Get A New Roof That Complies with HOA Color Restrictions

by J&K Roofing | Mar 21, 2023 | Roofing

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Get A New Roof That Complies with HOA Color Restrictions

If you live in a subdivision or gated community, you’ll want to make sure you’re following proper procedure before you hire a local roofing company to replace your roof. That’s because homeowners associations, also known as HOAs, usually have specific rules and processes you must follow as a homeowner in the community.

Usually, these rules are clear about the type of roofing material you can choose—including the shingle color you select. Here’s more information on how to get a new roof that complies with HOA roof color restrictions.

Why You Need to Follow HOA Guidelines

Homeowners associations exist for a number of reasons: to help maintain property values, create a sense of community, ensure the safety of residents, and provide necessary resources. To achieve these goals, residents agree to established bylaws, otherwise known as covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs).

The major takeaway with why you need to follow HOA guidelines with any home improvement project is that if you don’t, you’ll likely be fined for your actions. You may have to redo or tear down any improvement projects that are outside of compliance.

If you’re not sure whether or not your neighborhood has HOA guidelines, click here to look up your subdivision or community and track down the applicable information.

Selecting a Color for Your New Roof

Whether you identified some damage that requires an HOA roof repair or a total roof replacement, the color of your shingles matters.

Before you meet with a roofing contractor to talk about your project, make sure you have your HOA documents handy so you know what options are available to you. That includes the type of shingle as well as the color. Once you know what your parameters are, your contractor will work with you to identify possible options along with the pros and cons of each.

There are a lot of shingle styles, materials, and colors available, so you’ll want to make sure you know what fits with your HOA before spending any money.

Get Your New Roof Approved by Your HOA

The specific steps of getting your HOA roof replacement approved may differ from the following, but for the most part, you can expect the process to go like this.

1. Review Your CC&Rs

Your HOA covenant should include all the important information you need to be able to make a decision for your new roof. You may want to reach out to your HOA board members who will be able to provide you with updated documents and requirements. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as necessary!

2. Collect and Organize Your Information

Part of the process for most HOAs is to submit a request for your project. This ensures that you’re following your CC&Rs and that your HOA has had a chance to review and approve the work. You’ll want to be ready with your chosen roofing materials, color, and style. However, depending on the terms of your HOA CC&Rs, you may have additional decisions to make that your HOA does not mandate like shingle configuration.

3. Submit Your Request Early

Submitting your request early is the best way to make sure your project begins and completes on time. Remember that you’re essentially at the mercy of both your homeowners association and your roofing contractor, who may have timeline restrictions due to permitting, scheduling, and availability of materials. Basically, the sooner you get your request in, the sooner your HOA roofing project can be completed!

Work With the Best Local Contractor

The last and most important step toward getting your HOA roofing repair or replacement is to work with a local, experienced, and qualified contractor. There are a lot of Denver residential roofing companies out there, but not all of them are equipped to handle your job—and some are outright scams.

J&K Roofing is your go-to roofing company for any HOA roofing or home exterior project. We’re experienced working with HOAs throughout the Northern Colorado, Denver Metro, Front Range, and Colorado Springs areas. And our teams are experienced and certified to work with any material you might like for your project.

Give us a call today at 03-425-7531, or click here to send us a message about your HOA roofing project.

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Financing a Home Renovation in an Economic Downturn

by J&K Roofing | Mar 6, 2023 | Roofing

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Financing a Home Renovation in an Economic Downturn

No matter how long you’ve lived in your home, the odds are good that you have at least one home renovation project you want to get to. Maybe it’s replacing your roof or upgrading your windows. It could be tackling attic repair for better ventilation, installing solar panels, or updating your siding for better curb appeal.

Whatever project you have in mind, you might be holding off due to economic uncertainty. But is it in your best interest to delay home renovations during an economic downturn? You might be surprised to find out that there are perks to renovating during a recession. And to make it possible, you have many options for financing a home renovation project, regardless of economic uncertainty.

Pros of Home Renovation During an Economic Downturn

Despite what you might expect, there are specific benefits of renovating your home during a recession. Here are some of the pros.

Less Competition for Quality Contractors

Your preferred local contractor might be more accessible during an economic downturn due to other customers delaying their projects or bringing them to a halt altogether. Just make sure you research your contractor before signing any paperwork; during hard times, people may try to pose as experienced contractors just to get your money.

Increase the Value of Your Home

Home renovations can increase the value of your home overnight. Taking advantage of slower periods like an economic downturn to get that new roof or replace your windows can benefit you by increasing your home’s resale value.

