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Spring Spruce Up

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Spring Spruce Up

Spring Spruce Up!

The winter weather doesn’t just make a lot of things difficult for us. Whether it is the excess weight from snow that can build up on your roof, the low temperatures that could make your siding brittle or the cold air drying out and cracking the seals around your windows, winter weather can be taxing on your home too. The worst part about the damage that the winter can cause to our homes is that we don’t really get the chance to notice it or assess it until the weather becomes warmer in the spring time. As temperatures start to get more comfortable, and you start to spend more time outside, it is important to inspect your home for damage that might have happened over the long winter.

Snow, freezing rain, sleet, heavy winds and cold temperatures can put your windows, roofing, siding and doors to the test. Missing shingles, cracked or missing siding, drafty windows or detached gutters can all be the result of a hard North Atlantic winter. As a smart homeowner, you are going to want to identify any areas of your home that have been damaged by ice, snow build up or unfavorable weather conditions and contact a trustworthy home renovation company, like PJ Fitzpatrick, to restore the quality of your home, before the damage gets worse.

PJ Fitzpatrick and our team of highly experienced home renovation specialists will help you repair any of the damage that Old Man Winter and his friend Jack Frost caused to your home. We specialize in providing our customers with quality home renovations that are performed by the most skilled contractors in the industry. Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year and your home should look just as beautiful as the weather. Call PJ Fitzpatrick and get your home back into shape.

Request a free estimate from PJ Fitzpatrick to get started today!

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April Showers

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April Showers

April Showers

As temperatures start to rise, the old adage “April Showers Bring May Flowers” starts to become a widely acceptable justification for the excessive rain that will undoubtedly fall during the month of April. A lot of people don’t realize that rain might be a positive thing for their gardens, but if their roof is damaged during the harsh winter, rain could also be detrimental to the shingles on their home. Rain can breakdown exposed surfaces on cracked or broken shingles. Even if your shingles look like they aren’t damaged, small cracks that might not be visible from the ground could be there and they could potentially leave your roofing vulnerable to things like leaks and mold when it rains. When you add rain to the situation, a small crack could lead to a big problem.

If you want to avoid further complications that could be derived from April showers, call the roofing specialists that have extensive experience inspecting the integrity of all different types of roofing; call PJ Fitzpatrick. We can help you make sure that your roofing is ready to brave the rainy spring season. We can also provide you with estimates for our roofing repair services, should we discover that your roof is damaged during our inspection.

Our roofing experts will carefully go over every part of your roof and can correct any imperfections, so that you can avoid any major problems that could end up costing you a significant amount of money to repair. Our goal is to make sure that your roof is working properly, so that the interior of your home stays dry, no matter how much rain we get this season. Don’t let those April showers keep you from enjoying your spring; have your roof inspected by the roofing experts at PJ Fitzpatrick.

Visit the roofing section of our website to learn more information about how we can protect your home.

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5 Signs Your Roof Is in Danger

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roof dangersYour roof is one of the most important parts of your home – it’s what protects you and your family from the elements of nature. If your roof has one of these danger signs, give P.J. Fitzpatrick a call. Our roofing installation is the best in the area and our experts can help you choose the perfect type.

1. Damaged Shingles

If your shingles are cracked, loose, curled, or missing, they have reached the end of their life and aren’t the best option for protecting your home.

2. Changes in Energy Costs

Pay attention to your energy bill. If you notice that you’re paying more than usual, your roof could have a leak and could be letting in cold air during the winter and warm air during the summer.

3. Interior Water Damage

If you notice stains on your ceiling or walls or if your ceiling is sagging, your roof could be leaking. (It could also be a lack of or damaged insulation.)

4. Missing Granules

The granules on your shingles are what help protect them from the sun and weather. If you find that they’re missing a significant amount of granules (you’ll usually find them in your gutters), you may need to replace them.

5. Algae/Mold Growth

If algae or mold growth isn’t taken care of, it can spread. Algae and mold both hold moisture and over time, moisture can break down the integrity of your roof.
If you’ve noticed any of these danger signs, let our roofing experts help you get your roof back to looking great and sustaining the elements.

