Roof How-To Guides for the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Step-by-Step Roof Care from SJ&H Roofing

Want real-world roofing checklists instead of hype? These guides show Biloxi, Pascagoula,
Ocean Springs, and D'Iberville homeowners how to spot problems early, storm-proof
their homes, and know when it's time to call a pro.

How to Find a Roof Leak Before It Gets Worse

1️⃣ Grab a flashlight and check your attic after rainfall.
2️⃣ Look for damp insulation, dark wood patches, or active drips.
3️⃣ Trace stains upward to the roof deck above.
4️⃣ Outside, look at shingles above that area for cracks, missing pieces, or lifted tabs.
5️⃣ If you see daylight or soft decking, call
228-546-2495
for a repair evaluation.

How to Prepare Your Roof for Hurricane Season

1️⃣ Inspect flashing, ridge vents, and sealant lines you can see safely from the ground or ladder.
2️⃣ Replace obvious missing shingles or exposed fasteners.
3️⃣ Clean gutters and downspouts so water can move off the roof.
4️⃣ Trim branches within about six feet of your roof line.
5️⃣ Schedule an
SJ&H Roofing inspection
before the first storm watch.

How to Tell If You Need a Roof Replacement

1️⃣ Shingles are curling, cracking, or missing in multiple areas.
2️⃣ Dark streaks, bald spots, or excess granules in the gutters.
3️⃣ Soft, spongy, or sagging roof decking.
4️⃣ Repeated leak repairs in the same zone.
5️⃣ If you check more than two boxes, it's time for a documented inspection and replacement quote.

How to Get an Online Roof Estimate

1️⃣ Take 3–4 clear photos of the roof or leak area from safe vantage points.
2️⃣ Upload them at
sjhroofpros.com/contact/.
3️⃣ Include your address and a short description of what you're seeing.
4️⃣ We'll review and follow up with an estimate or next steps.

How to Maintain a Flat or Low-Slope Roof

1️⃣ Keep drains, scuppers, and gutters clear of pine needles and debris.
2️⃣ Check seams, transitions, and flashing at least twice a year.
3️⃣ After heavy rain, look for standing water that lasts more than 24 hours.
4️⃣ Ask about a high-quality silicone roof coating every 5–7 years for extra protection.

How to Choose the Right Roof Coating

1️⃣ Asphalt shingle transitions → usually a high-quality silicone product.
2️⃣ Metal roofs → silicone or equivalent high-solids coating.
3️⃣ Flat / low-slope systems → high-solids silicone designed for ponding water.
4️⃣ Have SJ&H Roofing write a custom coating spec for Mississippi Gulf Coast humidity and wind.

How to Handle Emergency Roof Leaks

1️⃣ Move furniture, electronics, and valuables; set buckets or plastic sheeting.
2️⃣ If a ceiling bubble forms, carefully poke a small hole in the lowest point to relieve water pressure.
3️⃣ If it's safe, cover the exterior area with a tarp to slow the leak.
4️⃣ Call
228-546-2495
to report an active leak so we can prioritize your home.

How to Clean and Inspect Your Roof Safely

1️⃣ Use a stable ladder on firm ground and follow all safety instructions.
2️⃣ Avoid pressure washers; they can blow off granules and force water under shingles.
3️⃣ Use a leaf blower or soft-bristle broom instead.
4️⃣ As you go, visually check flashing, vents, and pipe boots for cracks, gaps, or missing sealant.

How to Pick a Local Roofer You Can Trust

1️⃣ Make sure they have a real local presence and active service area near you.
2️⃣ Ask for proof of insurance and licensing.
3️⃣ Read Google reviews for consistency and recent activity — not just one big spike years ago.
4️⃣ Look for Fortified, GAF, Atlas PRO+ or similar credentials.
5️⃣ Choose companies that actually answer the phone and return calls.

How to Extend the Life of Your Roof

1️⃣ Keep gutters and downspouts clear so water can get off the roof.
2️⃣ Schedule annual inspections, especially after major storms.
3️⃣ Reseal critical flashing every few years.
4️⃣ Replace cracked or failing pipe boots before they leak.
5️⃣ Wash off algae streaks each spring to keep shingles cooler and cleaner.

Expert Craftsmanship

Our crews are trained, certified, and field-tested on Gulf Coast roofs. Every project is led
by a senior foreman who inspects each phase to help your roof survive wind, heat, and storm cycles.

High Quality Materials

We install premium shingles, metal systems, underlayments, and coatings chosen for Mississippi
Gulf Coast conditions — not just what's on sale at the supply house.

Client-Focused Service

From the first call to the final nail, we communicate clearly, keep you updated, and provide the
documentation and photos you need so nothing catches you off guard.

Prompt & Clean Work

We know you still have to live in your home while the work happens. Crews show up on time, finish
on time, and clean up thoroughly so your property looks like we were never there.

Transparent Pricing

You'll always know the scope, cost, and timeline before work begins. We provide clear
roof-cost breakdowns and flexible options, not surprise add-ons.