Easier Than Selling and Buying a New Home

A recession or economic downturn can be a tough time to buy a new home. Depending on your project and your situation, selling your home and buying a new one may be far more expensive. Not to mention the amount of time and energy that goes into the home buying process!

Lower Your Energy Costs

Some renovations are cosmetic, and others are functional. New windows, reinforced insulation, improved attic ventilation, installing solar panels or solar roofing—these are all functional renovations that will lower your energy costs in the long run. An economic downturn is the perfect time to tackle such projects.

Financing Options for Home Renovation in an Economic Downturn

Just because there’s economic uncertainty doesn’t mean your home renovation is out of reach. Not every renovation is an inexpensive renovation, and it helps to have financing options. Here are some popular options for paying for your project.

Personal Savings

If you have the money saved, paying for your renovations in full may mean you save the most amount of money. However, this isn’t always possible for everyone, especially when we’re talking about big, expensive projects. You may also want to pay for a portion of your renovations with money from your savings and then finance the rest. Talk with your contractor about your options.

Home Improvement or Construction Loan

There are numerous organizations that can offer construction financing, many of which are managed by your contractor. These loans are usually based on the value of your home after the renovations are completed. Bear in mind that these loans aren’t always simple to get, and they may come with high interest rates.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

If your home has enough equity to cover the cost of your project, you might consider a HELOC. The benefits are that the interest rates are often low, and it’s a fairly straightforward process that’s similar to other lines of credit.

Mortgage Refinancing

A popular option for financing home renovations is to refinance your mortgage. A cash-out refinance means you borrow from your home’s equity and then pay it off through your mortgage payments. This is a particularly popular option when interest rates are low, but beware that it likely means your mortgage payment will go up.

Credit Card

You can always pay for your home renovation project with a credit card, but beware of high interest rates. Make sure you can pay it off within a reasonable amount of time to avoid accumulating debt.

We Offer Financing Options

If you’re ready to get started on your home renovation project, whether it’s attic repair, roof repair or replacement, new siding, solar panel or solar shingle installation, gutter replacement, or window replacement, we can help you. We offer competitive financing options, and our team can walk you through all you need to know to make your decision.

We work throughout the Northern Colorado, Denver Metro, Front Range, and Colorado Springs areas, and every member of our staff is knowledgeable and experienced. Reach out to us today to talk about your home renovation project! 303-425-7531

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Spring Cleaning Guide for Siding and Gutters

by J&K Roofing | Mar 6, 2023 | Roofing

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Spring Cleaning Guide for Siding and Gutters

Spring is an exciting time of year…especially when it comes to sprucing up your home’s exterior! The warming weather is perfect for getting outside and seeing how the Colorado winter treated your home.

It’s also the best time to clean your home and get it ready for the rest of the year. Here are some helpful spring cleaning tips for your gutters and siding, both of which are so important to the health of your home.

Spring Maintenance Guide for Siding

Like your roof, your siding plays a critical role in protecting your home from the elements. On top of that, it greatly contributes to the overall appearance of your home, so keeping your siding in top shape is important for curb appeal.

1. Inspect Your Siding for Damage

Before you get your hands dirty, take a walk around your house and inspect your siding for damage. Look for cracks, broken pieces, holes, etc. This kind of damage may not seem all that extreme, but bear in mind that pests, mold, and mildew don’t need huge openings to be able to cause serious damage to your home.

2. Replace Missing Pieces of Siding

Likewise, if you notice missing pieces of siding, schedule a time to have it repaired. Especially before spring and summer thunderstorms roll in and hit your house with strong winds, rain, and hail! You may want to take the opportunity to replace your siding all together.

3. Wash Siding With a Garden Hose

Don’t overthink washing your siding: a garden hose, mild detergent, and a brush are good enough to clean your siding in most cases. Vinyl siding, in particular, is pretty easy to spruce up with water and a little elbow grease. Be sure to follow best safety practices for climbing a ladder to reach the higher portions of your siding.

4. Power Wash Siding (if needed)

If your siding has been neglected for some time and could use a deep clean, you may want to use a power washer. However, be careful with a power washer — you want to ease in since the powerful stream can potentially damage your siding. Make sure to hold the wand at an angle that won’t pull your siding up and away from your home, which could introduce and trap moisture underneath the siding.

5. Repaint (if needed)

If after washing your siding you notice that it’s still not as clean as you’d like, you may need to repaint. This is a big task, but the reward is usually worth it! And springtime is the perfect time to paint your house before it gets too warm outside.

