4 Reasons Why Roofs Fail

Most Recent Blogs / March 19, 2023

It’s one thing when your roof falls victim to harsh weather conditions such as wind, rain, snow, extreme heat, etc. But when you get a new roof only to have to replace it again a few years later for seemingly no reason at all — now that can be frustrating. Your roof has failed. But why?

Here are 4 reasons that could shed light on why roofs fail:

  1. Shoddy roof installation — Not every Connecticut roof is installed correctly or by the right roofing contractors. In many cases, cheap materials are also the culprit. The result is a roof that is compromised from the start, leading to premature leaks, loose shingles, and overall wear and tear.
  2. Improper ventilation — Some homes don’t have enough ventilation (natural airflow) or don’t have any ventilation at all. If this is the case with your home, and everything is sealed up like a drum, you sabotage the integrity of your roof from the inside out and increase the chances of why roofs fail. This includes dangerously high indoor temperature extremes, poor energy efficiency, risk for ice dams, and more. Simply put, properly installed ventilation on your roof is just as important as a quality roof.
  3. Lack of maintenance — Your roof is constantly exposed to sunlight, wind, rain, hail, snow, ice, tree branches, etc. Nothing may be wrong right now, but eventually, your roof’s performance suffers. This is where roof maintenance can really help. Getting the most out of your roof includes inspecting and cleaning out gutters, keeping nearby trees in check, conducting roof inspections, and more.
  4. Mismatching roof materials — Shingles and other materials that don’t look the same from one side of the roof to the next not only look bad but are also big reasons why roofs fail prematurely. Using mismatched materials also puts you in danger of voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. 

Call MJT Roofing today!

At MJT Roofing, our goal is to ensure your next roof replacement stands the test of time. We hop on your roof and provide a thorough inspection of anything that may have been damaged. If everything looks great, we’ll continue to check in periodically. If there is significant enough damage, we will walk you through the next few steps to get started on roof repair and replacement. 

Over the next several weeks and months, we’ll continue to publish helpful content to our blog page so that MJT Roofing can be a go-to resource for you!

4 Benefits of Replacing Your Home’s Siding

MJT Roofing Blog / March 8, 2023

Regular wear and tear affect a Connecticut home’s curb appeal in so many ways. So, if you’ve already invested in a roof replacement, upgraded your landscaping and added a few well-placed decorations to the front porch, consider replacing your home’s siding. Siding is the protective material attached to the exterior of your home. It comes in a wide range of matrials such as aluminum, wood panels, and vinyl, and when brand new, it’s quite beautiful. Conversely, it can drive down your home’s curb appeal when it suffers from the elements for too long.

Cracked Siding. MJT Roofing and Siding Installation in Willimantic.

Cracked Siding. MJT Roofing and Siding Installation in Willimantic.

Is your home’s siding showing these signs of wear and tear?

  • Cracks on the surface
  • Water stains
  • Rotting and peeling
  • Bubbling paint

Benefits of replacing your home’s siding:

  1. Improved appearance — New siding simply makes your home look brand new. And because siding comes in different materials and colors, you can give your home a unique appearance. Whether it is a Victorian reproduction, a New England saltbox or a modern beach house getaway, there are options that can make your home the envy of the neighborhood.
  2. Efficiency — When combined with quality insulation, new siding ensures your home stays warm during the winter and cool in the summer. It also keeps your heating and air conditioning system from working harder to compensate for the extreme temperature shifts. 
  3. Keep pests away — New siding is also another layer of protection from unwanted pests such as mice, squirrels, birds, etc. This is because the material new siding is made from is built to resist cracks and warping, ensuring that pests have no easy entry points to your home. 
  4. Increase in home value — Studies consistently show that new siding increases your home’s value and can be a key selling point if you plan to sell your home in the future.
Siding done by MJT Roofing in Willimantic, CT.

Call MJT Roofing for your new siding installation 

Whether you want to increase your home’s energy efficiency, improve its curb appeal, or upgrade to a more durable siding product, MJT Roofing is the number one siding installation expert. Our process ensures your siding looks great and performs well for years to come. 

Over the next several weeks and months, we’ll continue to publish helpful content to our blog page so that MJT Roofing can be a go-to resource for you!