The post 5 Signs Your Roof Is in Danger appeared first on P.J. Fitzpatrick.

The Benefits of Choosing CertainTeed

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CertainTeed shingles

As a green company, P.J. Fiztpatrick takes pride in selling and installing products made by CertainTeed, because CertainTeed focuses on the impact their products (such as siding and shingles) have on the environment. Here are a few reasons why choosing CertainTeed materials is beneficial:

CertainTeed Siding

When it comes to vinyl siding, polymer siding, and PVC exterior trim, CertainTeed makes all of these products using recyclable materials and using environmentally friendly processes. These materials are also shipped and installed using very little valuable resources and they eliminate the need to paint or caulk (which can impact the environment).

In addition, CertainTeed siding comes in nearly every color, is virtually maintenance-free, and is highly durable, so it will look beautiful for years to come.

CertainTeed Shingles

CertainTeed shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the country. When it comes to the Landmark Premium series of CertainTeed shingles, they’re designed to be more durable, more comfortable and have more color depth than ordinary roofing.

They can also reduce your maintenance costs and are created from fewer materials. CertainTeed shingles are made from smaller trees (which reduces the demand for old growth timber), these shingles are stronger, more consistently made, and often less expensive than plywood.

As a Company…

As a company, CertainTeed constantly employs the “Life-Cycle Assessment” tool when creating products. This tool helps determine how environmentally friendly the life-cycle of a product is, from extraction to transportation to manufacturing to installation to recycling.

CertainTeed has also achieved many awards and certifications that make them a go-to company for green building materials. Some achievements include:

ENERGY STAR Partner – Last year, CertainTeed was crowned “ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year” by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

CircleGreen Certification – Many CertainTeed products have this certification, which ensures that they comply with sustainability and environmental claims from the manufacturer.

USGCB – CertainTeed is a member of the United States Green Building Council, which developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification.

For a complete list of awards and certifications, click here.

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Fix Your Roof Before Winter Hits

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Pennsylvania roofing repairs

We know it’s only the end of September, but winter will be here before you know it and when it comes to your home, our Pennsylvania roofing experts recommend being prepared. This means that any maintenance you need to do on your roof should be done before the cold sets in to strengthen your roof and help prevent winter weather-related damage.

Shingles

Cracked, broken, or missing shingles can leave your roof exposed to elements like snow, rain, sleet, and hail, which could all be damaging. If water gets into the cracks of a shingle and freezes, it could make the cracks even worse. And if you’re missing shingles, water could seep into your roof and compromise its strength.

Gutters

During the winter, gutters can also pose a threat to your roofing (as well as your interior walls and ceilings). If your gutters are damaged, melted snow and ice won’t be able to drain properly and can get trapped. This trapped water can back up into your home and cause water damage, which is why it’s important to make sure your gutter system is always clean. Check your system on a regular basis – especially after the fall season when leaves tend to accumulate and cause potential backups.

Flashing

If the flashing around your roof or chimney is separated, damaged, or broken, you could already be letting water seep in underneath it. Once winter comes, that water could freeze and make your flashing situation even worse. Have one of our Pennsylvania roofing experts inspect it and fix where necessary. You’ll have a strong, reliable seal for protection during the winter.

Mold/Mildew

When an area is constantly moist and dark, it can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. This goes for your roofing as well. If your shingles are loose or cracked, they could be trapping water underneath them and mold or mildew could be growing. While these fungi tend to grow better in warmer temperatures, trapping water underneath your shingles during the winter gives them a head start for growth once spring rolls around. If you let mold or mildew grow too long, it can compromise your roof’s sturdiness and even cause health problems for those who live under it.

Fixing your roof before winter begins gives your home and your family a stronger protection against bad weather, cold temperatures, and the weight of snow and/or ice. Call us today. We’ll come inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs to have it prepared for the winter.

The post Fix Your Roof Before Winter Hits appeared first on P.J. Fitzpatrick.