Spring Cleaning Guide for Gutters

Your gutters protect your home by directing water away from it, keeping your roof, siding, and foundation in good shape. Cleaning gutters can be a chore, but it’s one of the most important pieces of routine maintenance that you must perform on your home.

1. Inspect Gutters for Damage

Just like inspecting your siding for damage, take a walk around your house to inspect your gutters for visible damage from the ground. Cracks may be difficult to see, but you should be able to spot any holes or broken segments. From the ground, you may even be able to see where there are obvious backups of debris! Schedule a time to replace any broken or missing gutter pieces.

2. Remove Debris

There are multiple ways to clean gutters and remove debris, but the most common method is to do so by hand, safely from a ladder. You can also use a garden hose or a special gutter cleaning applicator, which is done safely from the ground.

3. Clear Downspouts

A common area for clogs to form in your gutter is where the downspout attaches to the gutter itself. After removing debris from the opening, you can flush it with water to make sure there are no clogs down the spout, particularly where it bends near the ground.

Don’t Forget About Your Roof

In addition to sprucing up your siding and gutter cleaning, you should also pay attention to what’s going on with your roof after winter storms. Springtime is when you should have your roof professionally inspected to make sure it’s ready for the hail storms that are so frequent in Colorado during the warmer months.

Call a Trusted, Local Company

J&K Roofing is one of Colorado’s best roofing companies, providing service throughout the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, and Northern Colorado areas. In addition to roofing, they offer windows, siding, solar, exterior painting and gutters.

Get in touch with us today for your free inspection. We also can help with your gutter and siding needs! Call 303-425-7531.

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Roofing Contractors that Care for Employee Safety

by J&K Roofing | Feb 27, 2023 | Roofing

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Roofing Contractors that Care for Employee Safety

Roofing is one of the most dangerous industries out there. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 6,900 cases of workplace injury or illness related to roofing in 2021, which was an increase from 2020.

To put it simply, roofing is a dangerous business that requires all roofing staff to be familiar with and follow safety measures and best practices. Your roofing contractor has an obligation to adhere to all roofing safety tips, including those required by OSHA and additional measures that must be taken by any Colorado roofing company.

Here’s what you should look for when looking for a Denver roofing contractor that sticks to safe roofing practices and prioritizes employee safety.

General Roof Safety Measures

There are a lot of roofing safety tips and tricks that apply to both roofing and other construction jobs, as well:

Being mindful of the weather, only working when it’s safe outside
Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear
Lifting heavy objects, the smart way
Using proper eye protection and other personal protective equipment (PPE)
Placing ladders in stable, secure positions, and tying them off
Training for dangerous equipment and tools like nail guns
Inspecting equipment to make sure it’s safe to use
Being aware of your surroundings, including electrical wires, skylights, ropes and other trip hazards

But by far, the most important safety measure for roofing contractors to consider is fall prevention.

Fall Prevention

People falling from dangerous heights — like a residential or commercial roof — is the leading cause of deaths in both roofing and construction in general. These falls can be prevented by following safety precautions.

A big part of preventing falls is ladder safety. That means properly securing ladders for safe roof access, with extension ladders extending at least 3 feet above the roof level. Ladders should be set at an appropriate angle: the base should be placed one foot out for every four feet of ladder height.

There are more safety measures to take once on the roof, like setting up fall prevention guidelines, wearing appropriate PPE like a harness, and installing anchors on a roof that roofers can tether to. We install a D-ring tie-down anchor on a roof and often leave them in place for future safe access.

Safe Loading of Roofing Materials

Roofing materials are heavy, which is why it is not advisable or safe to load them onto a roof by climbing up a ladder with a bundle of shingles strapped to your back. J&K Roofing has their suppliers roof load shingles and other materials onto a roof using a power conveyor or a boom truck when there is clearance on the property. Think of a boom truck like a flatbed with a crane attached to it; the shingles are lifted from ground level and safely placed onto a roof.

Regular, Required Safety Meetings

The most powerful tool for a roofer to have is education, which is why we have regular, required safety meetings to discuss safety procedures, accidents, and appropriate processes to help prevent and manage accidents.

In addition to these regular safety meetings, we’re also always aware of weather conditions that might impact a project, and we monitor all other safety issues including proper equipment maintenance and use.

We Will Safely Complete Your Roofing Project

You want your roofing project to be completed accurately and on time — but you need your roofing project to be completed safely for all involved. This is one more reason why it’s important that you hire a trusted, local roofing company to handle your job.

