Do I Need a Roof Inspection?

by J&K Roofing | May 16, 2023 | Roofing

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Do I Need a Roof Inspection?

The roof over your head is more than just shelter, it’s an entire working system. Your roof keeps wind and snow out, allows rain to run off, allows air to circulate, and protects the rest of your house. Those are big jobs, and your roof performs them all while being exposed to the elements. You can show your roof some love by having it inspected when you should.

When Why You Might Need a Professional Roof Inspection

The importance of regular roof inspections can’t be overstated. Roof inspection services are the easiest way to get a snapshot of your roof’s health, what kind of repairs you may need, and roof maintenance tips. Periodic roof inspections are recommended for all homeowners and property owners. They are essential if you suspect you have roof damage.

When Should I Have My Roof Inspected?

1. You Notice Damage, Especially After a Storm

If you see damage to your home — not just your roof — you should schedule a roof inspection. This is especially important after any big storms. Look for damage like broken shingles and impact spots on your roof, damaged gutters and siding, damaged metal and vents, moisture in your attic, and interior water damage. But the fact of the matter is that you have to take care of storm damage and routine maintenance and repairs before they become bigger issues.

2. You’ve Never Had a Roof Inspection

If you’ve never had a professional roofing inspection, you’re overdue. You might be unaware of serious damage that has already occurred or might occur with the next hail storm or strong weather event.

3. You’re Preparing to Buy or Sell a Home

Typical home inspections when buying and selling a home don’t include a roof inspection. In real estate, a ‘roof certification’ is the formal documentation of the condition of your roof by a professional roofing company. Roof certifications are common when buying or selling a home. This saves both parties time, money, and delays in the selling and buying process.

4. Semi-Annual Roof Inspections

A best practice is to have your roof inspected twice a year and after every significant storm. Regular roof inspections will let you know what kind of roof repairs and maintenance are needed with our changing weather and temperatures. The best way to make sure your roof is in good condition and ready to weather any storm is to have regular, professional inspections performed.

Benefits of Roof Inspections

To put it simply, hiring a roofing expert near you to complete a professional roof inspection will bring you a number of benefits, including:

Peace of mind that your home and family are protected.
Cost savings from preventative roof maintenance.
Prolonging the life of your roof.
Maintaining the value of your home.
Making an insurance claim easier to file.
Helping protect the warranty on your roof.

Residential Roof Inspection vs. Commercial Roof Inspection

Residential and commercial roofs both require attention as they both protect the people and objects beneath them. The main difference between a residential roof inspection and a commercial roof inspection is the type of roof and requirements for each roof type.

Commercial roofs typically have a flat roofing system with equipment and penetrations on the roof. Inspections must happen regularly to keep a building and roof up to code, to perform preventative maintenance, and to help property owners ensure the safety of everyone within and around the building. You’ll want to make sure your roof isn’t showing signs of physical damage or problem areas where water or snow may accumulate.

The process for a commercial roof inspection is similar to a residential inspection where a roofing company looks at things like the state of the roofing material, roof penetrations, ventilation, gutters, and downspouts, and more. Similar to a residential inspection, they may choose to use a drone to complete the inspection.

Residential roofs are mostly pitched roofs with shingles, metal or other materials. Roof inspections catch small issues that can become larger issues. For example, ice dams are problematic during the winter months, and are typically a ventilation issue that could be solved earlier in the year. After any large hail storms, it’s important to have a roof inspection to prevent any further damage to the exterior and interior of your home.

Do Roofing Companies Do Roof Inspections?

Reputable roofing companies typically perform inexpensive or free roof inspections. Roofing company inspections are usually relied upon by your insurance company for assessing storm damage, or if you’re planning on replacing your roof for any reason.

Schedule Your Complimentary Roof Inspection

Don’t put off a professional roof inspection any longer than you need to. Get in touch with roofing experts near you to make sure your roof is ready for the months ahead and the weather that comes with it. Our team is also highly experienced in the Insurance Claims process when there is damage after a storm.

If you’re in the Erie, Denver, Aurora, Centennial, Parker, and Front Range areas, J&K Roofing can provide a complimentary roof inspection and all the information you need to make sure your roof stays in good shape. Get in touch today by clicking here or calling 303-425-7531.

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The Importance of Roof Ventilation in Colorado’s Climate

by J&K Roofing | May 5, 2023 | Roofing

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The Importance of Roof Ventilation in Colorado’s Climate

You may never have thought about it, but all the different parts of your home work together to keep you safe and protected. When one of them is strained or not functioning properly, the other parts of your home can become damaged.

Proper ventilation of your attic space extends the life of shingles, insulation, and other roof components. In order to fight heat and moisture, ventilation regulates the exchange of inside and outdoor air, helping keep your home energy-efficient, safe and healthy.

There’s a lot of incorrect information out there about roof ventilation, but this article should help clear things up.

The Importance of Roof Ventilation in Colorado

You might think that Colorado is dry enough that roof ventilation is not much of a concern. But that’s unfortunately not true.