10 Fun Facts About Your Chimney

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chimney

One of the best parts about having a chimney is using it for cozy holiday fires, however, it’s important that your chimney be properly installed and covered by roof flashing. If it’s not, water can leak through your roof and cause structural damage.

1. Most modern chimneys have a protective coating called a chimney liner. This inner liner can be made from aluminum, stainless steel, terra cotta, or other fireproof materials and it helps keep too much heat from reaching the rest of your home.

2. Like pigs, chimney sweeps were often associated with good luck. In some towns, on New Year’s day, chimney sweeps would walk through the streets holding a pig and villagers would pay a small amount of money to make a wish while they pulled a hair from the pig.

3. If your chimney is giving off a funny smell, it’s most likely due to the buildup of creosote along the walls. Schedule a professional chimney cleaning and invest in some commercial chimney deodorant.

4. Ever wonder why chimney smoke goes up and out the chimney instead of into your home? It’s because warm air rises and creates an updraft that takes all the smoke with it.

5. The top of your chimney may be covered with a chimney cap. Chimney caps can keep rain and animals out, can increase updraft, and can reduce the amount of smoke that flows into your home.

6. Chimney fires can reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Chimneys were first introduced in northern Europe during the 12th century, however, they didn’t become common in homes until the 16th and 17th centuries.

8. You can use less wood (and make fewer trips to the woodpile) by using hard woods like hickory or white oak. Since these woods are denser, they’ll burn longer.

9. The world’s tallest chimney can be found in Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan. Built in 1987, it’s 1,377 feet tall.

10. As hot smoke, unburned wood particles, gases, and hydrocarbon float up a cooler chimney, condensation occurs and forms the residue known as creosote.

If you’re afraid that your home may have a leaking roof, call our New Jersey roofing company as soon as possible. We’ll inspect it and make any necessary repairs.

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7 Not-So-Obvious Signs of Roof Damage

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roofing damage

At our Maryland roofing company, we’ve repaired and replaced hundreds of roofs due to roofing damage and what we often see is homeowners who don’t know their roof needs to be fixed. Sometimes, there are signs of roof damage that aren’t quite obvious, so be on the lookout for these things:

Sagging Ceiling

If your ceiling looks like it’s sagging, it means that you most likely have water damage caused by a leaking roof. If your ceiling seems to be sagging but you can’t find any signs of water, check your attic. You’ll find water there first.

Shingle Buckling

Your roof may look fine at first, but if you look closer, you may notice shingle buckling. This looks like shingles that have been overlapped and isn’t good for the integrity of your roof. If there’s a lot of buckling, you may even need an entirely new Maryland roofing system.

Health Issues

If you or your family have recently experienced a lot of eye irritation, nasal stuffiness, skin irritation, wheezing, or headaches, if could be because of a prolonged exposure to mold. If your roof isn’t cleaned properly, mold can develop underneath its shingles and spread to the inside of your home.

Termites

Have you noticed termites in your home? If so, they could be coming from the area right below your roof shingles and above your insulation. This area is a popular place for termites to nest, and they’ll slowly start eating away at the wood in your roofing structure. If the damage is bad enough, you may need a new roof.

Chimney Leaks

If you’ve found moisture around the base of your chimney or on the ceiling around or inside your fireplace, you could be dealing with damaged flashing. Whether your chimney flashing was damaged because of a storm or because of bad or careless roofing work, it’ll need to be properly replaced by a professional Maryland roofing company.

Clogged Gutters/Downspouts

If your gutters or downspouts aren’t draining as well as they used to, they may be clogged with shingle granules from your roof. These granules help protect against elements like UV rays, hail, and debris. If a significant number of shingles are without granules, you may need to replace your roof.

Age & Layers

A roofing system that has a layer of new shingles installed on top of a layer of old roofing shingles has a shorter lifespan than a roofing system with just a single layer. If yours is a double-layered roof and is more than 20 years old, you may want to start considering a Maryland roofing replacement.

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Don’t Wait Until Spring for Home Improvement

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window replacement

Do you need new windows? New doors? A new roof? Many homeowners believe that since it’s cold, they can’t replace home elements like these during the winter months. Whether they believe it’s because home improvement companies don’t offer winter services or because they’ll be stuck in the cold without a home, we’re here to tell you they’re wrong.

