A roof is the pinnacle of every home yet something that is often unnoticed until something goes wrong. What many may not know is that this apex is more than just protection. It can be beautiful as well as functional and create unrivaled curb appeal in any neighborhood.
“To say our home is our dream house would be an understatement,” says Karen Henderson, an Allentown resident. “Eighteen years ago, we had an architect from Williamsburg, Va., design it just for us.”
A true reflection of the Colonial era, the Hendersons’ home is beautiful from top to bottom, on the inside and out. However, it wasn’t too long before the cedar shake roof began to show its age.
“Our lawn was covered and we quickly knew something had to be done,” she says. “We spoke with a number of companies, but from the first meeting with Krumins and Moran, it was clear we were in the right hands. Despite the distance, they visited our home several times. Their knowledge of both product options and materials was unsurpassed, and the crew didn’t even flinch when they saw our daunting steep pitch roof.”
According to Henderson, the project became the talk of the town as neighbors would comment on progress as they strolled by the home each night. “The Krumins and Moran crew truly made the work fun,” she says. “And, when we were hit with an earthquake and hurricane amid the project, not only the roof survived, the team was unfazed.”
Choosing Well
When it comes to roofing, quality materials and proper installation are critical. At the same time, a roof should share in the home’s character. “It’s like a top coat over a beautiful suit or cherry on top of an ice cream sundae,” says Dan Moran, co-owner of Krumins and Moran Roofing LLC, which is based in Fort Washington. “And, just as one can opt for vanilla, chocolate or daring black cherry, there are a number roofing material options.”
The choices may not be as vast as ice cream flavors but in the same fashion, it can come down to a matter of taste. One of the most popular options is slate. Its natural appearance blends well with traditional home styles, especially those with a stone exterior due to the range in slate color and shape.
Over the past 20 years, the use of imitation slate roofing material has been a growing trend. The composite material shares a natural appearance and is available in any number of sizes, shapes and colors. Created to fill the deficiencies of real slate, however, the synthetic option is extremely durable, easy to install and more cost effective. Moran goes on to say, “In our area, inclement weather can wreak havoc on roofs. From nor’easters and ice storms to extreme heat and humidity, imitation slate has proven to successfully withstand the elements.”
Slate, and its composite counterpart, is not for everyone or every home. Cedar wood shakes are another popular natural option and one that varies in size and thickness. While only one color, the cedar material is known for texture. Homeowners can opt for machine cut to create a smooth look or hand split for a more rustic appeal. They can also choose to install staggered vs. straight.
Often used to top older homes, cedar wood is a great choice for colonial and Tudor styles as well as homes with a stucco exterior. When complemented with copper gutters, the overall look can be breathtaking.
Like many of the other roofing materials, asphalt shingles are also available in a variety of colors and shapes. The square or rectangular options are more versatile now with two-dimensional shadow lines and designer shingle options including scalloped Victorian styles. “Asphalt shingles are extremely durable and more economical than other materials,” Moran explains. “Recently, the warranties were also extended from 30 to 50 years.”
Adding to the Look
Gutters and siding are natural complements to a roof. They, too, come in a variety of options. Whether it is a choice between steel and copper gutters or wood and fiber cement siding, there is more than meets the eye. As with the roof itself, materials and aesthetics matter.
According to Moran, there have been substantial improvements in the manufacturing of gutters over the years. “While not a standard in the U.S. today, many gutters are made using the Old World techniques from Europe where they had to withstand the weight of firemen as they walked atop gutters within the very narrow alleyways. This increased durability leads to greater longevity.”
Another way to enhance a home’s exterior is the siding and, like roofs, there is an equally varied choice of material and manufactured products. Moran explains that in addition to vinyl, some leading options include cedar shake or lap siding. Other homeowners may choose cement fiber siding, a durable material that has the look of real wood.
At this time of year, Moran recommends homeowners walk their property and take a visual note of leaks, missing shingles or broken eaves. “Snow and ice can damage roofs, gutters and siding,” he says. “Even when we don’t get many storms, the extreme cold can be detrimental.”
For more than 45 years, Krumins and Moran has built its reputation on quality and service at a fair price. From the first visit and complimentary estimate to the final punch list task, the company’s professional team is committed to making everything right.
“Customer satisfaction is what it’s all about,” Moran says. “Happy clients come back and also tell others. We are fortunate to have many referrals and appreciate each and every one.”
Krumins and Moran Roofing LLC
Fort Washington
215-540-5599
kruminsmoranllc@gmail.com
Glori Gayster is a freelance writer from South Jersey.
Rob Hall is a photographer based in Plumsteadville.