Colorado weather can reach extremes with high heat in the summer and sub-zero lows in the winter. Even in a single day, we’ve seen Colorado temperatures swing more than 60 degrees in either direction. For proper ventilation in your attic, you want to maintain a sense of balance between warm and cold air.

Ventilation is simply the process of providing a continuous supply of outdoor air to the attic space of a home or building. Simply having ventilation in an attic space, however, won’t properly ventilate a home. In order to have proper ventilation, ventilation needs must be specifically calculated based on attic space square footage and correctly installed. There are other factors including the heights and types of exhaust ventilation, and making sure that there is a balanced system of intake and exhaust ventilation.

Consequences of Improper Ventilation

If your home has poor roof ventilation, you risk incurring roofing material damage, energy efficiency issues, health hazards from poor air quality, and more.

Moisture Buildup

Even in a dry climate like Colorado, moisture buildup in the attic can occur during cold winter months and become a serious problem. If not taken care of, moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, roof insulation damage, roofing system deterioration, and more.

Heat Buildup

During the summer, air build up in your attic can have a temperature of over 150 degrees. Heat buildup in the attic can increase the temperature of your home by transferring heat through the attic floor and to your ceiling.

Increased Cooling and Heating Costs

When you have poor roofing ventilation, your energy costs are bound to increase. That’s because your heating and cooling systems will have to work harder to keep your home at a reasonable temperature. If poor ventilation is causing hot air to build up in your attic, it can flow into your living space making your home warmer than expected.

Health Risks

Poor air quality can lead to health issues like difficulty breathing, coughing, asthma, and more. A well-ventilated attic can help maintain healthy air flow throughout your house, reducing the risk of developing any related health concerns.

Structural Damage to the Roof

Poor ventilation, excessive heat, moisture buildup — these can all lead to structural damage to your roof. For example, a significant difference in temperature between air inside your attic and the external air can lead to moisture and ice dams, which can create additional roofing problems like leaking, damaged shingles, and broken gutters. The damage caused by ice dams can be extensive.

Peeling Paint

When too much moisture is trapped in your home, it can cause your paint to peel or blister. Both indoor and outdoor paint can be affected.

Get Professional Roofing Ventilation Help

Improper ventilation is one of the top issues with roofing that is not well planned and installed incorrectly. These issues can lead to a shortened roof lifespan and impact your quality of life, which is why it’s so important to maintain adequate ventilation in your attic.

Get in touch with an experienced roofing company to perform a professional inspection of your entire roofing system, including your attic ventilation.

Our team at J&K Roofing has the experience and knowledge needed for your roof ventilation project. If you’re in the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, or Northern Colorado areas, get in touch with us today for a free inspection. 303-425-7531

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The Benefits of Regular Roof Maintenance in Spring

by J&K Roofing | Apr 11, 2023 | Roofing

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The Benefits of Regular Roof Maintenance in Spring

Spring is here! And with it comes essential tasks around the house that keep your home safe and ready to withstand spring weather…including hail and wind.

Spring often reveals damage that was caused during winter weather conditions. When it comes to seasonal maintenance and your roof, having a professional inspection completed in springtime is one of the best roofing ideas you can have. Proper spring roof care can save you a lot of headache, time, and money. And the peace of mind you gain from knowing your roof is in good shape is priceless.

Here are some of the top benefits of having regular roof maintenance in the springtime.

The Benefits of Regular Roof Maintenance in Spring

Whether or not you’ve had recent roof inspections, spring is an important time for roof cleaning and seasonal checkups to ensure you have good roof health for the long-term.

Saves You Money on Costly Repairs

Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that regular maintenance prevents damage from compounding or getting worse over time. For example, if your roof has sustained hail damage over the years, it could have small water leaks that are hidden to the naked eye. This could mean you have serious water damage…maybe even growth of mold or mildew, which is difficult and expensive to remove. Springtime roofing maintenance is an essential cost prevention strategy.

Lowers Energy Costs

Roof maintenance is important in the spring because it means your home will be ready for warmer weather, which is just around the corner in Colorado! In particular, roof maintenance will help you with energy efficiency optimization by making sure your roof and attic are properly vented and insulated.

Protects Your Home and Family

Making sure your roof is in good shape for the changing seasons isn’t just a good idea for ensuring roof longevity — it’s also a matter of home protection. After a heavy winter with a lot of snow and freezing conditions, you need to know that your roof is healthy and ready to withstand strong hail and wind storms like the kind we get in Colorado. Ignoring roof inspections and maintenance could mean you’re ignoring serious structural issues, which could put your home and your family at risk.

Extends the Lifespan of Your Roof

Taking care of your roof on a regular basis is an important best practice that you don’t want to ignore. Ignoring spring roof maintenance could mean you cut your roof’s lifespan in half — or less. Don’t let a small roofing issue snowball into a larger issue that could require a total roof replacement.

5 Simple Spring Roof Maintenance Tips

Now that you know the benefits, what you need to do? Here’s a short list of simple tips to get you started on spring maintainence.