At P.J. Fitzpatrick, you don’t have to wait until spring to tackle home improvement of any kind. We offer our expert repairs and replacement services year-round, and we work quickly, so you won’t have to worry about how long it’ll take us.

We’re also open during inclement weather. While many home improvement companies close during winter snow storms, we stay open in case any of our customers need our help. We know that some of the worst-case scenarios occur during snow storms, and we don’t want you to panic because of a damaged roof, broken windows, leaky chimney flashing, or another misfortune. In fact, because we’re one of the few open year-round and during bad weather, we actually have some of the best prices in the area.

Don’t suffer through inadequate windows, doors, inferior insulation, and more – especially when it’s cold outside. Give your home the treatment it needs and get your family back to being happy and warm. Call our home improvement experts today. We’ll assess your situation and work quickly to fix it. We specialize in Maryland doors, windows, roofing, siding, baths, and more.

The post Don’t Wait Until Spring for Home Improvement appeared first on P.J. Fitzpatrick.


How to Get Your Home Ready for Spring

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deck staining

It looks like the cold of winter is finally over and we’re moving on to a bright warm spring. You may be getting ready by putting away your winter coats, planting some flowers, and dusting off those old rain boots, but don’t forget about your home. Here are some ways you can also get your home ready for the season:

Clean Off Your Air Conditioner

If your outdoor air conditioning unit isn’t covered, it has probably collected a good amount of dust and debris throughout the winter. Before you start using it, give it a good cleaning by washing the fins with a hose. You’ll not only extend its lifespan, you’ll increase its efficiency.

Check Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can be problematic. When spring rain comes around, a clogged gutter won’t efficiently redirect it away from your home. This could lead to water backups and leaks inside your home. If the problem isn’t addressed, (we suggest calling our gutter experts), you could face water damage and/or mold growth.

Replace Your HVAC Filter

Allergy season is coming, and it’s important to start the spring with a fresh HVAC filter. Invest in a good filter that traps as much dirt, dust, pollen, and allergens as possible to keep your HVAC system running well and your home’s air clean.

Check Your Screens

With every spring season comes bugs, so before you open your windows and let the cool breeze flow through, check to make sure your window screens don’t have any holes in them. If they do, patch them up or replace the screens. Also make sure your screens are tightly fastened. If they’re not, they can be ruined by strong winds.

Re-Stain Your Deck/Porch

Spring is a great time to re-stain your deck or porch. Cold temperatures, ice, and snow can make the wood’s color look drab and dreary, so put a little life back into it. Plus, a freshly stained deck or porch will look great with all of the bright colors of the season.

Inspect the Exterior

Chances are you didn’t spend a lot of time outside during the winter. Do your home a favor and inspect its exterior, including the foundation and the roof. This past winter was a rough one, and it’s possible it caused cracks, heaves, deterioration, missing shingles, or other issues. If you find a problem, don’t hesitate to call the experts at P.J. Fitzpatrick.

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Don’t Fall for These 4 Roofing Scams

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Pennsylvania roofing

Your roof is what keeps you and your family safe, and repairing or replacing it can be a big project for your home. With that said, you don’t want to trust just anyone to work on your roof – you want the best in the industry and a company you can hire with confidence.

Many homeowners don’t know the ins and outs of the roofing business and because of this, there are companies that aim to take advantage of them. Here are some of the most popular roofing scams out there and how to avoid them:

Bad Weather Claim

Sometimes after a big storm, roofing companies will place flyers on your doorknob or in your mailbox with their business information on them. They’ll usually tell you that your roof has been damaged in the recent wind, rain, or hail storm and that it needs to be repaired. Before you agree to use them, do some inspecting yourself (is there hail damage to other parts of your yard or neighbors’ roofs?) and get a second opinion from a different roofing company. They may just want you to repair something that doesn’t actually need repaired.