3 Dangers of Not Having Gutters on Your Home

Most Recent Blogs / March 8, 2023
Rotting soffit from not having gutters installed. MJT Roofing gutter installation in Willimantic, CT

We’ve written a lot about not overlooking gutter damage on your home. But what about those who don’t have gutters at all? Believe it or not, some homeowners choose not to have gutters, either because they were told gutters aren’t necessary or they’ve delayed having them installed. If you don’t currently have gutters on your home, you’re running the risk of facing severe damage in the long run that your roofing shingles weren’t designed to protect you from.

Here are three dangers of not having gutters on your home:

Destroyed landscaping and foundation erosion — Gutters direct water and debris away from your foundation and landscaping. Without them, water will pool around your home, wash away delicate landscaping, leave behind a muddy mess and create some pretty serious erosion issues. On top of that, standing water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitos and other pests.

Damaged exteriors — If rainwater can flow freely without help from a gutter system, walls, windows, siding, and doors will chip, peel, crack and become waterlogged. Next thing you know, water is getting inside your home and no one wants that.

Cracked foundation from not having gutters installed. MJT Roofing Gutter Installation in Willimantic, CT.

Damage to your roof — Even the toughest shingles money can buy are limited without a strong gutter system to help direct water away from the house. In fact, a gutter-less roof can undermine your shingle’s structural integrity, causing everything from leaks and flood damage inside the home to rotting wood, mold, decay and other alarming issues.

MJT Roofing serving the roofing, siding, gutter and window needs of CT

Simply put, a properly installed and maintained gutter system is just as important as a quality roof. The professional roofing contractors at MJT Roofing are your go-to specialists for properly inspecting existing gutters and installing new ones.

Call MJT Roofing today!

At MJT Roofing, we hop on your roof and provide a thorough inspection of anything that may have been damaged. If everything looks great, we’ll continue to check in periodically. If there is significant enough damage, we will walk you through the next few steps to get started on roof repair and replacement. 

Over the next several weeks and months, we’ll continue to publish helpful content to our blog page so that MJT Roofing can be a go-to resource for you!

How Windy Does it Have to be to Cause Wind Damage On My Roof?

Emergency Service, MJT Roofing Blog, Most Recent Blogs / January 20, 2023

As a homeowner, the last thing you want to see when you walk outside the morning after a big storm is roof damage. Sadly, even the toughest roofing materials can fall victim to Mother Nature — and it’s not just hail or a torrential downpour that you have to worry about. Another factor that can tear up a roof is wind. That’s right — wind. But how windy does it have to be to cause wind damage?

That’s the tricky part. Because wind doesn’t hit a roof at an even rate, all it takes is the right gust at the right angle to curl, rip, tear and lift shingles away from a roof. Even if the wind doesn’t directly damage a roof, it can be strong enough to hurl nearby debris such as fallen branches, tree limbs, and power lines.

It’s only natural to worry about wind damage — not just to your roof but the rest of your property, as well. Fences, gutters, windows, cars, etc. … nothing is off-limits to wind damage.

What wind speed do I have to worry about?

Generally, roof shingles that are already “loose” or old can be impacted at speeds between 45-57 miles per hour. Nearby tree branches and limbs can also snap under the weight of these speeds. Anything between 58 and 74 miles per hour can uproot trees and rip shingles off a roof.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

It’s always best to have a roofing professional from MJT Roofing climb up on the roof and see what’s going on. At the same time, some wind damage can easily be spotted by walking around your property.

If the following items were damaged, the odds are high that your roof is in the same disarray:

  • Nearby trees and landscaping
  • Cracked windows, shutters, etc.
  • Damaged siding, patio covers, decks, gazebos, sheds, etc.
  • Damaged satellite dishes on roof

Call MJT Roofing today!

At MJT Roofing, we want to be your Connecticut roofing professional for life. We will hop on your roof and provide a thorough inspection of anything that may have been damaged. If everything looks great, we’ll continue to check in periodically. If there is significant enough damage, we will walk you through the next few steps to get started on roof repair and replacement.

MJT Roofing serving the roofing, siding, gutter and window needs of CT

Problems with not having Gutters on your home (Revised)

Most Recent Blogs / September 13, 2022

We’ve written a lot about not overlooking gutter damage on your home. But what about those who don’t have gutters at all? Believe it or not, some homeowners choose not to have gutters, either because they were told gutters aren’t necessary or they’ve delayed having them installed.


If you don’t currently have gutters on your home, you’re running the risk of facing severe damage in the long run that your roofing shingles weren’t designed to protect you from.