J&K Roofing has been handling roofing projects in the Northern Colorado, Denver Metro, Front Range, and Colorado Springs areas for nearly 40 years. We are familiar with the climate, weather, and all safety measures that must be taken to get your job done right and without incident.

Click here to get in touch with us today, or give us a call at 303-425-7531. We’d love to talk about your roofing needs!

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Double-Hung Windows vs. Casement Windows: Which is Right for Me?

by J&K Roofing | Feb 13, 2023 | Roofing

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Double-Hung Windows vs. Casement Windows: Which is Right for Me?

When it comes time to replace the windows on your home, there’s a lot to consider. You’ll want to factor in things like energy efficiency, durability, style, and cost. There are a lot of window options to consider, but two of the most common windows selected by homeowners are casement windows and double-hung windows.

As for answering the question of double-hung windows vs. casement windows and what’s right for your home, start by getting a handle on the basics. Here’s what you need to know about these two popular window varieties.

Casement Windows

A casement window is typically a side-hinging window, with a single uninterrupted window pane that is easily opened and closed horizontally. It opens outward by a crank mechanism, usually with a hinge on the side. The screen of a casement window is attached inside the window frame.

Casement windows are cost effective and easy to open and close, have the tightest seal, and provide an unobstructed view. The screen is inside the window.

Casement windows pros: easy to operate; direct breeze into your home; are weathertight.

Casement window cons: adjacent windows can conflict; wind can catch sashes; difficult to clean the outside glass.

Double-Hung Windows

A double-hung window is made up of two pieces: the upper and lower sashes, meaning you don’t have an unobstructed view outside since there’s a frame in the middle. The window opens by sliding one of the sashes up or down, depending on the window. The screen is attached outside the window, and some styles tilt inside your house for easy cleaning.

Double-hung windows are easy clean, have optimized airflow, have enhanced ventilation, and come in a variety of sizes and options. The screen is outside the window.

Double-hung window pros: closed lower sash keeps kids safe; the sash is easy to clean.

Double-hung window cons: can be difficult to raise and lower.

Which is better for me?

The short answer about which type of window is best for you and your home is that it depends. Here are some straightforward pros and cons of casement windows vs. double-hung windows.

Energy Efficiency

Casement windows—especially newer models with advanced technology—are typically the better option for saving energy because they have a seal on all four sides. However, you can increase the energy efficiency of double-hung windows by using weather stripping to keep warm air in during cold months.

Another factor to consider when it comes to efficiency is airflow: because casement windows swing outward, they can better catch the breeze and direct it into your home.

Durability

Both types of windows are durable and should last for many years after installation. Window technology has come a long way since the first casement windows came about in the 18th century. However, because they’re exposed to the elements, casement windows may be slightly less durable than double-hung windows, especially if they’re made of wood. Alternative materials like vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass are good options for durable casement windows.

Both casement windows and double-hung windows are popular throughout Colorado, and both will stand up to the strong storms we experience, including hail and wind.

Style

One of the main factors people consider when selecting a window style is how it will fit with the style of their home. To be fair, both types of windows are good options for all types of homes, but many people with older homes prefer double-hung windows because of their traditional look.

When thinking about the look and feel of the windows in your home, it’s also important to consider location and how you’ll access them to open them. For example, double-hung windows over your kitchen sink may be difficult to open and close due to the window placement. Likewise, you probably don’t want to install casement windows that open out onto your patio where you like to sit and enjoy the weather.

Cost

When shopping for windows for your home, casement windows and double-hung windows are both excellent choices. Perhaps the most important question that many people ask: are casement windows more expensive than double-hung windows? It’s true that because of their high energy efficiency, as well as the mechanics involved, the cost of casement windows vs double-hung windows is typically higher. But bear in mind that this is an upfront cost that you could recoup after years of saving money on your energy bill.

Double-hung windows are usually less expensive than casement windows. They are in high demand and competition among window manufacturers helps to control the costs for this popular window.

Hire an Expert Team to Install Your Windows

No matter which type of replacement window you select for your home, be sure to have them professionally installed by a local, experienced team you can trust.

Our team at J&K Roofing has decades of experience with window replacement, and we’re certified and very familiar with all windows from leading brands including Anderson, Pella, and Simonton.