Clean Your Gutters

We know gutter cleaning can be a messy and tedious chore. However, keeping leaves and debris out of your gutters is important. Gutters that are clear of debris can efficiently move water from your roof and out of downspouts. Do yourself a favor and clean your gutters yourself, or hire a professional to clean your gutters.

Inspect Your Shingles

It’s not uncommon for winter weather to damage a few shingles on your roof. If not replaced or repaired, the damaged shingles can cause leaks and additional damage. Make a note of any issues you see, and contact your roofing contractor to repair any issues.

Check Your Attic

Take a few minutes to make sure your attic is properly ventilated and insulated. Keeping your attic properly insulated and ventilated ensures that the temperature of your home is not affected by the temperatures outside and vice versa. If you’ve had any challenges with ice dams in the winter, this is a good place to start. Also, look for any signs of animals that may have taken up residence over the winter.

Trim Your Trees & Landscape

Trimming your trees and landscape reduces the risk of damage to your roof from falling limbs, debris and unwanted pests. Overhanging tree limbs can become heavy and wet with rain or snow, and fall onto your roof damaging shingles and clogging your gutters. Tree limbs and overgrown landscaping can also provide a cozy home for bugs and critters.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

Your roof needs a regular inspection to stay healthy and prevent small problems from becoming larger issues. Schedule a free inspection and see if you have any issues that need repair. An ounce of prevention goes a long way in preventing larger issues.

We Can Take Care of Your Spring Roofing Needs

Ready to schedule your inspection? Start your spring roofing maintenance plan with a free inspection from J&K Roofing. We will come out and take a look at your roof and let you know what kind of shape it’s in. If any work is needed, we’ll take care of it promptly and professionally.

At J&K Roofing, our team is friendly, experienced, and certified in all materials we work with. There’s no job we can’t handle, and we’d love to talk with you today about your roofing needs–residential & commercial! Get in touch with us here or by calling 303-425-7531.

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Why Roofing Permits & Final Inspections Are So Necessary

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

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Why Roofing Permits & Final Inspections Are So Necessary

If you’re considering having roofing work done, whether big or small, there’s a good chance that a permit will be required. Obtaining the necessary permits and undergoing inspections are critical steps in ensuring that your roof replacement is done correctly, safely, and legally up to code.

By working with reputable roofing contractors and following local permit and inspection requirements, homeowners can ensure that their home’s exterior is properly protected and functioning efficiently for years to come.

Why Do I Need Permits and an Inspection?

If you’re planning to replace your roof, it’s important to know that you need permits and inspections from your local city or county. If you are working with a local roofer, the roofing company obtains the permit from the city for your project.

Roofing permits and inspections are an essential part of any roofing project. While most construction projects need permits and licensing, roofing typically has special rules. In general, a permit is required when replacing a roof. Permits let your county know you’ll be making structural changes to your home. The purpose of a permit is to ensure that the work is done safely and in compliance with local building codes and regulations.

Roof repairs are different from roof replacement in that most small repairs do not need a permit. In Denver, you need a permit if the repair is greater than 10% of the total roof square footage or greater than 200 square feet, whichever is smaller.

Building codes are designed to protect the safety and well-being of residents and to ensure that buildings are constructed to a certain standard. Once the permit is obtained, a final inspection is typically required to ensure that the work was done correctly and up to code. During the inspection, the inspector will check the quality of the materials, the workmanship, and the overall safety of the project. If any issues are identified, the homeowner or roofing contractor will need to address them before the project can be completed.

What Permits Do I Need?

Permit requirements can vary by city or county, so it’s essential to check with your local building department to ensure that you have all the necessary permits before beginning work.

In general, a permit is required for any roofing project that involves structural changes or alterations, such as adding a new layer of roofing material or changing the slope of the roof. All new roof penetrations also need a permit.

In some cases, a permit may also be required for minor repairs or maintenance work. In addition to roofing, the permits for siding and windows vary by city or county. Your local roofer and building department can provide guidance on the specific permit requirements for your project, as well as information on the application process, fees, and inspection requirements.

Obtaining the necessary permits is an essential part of ensuring that your roofing project is done safely and up to code. Neglecting to obtain the necessary permits can result in costly fines and even the need to redo the work.

When Does a City Inspection Happen for Residential Roofing?

In general, a city inspection happens after work has been completed by your roofing contractor. Once your roofing contractor has installed your roof, they will notify the city, and the city will schedule a city inspector to complete a final roof inspection.

A final inspection is typically required once the roofing project is complete, to ensure that the work meets all local building and safety codes. This inspection will typically cover all aspects of the roofing project, including materials, flashing, ventilation, and more.

Conclusion

As your contractor, J&K Roofing is required to purchase a building permit for your project from either the city or county where you live. We also set ladders for city inspectors and keep you informed throughout the process. After construction is complete the city/county will inspect the roof for completion and any problems.

Call us today at 303-425-7531 or reach out to us on our website to get your roofing project underway!

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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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