Here are three problems with not having gutters on your home:


Destroyed landscaping and foundation erosion — Gutters direct water and debris away from your foundation and landscaping. Without them, water will pool around your home, wash away delicate landscaping, leave behind a muddy mess, and create some pretty serious erosion issues. On top of that, standing water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitos and other pests.MJT Roofing serving the roofing, siding, gutter and window needs of CT


Damaged exteriors — If rainwater can flow freely without help from a gutter system, walls, windows, siding, and doors will chip, peel, crack and become waterlogged. Next thing you know, water is getting inside your home and no one wants that.


Damage to your house— A strong gutter system is designed to help direct water away from the house. if there is no gutter present, water will continuously drip down the sides of your house causing a myriad of problems such as leaks and flood damage inside the home to rotting wood, mold, decay, and other issues outside the home.


Simply put, a properlyMJT Roofing serving the roofing, siding, gutter and window needs of CT installed and maintained gutter system is just as important as a quality roof. The professional roofing contractors at MJT Roofing are your go-to specialists for properly inspecting existing gutters and installing new ones.


Call MJT Roofing today!


At MJT Roofing, we’ll hop on your roof and provide a thorough inspection of anything that may have been damaged. If everything looks great, we’ll continue to check in periodically. If there is significant enough damage, we will walk you through the next few steps to get started on roof repair and replacement.


Over the next several weeks and months, we’ll continue to publish helpful content to our blog page so that MJT Roofing can be a go-to resource for you!

What Does a Bad Roof Installation Look Like?

Most Recent Blogs / March 29, 2022

Hopefully, you’ve never looked up at your roof after a new installation and thought, “Man, that doesn’t look right.” Sadly, bad roof installations happen from time to time. There are roofing contractors who cut corners, insist they’re more qualified than they really are, and just aren’t in it for the right reasons. By identifying a poor roofing job, you’ll save yourself a lot of time, money, and headaches.MJT Roofing - Professional Roofing Contractor

Nearly anyone can recognize a bad roof installation. But just in case, here are a few telltale signs:

Non-uniform appearance — This can include everything from mismatched shingles to dips and curves, bumps and ripples, differing colors and textures, and jagged rooflines.

Missing or damaged shingles — It’s one thing when you’ve had a roof for 15 or so years and shingles go missing after a storm. It’s something entirely different when it’s a new roof. Shingles on a new roof replacement should be strong and secure. If they’re not, it’s a sign of a poor roofing job.

Rainbow roof — This is when the shingles on one side of the roof are not aligned with the shingles on the other side. One side of the roof could also be a slightly different color or texture.MJT Roofing - Professional Roofing Contractor

Poorly installed gutters — If your newly installed gutters are hanging and aren’t performing as they should immediately after a roof installation, then it’s a sign of shoddy work.

Stains and discoloration — Go into your attic. Stains, discoloration, or water drops are all signs of possible leaks in your roof. This is an obvious sign that your new roof wasn’t installed correctly.

Improper nailing techniques — A quality roof installation won’t have any damaged shingles or exposed nails. Nails should be flush with the roofing material and securely hold everything together. If nails are sticking up or are not the correct grade, size, and type, you have yourself a bad roof installation.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but it’s enough to give any homeowner a good idea of what to look for when wanting to know what a bad roof installation looks like.

Call MJT Roofing today!

There are so many things to be aware of as a homeowner when it comes to your roof. Conducting routine roof inspections is one, and having your roof replacement done right the first time is another. Over the next several months, we’ll continue to publish helpful content to our blog page so that MJT Roofing can be a go-to resource for you! We can find faults in your roof that, while they seem small now, can be fixed before they cause costly damage to everything you own.

Will a Roofing Job Be Up to Code Without Ventilation Installed?

Most Recent Blogs / March 29, 2022

Unlike other home services, a roofing job is the one that will face the most scrutiny, the harshest of weather conditions year-round, and cost you thousands of dollars if not installed correctly and according to construction codes. At MJT Roofing, we take roof replacements seriously, which is why the answer to this next question is 100% obvious: “Will a roofing job be up to code without ventilation installed?”

In a word — no.

Without ventilation, you sabotage the integrity of your roof from the inside out and increase the chances of severe roof damage. Simply put, every roof needs to breathe. When your Connecticut roofing contractor installs your shingles, they are also adding ventilation registers and shafts or, at a minimum, ensuring that the existing ventilation in your attic is working adequately.MJT Roofing - Professional Roofing Contractor

MJT Roofing - Professional Roofing Contractor

No reputable roofer will convince you otherwise.