A Down Payment for Nothing

Another common roofing scam is when a roofing company gives you a quote to replace or repair your roof, but asks for a sizeable or significant down payment before they begin working. Sometimes this down payment will be for “labor” or to “buy materials,” but after you give it to them, they’ll never come back and do the work they were supposed to. Instead, they’ll simply take your down payment and run. Our Pennsylvania roofing company suggests not handing over a sizeable or significant down payment until work has begun or until supplies have at least been delivered.

Free “Inspection”

These scams are usually a door-to-door affair. You may find a roofing salesman at your door one day offering a free roofing inspection. (Like the first scam, this will usually happen after a storm has hit the area.) If you agree, the roofing contractor may take a climb up to your roof and rip off a few shingles to mimic wind damage. They may also show you photos of another home with roofing damage and claim it’s your own. Before you agree to any roofing work, get a second opinion and talk to your insurance company.

Lack of Insurance and License

While not necessarily a scam, a lack of insurance can be a big problem for homeowners. Say you find a roofing company that works locally, has several years of experience, and is offering you a good deal to repair or replace your roof (all good things). Before you say yes, ask to see the company’s “Certificate of Insurance” and business license. If the company can’t provide you with them, you don’t want to hire them. Without insurance, you become responsible for any damage caused by the workers or any injuries that may occur, and without a license, they are not permitted to even do business or pay taxes in your area.

For a Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania roofing company you can trust, turn to the experts at P.J. Fitzpatrick.

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9 Things to Spend Your Tax Refund On: Repairs

Your Roof May Have Taken a Beating This Past Winter

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While you and your family spent this past winter all warm and cozy inside your home, your roof was outside facing the brunt of the season. Each year, winter takes a toll on your roof, and this past one was particularly brutal. Between frigid temperatures, cold winds, and precipitation like snow and sleet, this winter may have been the last for your roof and you may want to consider a roof replacement.

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What to Consider When Choosing a Roof Color

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If you’re in the market for a new roofing system, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is what color to choose. Today, roofs come in a wide variety of shades, from classic blacks, browns, and greys to bolder colors like reds, blues, and greens. Before you choose your ideal color, here are some things to consider from our Delaware roofing company:

Your Exterior

One of the most important things to consider is the exterior of your home. You’ll want to choose a roof color that is in the same color palate as your exterior and one that complements both your siding and trim. Keep in mind that while you can always change your siding and trim colors, you can’t change brick, so if you have any brick on your exterior, make sure you choose a roofing color that enhances it.

Energy Efficiency

These days, most roofing colors are developed in the same manner and all support the same level of energy efficiency, but if you’re concerned about heat transfer and are looking for peace of mind, you may want to consider a lighter roofing color. Since darker colors absorb more heat from the sun, a darker roof may do the same, adding a few degrees to your home’s internal temperature. If this is a concern for you, let us know and we’ll help you choose the right color.

Resale Value

If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, remember that your roof color will be a big factor in your home’s curb appeal. Choose a color that you not only love, but that future prospects will love as well; it’ll make your sale process much easier.

Appearance

When you consider the curb appeal of your home, your roof is a major factor. Try narrowing down whether you want a dark roof or a light roof and then go from there. Dark roofs tend to add sophistication while light roofs tend to look more crisp and clean. (Though the overall look also depends on your exterior colors.) A word of advice from our Delaware roofing company – a roof that’s nearly the same color as your exterior can make your home look drab and dull, so ask our experts for the best contrasting color combinations.

Dimension

Many homeowners don’t realize that depending on your roofing material, you can actually choose shingles in several monochromatic colors instead of just one. This can add elements of dimension and depth to your roof as well as add to a unique design.

At P.J. Fitzpatrick, we’re here for all of your roofing needs. Don’t hesitate to call us about any questions you may have about a new roofing system or the best color for your home.

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Don’t Forget to Winterize Your Home

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snow-home

Winter can be a tough season – between cold winds, ice, snow, and more, chilly conditions can have people spending hundreds on new equipment to help them save money on heating bills. If your goal this winter is to save more money, then consider upgrading some of the areas in your home that may need attention.

