expect when starting the process of repairing or replacing your roof, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common FAQs about Denver roof repair.

1. Does my roof need to be replaced or repaired?

Just because you have a leak doesn’t necessarily mean you need an entirely new roof, and likewise, just because your roof looks fine from the ground doesn’t mean it’s ready for the next storm season. There are a lot of indicators that will tell you how to know you need a new roof, and the best way to get a sure answer is to ask a professional to properly inspect your roof.

Sometimes the damage isn’t as bad as you might expect, but you never know until a professional Colorado roofing company takes a look.

2. How much will my roofing project cost?

This is a common question. The cost of your roofing project depends on a variety of factors:

The best way to understand the scope of your project is to schedule a professional inspection with a local roofing company. This will determine the level of work that is needed and provide a detailed project estimate. If you decide to file a homeowner’s insurance claim, local roofers can lend a hand to answer questions throughout the insurance process.

3. How long will it take to complete?

The job duration also depends on a variety of factors including weather, your roofing material and design, and the size of your home.

At J&K Roofing, we can typically complete an installation in 1-2 days. You’ll know the scope and time it will take to complete the project.

4. How long will my roof last?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the type of roof you have, how your roof and home are designed, proper maintenance, and the weather. With the extreme weather we experience here in Colorado, that can be challenging to predict. The challenge in Colorado isn’t the time materials will last—it’s more about having a product that can last through hail. Shingles, metal, clay and tile all have different estimated life cycles depending on the weather.

Your roofing contractor can help you select the best material for your project. Which is right for you?

Manufacturers offer a variety of warranties that can range 20 years to a lifetime, depending on the weather in your area. Additionally, J&K Roofing offers a five-year labor warranty on a normal installation.

5. What do I need to do to prepare?

To prepare your home for roofing repairs, you should be aware of your surroundings during construction. Think about kids and pets–it’s best for them to be inside or away from the home as there will be loud noises and they may not understand the dangers of work zones. Spend some time inside doing things like removing hanging objects or pictures from walls, as well as prepping the outside of your home by moving grills and patio furniture away from the work zone. Relocate your vehicles and remove antennas or satellite dishes.

For a more complete list of steps to take to prepare for work on your roof, take a look at this helpful resource.

Ask the Right Questions

At the end of the day, you want to make sure you’re going with your best option for roof repair or replacement, and that means doing your due diligence and knowing what questions to ask.

If you suspect your roof might need repairs or a total replacement, get in touch with J&K Roofing for a free inspection. We’ve been serving the Denver Metro, the Front Range, Colorado Springs and Northern Colorado areas for nearly 40 years and have the local experience you need to provide the best quality work. Call us today at 303-425-7531, or schedule your inspection by clicking here!

 

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How to Find a Leak in a Metal Roof

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How to Find a Leak in a Metal Roof

Metal roofing is gaining increasing popularity as a residential material, offering benefits such as durability, safety and energy efficiency, just to name a few. However, Colorado’s storm season is unforgiving and can cause roof damage and leaks. That’s why it’s crucial to be able to identify and repair the source of the leak.

 

5 Immediate Steps to Take If You Have a Leaking Roof

1. Locate and Contain the Leak

Take a look at your ceiling—if you see water spots or bulges, you have a leaking roof. This is problematic because the leaking water is building pressure, which could cause significant damage to the entire ceiling.

Grab a bucket to catch any leaking water, then locate the center of the wet or bulging area in the ceiling and puncture it with a screwdriver. Be sure to use appropriate safety measures like a ladder and spotter for stability, and re-center the bucket under the leak if necessary.

2. Look for Signs of Damage to Your Roof

To help prolong the life of your roof and prevent significant damage, always thoroughly inspect the exterior of your home after a big storm. It’s incredibly important to do this as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Walk around your home and see if you can identify any areas where tree limbs or other debris might have punctured or damaged your roof. Look out for missing panels or tiles, broken or bent gutters or flashing damage.

3. If Needed, Use a Tarp to Prevent Further Damage

An active storm likely means your local roofer will be unable to make any repairs until the weather clears. But they might be able to place an emergency tarp over your roof where damage is suspected. This will help prevent additional damage.

Note that while you may be able to tarp your roof on your own, it isn’t recommended due to the amount of risk involved.

4. Schedule an Inspection as Soon as Possible

To minimize the amount of damage caused by a leaking roof, don’t let too much time slip by before you schedule repairs. As soon as you’re able, contact your local roofer for an inspection and to get an idea of necessary repairs. They will help you understand the extent of the damage and provide options for repair or replacement.