Here are just a few things that can go wrong with a roofing job that is not up to code:

  • Dangerously high indoor temperature extremes
  • Premature roof replacement
  • Poor energy efficiency
  • Risk for ice dams
  • Higher chance of mold and mildew

Why being up to code with ventilation matters!

Without ventilation on your roof, your attic temperature would quickly exceed the outdoor temperature. If this happens, a host of problems can occur. Hot air in your attic wouldn’t escape, and cool air wouldn’t be able to enter. Your AC unit would naturally work overtime to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. But that’s not all. During the winter, melted snow on your roof would drip to the bottom of the roof, refreeze, and form dangerous ice dams that can damage your roof, gutters and interior walls. Mold and mildew would also naturally have the perfect environment to grow and spread.

Properly installed ventilation on your roof is just as important as a quality roof. The professional roofing contractors at MJT Roofing are your go-to specialists for all of this and more.

Call MJT Roofing today!

At MJT Roofing, we hop on your roof and provide a thorough inspection of anything that may have been damaged. If everything looks great, we’ll continue to check in periodically. If there is significant enough damage, we will walk you through the next few steps to get started on roof repair and replacement.

Over the next several weeks and months, we’ll continue to publish helpful content to our blog page so that MJT Roofing can be a go-to resource for you!

Three types of asphalt roof shingles

Most Recent Blogs / March 29, 2022

Drive through any Connecticut neighborhood, and you’ll likely find most roofs have asphalt shingles; and for good reason. Asphalt roof shingles are extremely popular because they’re easy to find, even easier to install, cost-efficient and come in many colors. They’re also extremely durable against ice, snow, rain, high winds, etc., all key factors for any homeowner looking to repair or replace their roof.

For these reasons and more, asphalt is a preferred choice for homeowners and roofing contractors alike.

Generally, there are three types of asphalt roof shingles to choose from:

  1. 3-tab shinglesMJT Roofing - Professional Roofing Contractor
  2. Dimensional shingles
  3. Architectural shingles

At MJT Roofing, we want our current and future customers to know and understand the differences between these common roofing shingles so that they pick the right product for their homes.

3-Tab Asphalt Roof Shingles

Also known as strip shingles, 3-tab asphalt shingles are the original and most basic. They are made from a single layer of asphalt, making them extremely lightweight and cost-efficient, and they get their name because of how they are cut (strips). Generally, the lifespan of a 3-tab roof is 18-20 years, but it can last longer under the right conditions. More often than not, you’ll see 3-tab shingles on inexpensive homes or larger homes that already have 3-tab shingles on their roof.

Dimensional Asphalt Roof Shingles

While 3-tab is the original, dimensional shingles are the most common. Also known as architectural or laminate, they are characterized by two or more layers versus the 3-tab’s one. This makes them heavier and more durable. More importantly, it gives your completed roof a thicker, multi-dimensional appearance. Most homes you see today in Connecticut have dimensional shingles or will soon be converted to them when it’s time to replace them.

Luxury Asphalt Roof Shingles

Luxury or laminate shingles also offer a multi-dimensional appearance. But the biggest difference is that they are even heavier than dimensional shingles and are the most durable. Granted, you’ll have to pay more for this type of shingle, but they’ll last a lot longer due to their resistance to tears and impact. You’ll also have even more choices in terms of colors and styles.

Call MJT Roofing today!

Asphalt shingles are a great option for your next Connecticut roof. The kicker is to have the right professional roofing contractor to ensure whatever shingles you choose are installed correctly. At MJT Roofing, we want to be your Connecticut roofing professional for life. We will hop on your roof and provide a thorough inspection of anything that may have been damaged. If everything looks great, we’ll continue to check in periodically. If there is significant enough damage, we will walk you through the next few steps to get started on roof repair and replacement.

Over the next several weeks and months, we’ll continue to publish helpful content to our blog page so that MJT Roofing can be a go-to resource for you!

Why Roof Inspections Are Important

Most Recent Blogs / March 29, 2022

We all want our home to look nice. From the carefully crafted landscaping that makes our humble abode the envy of the neighborhood, to picture-perfect blinds and shutters and how we choose to decorate everything inside the front door, it’s all we can think about. And yet, we often overlook the one element that ties everything together and makes our home a home — the roof.

Sure, a roof can be seen as nothing more than beams, plywood, and lots and lots of shingles. But it’s so much more than that. It’s a home’s first line of defense from the elements and, as a result, suffers the most from repeated snow falls, damaging winds, and insane temperature changes.