Roofing System

A roofing system that’s not 100% protective is something you simply don’t want during winter. If your roof is damaged or worn, it could lead to leaks and expose your home’s interior to the weather. It could also allow cold winds to enter your home and put added pressure on your heating equipment. Let our roofing experts examine your roof to see what kind of shape it’s in. If needed, we’ll give you a quote for a new installation. Now is also a great time to add insulation to complete your winterization and save on your heating costs.

Windows and Doors

Gaps in your windows and doors are an open invitation for chilly drafts that can not only compromise your home’s insulation, but also lower the temperature of your home. If your windows and doors are in good shape and these gaps are minor, you can fill them in with caulk to create a seal. If your windows and doors are old or damaged, however, you may want to consider replacing them with energy efficient models to help keep your home cozy.

Siding

Like your roofing system, your siding is also an essential way to keep your home warm throughout the winter season. With an insulated vinyl siding installation from P.J. Fitzpatrick, you’ll get built-in insulation that can help keep heating costs low and protect your home from the weather that mother nature can bring.

Gutters

Homes in the Northeast often experience several inches of snow in one snowfall and as the weather warms up and then cools down again, it can cause that melted snow to freeze in your gutters. As the ice builds up, it can form a dam and compromise the strength and efficiency of your gutters. With gutter systems from P.J. Fitzpatrick, however, you won’t have to worry about winter ice dams or your gutters not being able to do their job.

If you’d like further assistance on the areas of your home that may need attention before the onset of winter, get in touch with us today!

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Roof Moss and Algae: 101

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What to Know, from Our Roofing Experts

If you’ve ever seen green, brown, or black streaks on your roof, it could be moss growth or algae growth and while it may seem harmless, these growths should be removed as soon as possible to prevent future damage to your shingles. Here, our roofing experts explain why the growth occurs, how to prevent it, and more:

How Does It Happen?

Both moss and algae love damp conditions and can often be found in places like ponds, on trees, between pavers, underneath stones, and even on your roof. Because they love such damp conditions, shaded areas of your roof may be open to moss or algae growth. When an area is shaded, it can easily to hold onto moisture and therefore, encourage growth. Once moss or algae starts to grow, its spores can be spread through wind, which means it can easily spread across your (or even to a neighbor’s) rooftop.

Effects of Moss and Algae

When a roofing shingle is covered in moss or algae, it’s constantly exposed to moisture and can slowly loses its rigidity and strength. It may take awhile but over time, these growths can compromise the integrity of your shingles and can force you to prematurely replace them.

How to Prevent It

There are a few things you can do to prevent the growth of moss and algae. If you have trees that shade parts of your roofing system, trim back some of their branches to allow more sunlight to reach the area. In addition, make sure your gutters are clean so that they can promote water drainage off of the roof.

Roof Cleaning

We know how unsightly moss and algae growth can be on your roof, so if you do discover it, give our roofing experts a call. We offer roof cleanings that can get rid of your problem and restore your roof to its original look and strength. Don’t hesitate to call us – your moss or algae problem could cause even bigger problems if left unattended.

The post Roof Moss and Algae: 101 appeared first on PJ Fitzpatrick.


5 Signs Your Roof Is in Danger

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Don’t Wait to Fix Your Roof

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home – it’s what protects you and your family from the elements of nature. If your roof has one of these danger signs, give P.J. Fitzpatrick a call. Our roofing installation is the best in the area and our experts can help you choose the perfect type.

1. Damaged Shingles

If your shingles are cracked, loose, curled, or missing, they have reached the end of their life and aren’t the best option for protecting your home.

2. Changes in Energy Costs

Pay attention to your energy bill. If you notice that you’re paying more than usual, your roof could have a leak and could be letting in cold air during the winter and warm air during the summer.

3. Interior Water Damage

If you notice stains on your ceiling or walls or if your ceiling is sagging, your roof could be leaking. (It could also be a lack of or damaged insulation.)

4. Missing Granules

The granules on your shingles are what help protect them from the sun and weather. If you find that they’re missing a significant amount of granules (you’ll usually find them in your gutters), you may need to replace them.