5. Review Your Options & Costs to Repair

Once you have the results of the inspection, you have a couple options: pay out of pocket, or file an insurance claim. Depending on factors like how much damage has been done or how high your insurance deductible is, it may be more cost-effective to cover the cost of repairs yourself. Regardless, make sure you go with a trusted roofing company to complete the work and help you prevent future leaks from developing.

J&K Roofing is Here to Help

J&K Roofing installs commercial and residential metal roofing in the Denver Metro, Front Range, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs areas. Our roofers are certified in all the materials we use, including metal products. To find out more about how we can help address and repair leaks in your metal roofing system, give us a call.

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The Right Way to DIY Your Roof

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The Right Way to DIY Your Roof

In most cases, it is not recommended to handle roofing projects yourself. Aside from the obvious danger involved, amateur repairs can lead to structural damage, leaks, and the need for more expensive maintenance later on. However, if you are determined to do it yourself, there are steps you can take to make sure your project goes smoothly. The following steps are designed to help you re-roof using traditional asphalt shingles.

Step 1: Prep Your Work Area

Before getting up on the roof, you will want to ensure a clean and safe work area on the ground.

  • Mow your lawn and move patio furniture.
  • Park cars on the street
  • Designate an area for roofing materials and a dumpster
  • Remove any lighting fixtures around the house that are not hardwired
  • Protect or remove any equipment on the roof, such as a satellite dish

It is also a good idea to photograph your driveway before any materials are delivered.

Step 2: Measure Your Roof

You will need to carefully and accurately measure your roof to be sure you have enough materials. Shingles are typically measured in squares, which are equal to 100 square feet. To find the number of squares you need:

  • Determine the area of your roof by measuring the length and width of each section and multiplying the length and width together.
  • Add the areas together to get the total area of your roof.
  • Divide the final number by 100. This is your number of squares. 
  • Divide the number of squares by three. This is the number of bundles you will need. 
  • Plan to purchase an additional 20% just in case.

Step 3: Gear Up for Safety

When it comes to roofs, falling is a serious risk. At a minimum, you will want the following safety equipment/clothing:

  • Long pants
  • Sturdy work boots
  • Safety glasses
  • Toolbelt
  • Work gloves
  • A ladder that can hold your weight plus 80 lbs (You can review the OSHA Portable Ladder Safety Quick card here.)
  • A fall protection kit that includes a harness, rope, and hook. This can be purchased at most home centers.
  • Scaffolding

You may also want to consider wearing a hard hat and a safety harness as an additional precaution. At the very least, tie off when working on your roof. If the work involves a particularly high or steep roof, consider calling a local roofer. J&K Roofing teams are trained in roofing safety and fall prevention. 

Step 4: Pull a Permit

Most city municipalities require a permit to work on your roof. Check your local requirements, as you may be able to pull a permit yourself. 

Step 5: Tear Off the Old Roof

The tear-off process can take some time, so you will want to make sure there is no inclement weather expected. Make sure you have tarping to cover any exposed areas if you have not finished and rain is forecasted.

To begin the tear-off, place a tarp on the ground to catch any falling debris. Once this is done, you are now ready to begin removing the old shingles. 

  • Use a roof fork or shovel to scrape up the old shingles.
  • Pry out any nails using a hammer
  • Sweep the roof deck clean of any remaining debris.

NOTE: If there is visible damage to your roof decking, such as water damage, we do not recommend proceeding any further on your own. Also, if you have spaced decking, most municipalities will require you to install new roof decking. This is a process best left to the professionals. You will want to call your local roofer to perform an inspection and advise you on the next steps. 

Step 6: Apply the Drip Edge

Secure the drip edge to the eaves of your roof using a 1” roofing nail. Place a nail every 10 inches. If you are putting two pieces of drip edge together, make sure they overlap by 1 inch and secure them with one nail in the front and one in the back. 

Step 7: Install Ice and Water Shield

You will want to check with your local building codes to verify the required coverage for the ice-and-water shield. This can vary from between 2 and 3 feet up the roof from the outer wall.

  • Place the ice and water shield according to local codes around the eaves, stacks, chimney, vent holes, ridges, and dormers.
  • Make sure you align your shield before removing the adhesive backing. It is nearly impossible to adjust once it has been placed. 