Give us a call today to talk about your window project—you’ll be in good hands! 303-425-7531

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5 Ways to Get Rid of Ice Dams

by J&K Roofing | Feb 1, 2023 | Roofing

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5 Ways to Get Rid of Ice Dams

Here in Colorado, winter roof care isn’t something you can ignore. Doing so inevitably spells trouble for your roof and your home, and it increases the likelihood that you’ll need to pay for some professional help with your roofing in the winter, and that could be costly.

Below-freezing temperatures, snow, freezing rain, wind, and other strong weather events can take their toll on your roof, which is why it’s so important to take the proper steps to maintain your roof in winter.

Some of the most harmful winter roofing issues are ice dams on your roof. Let’s dig into what an ice dam is and some winter roofing tips to get rid of them.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a buildup of ice along the edge of your roof. It happens when water runs down your roof to your gutters and then freezes, causing a buildup of ice that continues to increase in size until it can melt off.

But why does this happen? To get more specific, ice dams occur when there is not enough insulation and also poor air infiltration between the attic and the living space. This causes warm air to rise and go into the attic. The warm air in the attic melts the snow on the roof deck and the melted snow begins to run off the roof. Once the water hits the soffit area it begins to freeze. The water freezes over the soffit because the warm air that was under the roof is no longer there and the cold air under the soffit begins to freeze the melted snow.

The leading cause of ice dams is poor attic ventilation, as warm air escapes your home into your attic, melting snow, and the cold temperatures outside freeze the water before it can drain away. Another issue that creates ice dams is clogged gutters.

Ice dams are not only bad for your gutters, but they are bad for your roof and your home in general. They can damage shingles and loosen them, pull your gutters away, and create water leaks that can damage your home.

Ice dams can happen due to several situations:

5 Ways to Get Rid of Ice Dams

1. Evaluate and Add Insulation

A long-term fix for preventing ice dams is to add more insulation to your attic to help prevent warm air from escaping through it. Add more insulation to the floor of your attic perpendicular to the existing attic floor insulation, and if possible, insulate right under the roof in between your rafters. The insulation prevents heat loss from the interior of your home.

2. Evaluate and Increase Ventilation

A key point to remember when considering ice dams is that the temperature should be the same inside the attic as it is on the exterior of the home if the attic is insulated. Good airflow from under the eaves or soffit area along the underside of the roof and out through the roof vents is essential. The insulation prevents heat loss from the interior of the home. The venting allows the attic air to stay cold enough to prevent or minimize the freeze/thaw cycle on the roof.

Position a box fan in your attic to direct cool air toward the area where an ice dam has formed. This will help freeze the water and keep it from leaking into your house or flowing down to make the ice dam worse.

3. Preventative Waterproofing Underlayment

If you are building or re-roofing a home, a waterproofing shingle underlayment is installed under your roof shingles. It is resistant to water and is a critical line of defense against leaks and preventing backed up water from getting into your home. Ice and Water Shield underlayment protects you from ice dams once they form.

A common misconception is that an ice and water protector, sometimes called ice and water shield, on your roof prevents ice dams. Ice and water shield isn’t made to prevent ice dams. It is used to help stop ice and water from infiltration into the roof once ice dams form. It does not prevent ice dams, but rather protects your home from ice dams once they form.

4. Heated Cables or Heat Tape

One of the ways to lessen and deter ice dams is to run heated cables along the edge of your roof or heat tape near your gutters to melt the ice and prevent new dams from forming. Heat tape is sometimes called ice melt roof systems or heat tape gutters. Be sure to turn it on before a storm or drop in temperatures.

If you take this approach—or any approach that requires you to pull out a ladder—make sure you’re exercising caution. Getting on a ladder can be very dangerous, especially in winter!

5. Keep Your Gutters Clear of Debris

Keep your gutters clear of leaves, sticks and debris in your gutters and downspouts. This allows a clear pathway for water to drain into your gutters and flow through your downspouts. Debris can allow water to back up and freeze instead of flowing through your downspouts. Also keep gutters and downspouts clear of snow and icicles.

Hire a Professional

Ultimately to get rid of ice dams you need to uncover the issue and solve the problem.

Stopping ice dams is simple, in principle, but can be challenging to uncover the underlying causes. Your best bet for removing and preventing ice dams on your roof is to hire a Colorado roofing contractor who knows how to handle residential and commercial roofing in Denver.

Get in touch with J&K Roofing today for a free inspection and expert advice on how to keep your roof in good shape throughout the year. We serve homeowners and businesses in the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, or Northern Colorado areas, and we’re ready to address your roofing needs! Call 303-425-7531.

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