5. Algae/Mold Growth

If algae or mold growth isn’t taken care of, it can spread. Algae and mold both hold moisture and over time, moisture can break down the integrity of your roof.
If you’ve noticed any of these danger signs, let our roofing experts help you get your roof back to looking great and sustaining the elements.

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9 Things to Spend Your Tax Refund On: Repairs

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It’s tax refund season, which means you have the opportunity to take your tax refund and put it toward a home improvement project. Using your tax refund for an update not only means a better living situation now, but a better living situation for the future and an increased home value.

Do you have a leak, a hole, a crack, or another repair you’ve been putting off? Don’t let it go any longer and cause further problems – your tax refund money is the perfect fund for a fix!

Interior Repairs

Windows

There are plenty of things that can happen to a window to damage it. Over time, moisture may build up around it and start to deteriorate the sashes. Or, maybe your screen recently ripped or your window pane broke. Perhaps the window is in tact but your frame has splintered or started to rot. No matter what the situation, our repair experts have the tools and experience to fix it and get your window back to normal.

Doors

Whether it’s your front door, patio door, or another door within your home that’s having problems, we’re here to help. We can repair door handle or lock problems, threshold issues, weatherstripping that needs replaced, or a door that sticks.

Exterior Wall/Trim

No one wants to see a beautifully sided wall with a hole in it, or look around and see trim that’s cracked or broken off. No matter how the damage happened, don’t let your eyesore go any longer. Our professionals can address any exterior issue, whether aesthetic or problematic, and get your home back to looking great.

Exterior Repairs

Roofing

If your roof has a leak, a crack, missing shingles, mold buildup, flashing damage, rot, debris, or any other problem, it could mean serious long-term effects. Roofing issues can worsen over time and can not only compromise the integrity of your roof, but can also lead to damage inside the home. A roofing repair is something you should never delay, so give our repair experts a call as soon as possible.

Gutters

Are your gutters sagging? Pulling away from your home? Clogged? Or not placed correctly? Your gutters are an important part of keeping your roof, home, and foundation dry, so don’t let problematic gutters go by the wayside. We can have them back up and functioning correctly in no time.

Siding

Your home’s siding is what protects it from natural elements like wind, rain, sleet, sun, and more. With holes or missing pieces, it can’t protect your home as well as it should. If you have siding that needs repaired, we can make sure it’s addressed quickly and that your home is properly shielded from upcoming weather issues.

Don’t delay that home repair any longer! Talk to one of our professionals today so you can restore your peace of mind and your home’s perfection.

The post 9 Things to Spend Your Tax Refund On: Repairs appeared first on PJ Fitzpatrick.

Your Roof May Have Taken a Beating This Past Winter

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While you and your family spent this past winter all warm and cozy inside your home, your roof was outside facing the brunt of the season. Each year, winter takes a toll on your roof, and this past one was particularly brutal. Between frigid temperatures, cold winds, and precipitation like snow and sleet, this winter may have been the last for your roof and you may want to consider a roof replacement.

Ice Buildup

Ice buildup is one of the worst winter consequences for a roofing system. When ice builds up in your gutters and at the edges of your roof, it can prevent rain and snow from draining properly. When this happens, the excess water can soak your shingles and not only cause water damage, but it can also work its way into your home and cause water damage to your ceilings, walls, and more. Severe water damage can compromise the integrity of your roof and your best option is a roof replacement.

Mold/Mildew

This past winter was full of precipitation, and if your roof doesn’t drain it properly or you have cracked or curled shingles, it can trap water. Over time, trapped water can lead to mold and mildew and if left untreated, it can affect you and your family’s health. If your roof is compromised by mold and mildew, talk to our New Jersey roofing company experts today. We can inspect it and determine whether you need a replacement.

Damaged Shingles

Strong winds and airborne debris can both cause your shingles to crack, break, or may even dismantle them altogether. If this happens to a large enough section of your roof, it will jeopardize its structural stability and could lead to bigger problems. Let our roofing specialists take a look at your damaged shingles and we’ll let you know the extent of your problem.