This is why regular roof inspections are so important. If left unattended, your roof and all the parts that make up the integrity of your roofing system can quickly fail — unbeknownst to you — and cause common roof problems that no one wants to deal with:

  • LeaksMJT Roofing - Professional Roofing Contractor
  • Missing or damaged shingles
  • Cracking, blistering, and shrinkage
  • Pooling water
  • Sagging or drooping
  • Damaged gutters
  • Ventilation issues
  • Tree damage
  • Granules clogging downspouts
  • Freezing damage
  • Pest problems

Roof inspections matter year-round

This piece isn’t meant to scare you. Instead, the goal is to educate everyone on the importance of increasing the longevity of your roof through roof inspections. Much like your car, a roof requires regular roof inspections to stand the test of time. And by “regular,” we don’t strictly mean those moments after a severe storm. We mean doing spot-checks ahead of storm season, after storm season, etc.

Now, you, as a homeowner, can do things like walk around your property and do a visual inspection of your roof and property. In some cases, for the do-it-yourselfers, you may even be able to get on your roof and replace wearable items like flashing, etc.

But if getting on the roof is not a 100% safe option for you, or you’re just not sure what to look for, call MJT Roofing any time for all your roof inspections. We hop on your roof and provide a thorough inspection of anything that may have been damaged. If everything looks great, we’ll continue to check in periodically. If there is significant enough damage, we will walk you through the next few steps to replacing your roof.

You simply can’t put a price on having a professional roof inspection. We can find faults in your roof that, while they seem small now, can be tied before they cause costly damage to everything you own.

Call MJT Roofing today!

There are so many things to be aware of as a homeowner when it comes to your roof. Conducting routine roof inspections is one, and over the next several months, we’ll continue to publish helpful content to our blog page so that MJT Roofing can be a go-to resource for you!

Tree Damage

Most Recent Blogs / April 18, 2024

How to Avoid Tree Damage on Your Roof

Most people love having big, beautiful, well-maintained trees in their front yard that are as tall if not taller than their roof. After all, trees are majestic and a stunning part of our natural landscape, so having several on your property gives your home’s curb appeal an instant upgrade while also providing shade.

Bottom line: we could all stand to be in an area where there are more trees. Just be mindful of the many ways trees can cause unintended roof damage when you least expect it.

There are generally four ways your roof can fall prey to tree damage:

  1. Falling trees — This is the most obvious and dangerous form of tree damage to a roof. A strong Connecticut storm blows through town, and either causes a tree in your yard to split and fall on your home or become uprooted and collapse. No matter the size of the tree, you can expect significant damage and an immediate roof repair should any tree fall on your home.
  2. Overhanging branches — Low branches that overhang the roofline can snap under the pressure of heavy rain and harsh wind and damage your roof. Even if they don’t snap, a gentle wind can cause those that are too close to the house to rub against your shingles. That constant rubbing may not seem that bad at first, but leaving the problem unattended can destroy a roof over time. 
  3. Access to critters — Trees that are too close to the house are a great springboard for squirrels and other critters to get on your roof. These critters can nest on your roof or claw their way into access points to your attic. 
  4. Leaves and needles — Believe it or not, leaves, pine needles, and other debris can cause mold, leaks, and even rotting. Most homeowners aren’t going to be aware that this is a problem with their house, so scheduling roof repairs with MJT Roofing is critical. 

Even if it doesn’t look like you need a full roof replacement due to tree damage, your professional roofing contractor friends here at MJT Roofing want to stress the importance of regular maintenance and not taking any roofing issues for granted. Ignoring the issue or putting it off until later could take a small problem now and turn it into a bigger and more costly issue down the road.

Between roof inspections, there are simple things you as a homeowner can do to prevent tree damage:

  • Remove low, overhanging branches.
  • Check trees around your property for damage, rotting, stability issues, etc., and replace when needed. This will help you remove and replace a potentially hazardous tree before something happens.
  • Keep your trees well-maintained and look for areas where critters may be getting onto your roof. 

Call MJT Roofing today!

At MJT Roofing, we hop on your roof and provide a thorough inspection of anything that may have been damaged. If everything looks great, we’ll continue to check in periodically. If there is significant enough damage, we will walk you through the next few steps to get started on roof repair and replacement. 

Over the next several weeks and months, we’ll continue to publish helpful content to our blog page so that MJT Roofing can be a go-to resource for you!

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