Step 8: Place the Underlayment/Roofing Felt Paper

  • Start at the eaves with about 3 inches of overlap with the ice and water shield. 
  • If using roofing felt paper, follow local building codes for overlapping requirements. These are usually between 2-4 inches. 

Step 9: Place the Starter Shingles

If your roof decking appears to be in good shape, you can begin installing starter shingles.*

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to where to place your first starter strip. Some designs may call for you to begin in the middle and work your way down to the raking. Others may have you begin at the left edge of your roof and work your way across. 
  • Use a chalk line to ensure a straight, uniform layout.
  • Place the first shingle adhesive side down with about ¼” hanging over the drip edge. 
  • Secure the shingle with at least four nails using a nail gun. You may want to add a couple more if you are in a high-wind region.
  • Continue with the first course of starters by placing them next to each other, not overlapping. 

*Many DIYers wonder if starter shingles are necessary. The answer is a resounding “yes.” Starter shingles are designed to help the other shingles adhere to the edges of the roof and prevent them from being damaged or even blown off in severe weather. So please, don’t skip the starter shingles!

Step 10: Install Asphalt Shingles

You can now begin placing your asphalt shingles. 

  • The first row will completely cover the starter shingles. Start at one end and place the shingles so that they create a ⅛ inch lip over the rake edge.
  • Butt the shingles tightly against one another. Secure the shingles in place with roofing nails. Refer to the specific manufacturer installation instructions for nail placement on your shingles. 
  • For the second row, cut according to the required dimensions. Continue the pattern for each row. You will place the shingles at the overlay mark of the row before it. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for exact placement.
  • When shingling a valley, make sure you start away from the valley and work toward it. Do not place any nails closer than 6 inches from the valley.  

Before you DIY, Give J&K Roofing a Call

Installing your own roof can be a satisfying process that may ultimately save you a little money. However, we at J&K Roofing feel any potential savings are overshadowed by the inherent risks of trying to do a roofing project on your own. Safety hazards aside, the sheer amount of time and effort required can be significant. Furthermore, once you have completed the project, you will be faced with another daunting task: disposal of waste materials. 

This is why we recommend you hire a quality, local roofer to address your project needs in a safe, efficient manner. J&K Roofing offers free roof inspections in the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, and Northern Colorado areas. Give us a call to schedule your inspection and see how we can help with your next project.

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What To Do If Your Roof is Leaking?

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What To Do If Your Roof is Leaking?

With Colorado’s storm season in full swing, we have had several calls regarding water leakage into the home. In the event that you notice your roof leaking, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage while waiting for professional repairs.

1. Contain the Leak

If you see water spots or bulges in the ceiling, grab a bucket. Using appropriate safety measures (ladder and spotter), locate the center of the wet/bulging area and puncture it with a screwdriver.

The water will be released into the bucket below and keep water pressure from building up and potentially destroying the whole ceiling.

2. Tarp the Leak

If it is actively raining, your local roofer will be unable to start repairs until the inclement weather has stopped. They may, however, be able to place an emergency tarp over the area to prevent further damage. You can also do this yourself, but it is not recommended due to safety hazards.

3. Schedule Inspection and Repairs

As soon as possible, you will want to contact your local roofer to inspect the damage and begin repairs.

4. Consider Costs

Once the inspection is complete, you will have a choice between paying out of pocket or filing an insurance claim. In some cases (if the quote of your project is less than your deductible, for example), it may be more cost-effective to cover the repairs yourself.

You can discuss the best course of action with your local roofer during the inspection.

Waterproofing Your Roof

While your leak is being repaired, you may want to discuss additional waterproofing steps with your roofer to avoid future issues. For your part, you can ensure that the exterior and surrounding areas are well-prepped to withstand a storm:

  1. Inspect your roof for signs of damaged, curled, or hanging shingles.
  2. Make sure gutters are clear of debris to allow water to flow freely.
  3. Keep tree branches trimmed back away from the house.
  4. Always thoroughly inspect the home exterior after a big storm.

Your roofer can offer several product options to repel water and reduce potential damage, such as an elastomeric coating or high-quality silicone. Remember to hire a licensed, local roofer to undertake any waterproofing measures.

J&K Roofing is a local Colorado company with over 35 years of experience. We are well-versed in our state’s stormy weather and have the tools and knowledge to repair and protect your roof from water damage.

If you are in the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, or Northern Colorado area, contact us today for a free inspection and to discuss all our weather-proofing options.

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Choose a roofer that is going to be around and will stand behind the work they do.

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