Old Age

If your roof is simply at the end of its lifespan, putting off a roofing replacement is the last thing you want to do. Your roof is what protects your home and everything in it, so schedule your roofing consultation before the heat of the summer begins. Give us a call today.

The post Your Roof May Have Taken a Beating This Past Winter appeared first on PJ Fitzpatrick.

What to Consider When Choosing a Roof Color

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If you’re in the market for a new roofing system, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is what color to choose. Today, roofs come in a wide variety of shades, from classic blacks, browns, and greys to bolder colors like reds, blues, and greens. Before you choose your ideal color, here are some things to consider from our Delaware roofing company:

Your Exterior

One of the most important things to consider is the exterior of your home. You’ll want to choose a roof color that is in the same color palate as your exterior and one that complements both your siding and trim. Keep in mind that while you can always change your siding and trim colors, you can’t change brick, so if you have any brick on your exterior, make sure you choose a roofing color that enhances it.

Energy Efficiency

These days, most roofing colors are developed in the same manner and all support the same level of energy efficiency, but if you’re concerned about heat transfer and are looking for peace of mind, you may want to consider a lighter roofing color. Since darker colors absorb more heat from the sun, a darker roof may do the same, adding a few degrees to your home’s internal temperature. If this is a concern for you, let us know and we’ll help you choose the right color.

Resale Value

If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, remember that your roof color will be a big factor in your home’s curb appeal. Choose a color that you not only love, but that future prospects will love as well; it’ll make your sale process much easier.

Appearance

When you consider the curb appeal of your home, your roof is a major factor. Try narrowing down whether you want a dark roof or a light roof and then go from there. Dark roofs tend to add sophistication while light roofs tend to look more crisp and clean. (Though the overall look also depends on your exterior colors.) A word of advice from our Delaware roofing company – a roof that’s nearly the same color as your exterior can make your home look drab and dull, so ask our experts for the best contrasting color combinations.

Dimension

Many homeowners don’t realize that depending on your roofing material, you can actually choose shingles in several monochromatic colors instead of just one. This can add elements of dimension and depth to your roof as well as add to a unique design.

At P.J. Fitzpatrick, we’re here for all of your roofing needs. Don’t hesitate to call us about any questions you may have about a new roofing system or the best color for your home.

The post What to Consider When Choosing a Roof Color appeared first on PJ Fitzpatrick.

Roof Moss and Algae: 101

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What to Know, from Our Roofing Experts

If you’ve ever seen green, brown, or black streaks on your roof, it could be moss growth or algae growth and while it may seem harmless, these growths should be removed as soon as possible to prevent future damage to your shingles. Here, our roofing experts explain why the growth occurs, how to prevent it, and more:

How Does It Happen?

Both moss and algae love damp conditions and can often be found in places like ponds, on trees, between pavers, underneath stones, and even on your roof. Because they love such damp conditions, shaded areas of your roof may be open to moss or algae growth. When an area is shaded, it can easily to hold onto moisture and therefore, encourage growth. Once moss or algae starts to grow, its spores can be spread through wind, which means it can easily spread across your (or even to a neighbor’s) rooftop.

Effects of Moss and Algae

When a roofing shingle is covered in moss or algae, it’s constantly exposed to moisture and can slowly loses its rigidity and strength. It may take awhile but over time, these growths can compromise the integrity of your shingles and can force you to prematurely replace them.

How to Prevent It

There are a few things you can do to prevent the growth of moss and algae. If you have trees that shade parts of your roofing system, trim back some of their branches to allow more sunlight to reach the area. In addition, make sure your gutters are clean so that they can promote water drainage off of the roof.

Roof Cleaning

We know how unsightly moss and algae growth can be on your roof, so if you do discover it, give our roofing experts a call. We offer roof cleanings that can get rid of your problem and restore your roof to its original look and strength. Don’t hesitate to call us – your moss or algae problem could cause even bigger problems if left unattended.

The post Roof Moss and Algae: 101 appeared first on PJ Fitzpatrick.

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