From Shingle Selection to Installation: The Complete Guide to Roofing Materials for Jefferson Homeowners

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Preparing Your Shingle Roofing System for Storm Season By Thomas McCormack, M5 Contracting | Holts Summit, Missouri Hey folks, Living here in Mid-Missouri, we all know how unpredictable storm season can be. One day it’s sunny, the next we’re dealing with heavy rain, hail, or even high winds. As the owner of M5 Contracting and a lifelong Missouri resident, I’ve seen firsthand the kind of damage our spring and summer storms can do—especially to shingle roofs. That’s why I wanted to share some practical, no-nonsense advice to help you get your roof storm-ready. Below, I’ve laid out five key steps every homeowner in Holts Summit and surrounding areas should take to protect their shingle roofing system before the next storm hits. 1. Inspect for Existing Damage Before a storm ever rolls in, it’s critical to check your roof for any pre-existing issues. Even a few loose shingles or exposed nails can give wind and water the perfect opportunity to wreak havoc. At M5 Contracting, we recommend a full visual inspection twice a year—once before storm season and once after. If you're comfortable doing it yourself, look for things like curling shingles, missing tabs, cracked flashing, and signs of wear around chimneys and vents. If you’d rather play it safe (and stay off the ladder), give us a call. We’re happy to do a free inspection and let you know where things stand. 2. Clear Debris and Clean Gutters One of the most common problems I see after a storm isn’t actually on the roof—it’s clogged gutters. When gutters are full of leaves, sticks, and granules from your shingles, they can't properly channel water away from your home. That leads to overflow, which can soak the fascia, siding, and even leak into your attic. Make it a habit to clean out your gutters and downspouts before storm season. Trim back any overhanging tree limbs while you’re at it—branches can easily snap off during high winds and damage your shingles. 3. Secure Loose Shingles and Flashing This is a big one. Missouri storms often come with high winds, and loose shingles are one of the first things to go flying. But it’s not just shingles—flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents is also prone to lifting or cracking over time. If you notice any materials that aren’t firmly attached, it’s best to have them repaired right away. Even small openings can let water seep under the roofline, leading to rot and mold. At M5, we always say: a $200 fix today can prevent a $2,000 repair tomorrow. 4. Check Attic Ventilation and Insulation This one surprises a lot of homeowners, but your attic plays a huge role in your roof’s storm resistance. Proper ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture, which keeps shingles from warping and prevents condensation buildup that can damage the roof deck. Take a peek inside your attic—make sure vents are clear, insulation is dry, and there are no signs of mold or water stains. If anything looks off, don’t wait until after a storm to deal with it. A well-maintained attic helps your whole roofing system perform better under stress. 5. Document Your Roof’s Condition Lastly, always document the condition of your roof before storm season starts. Take clear, date-stamped photos of your shingles, flashing, gutters, and even the attic if you can. This is a huge help if you ever need to file a storm damage claim with your insurance company. Trust me, I’ve helped plenty of Holts Summit homeowners navigate the insurance process, and having "before" photos makes it so much easier to prove that storm damage was new and not pre-existing. Final Thoughts from Thomas Storm season isn’t something we can avoid here in Missouri, but we can prepare for it. Taking the time to maintain and reinforce your shingle roofing system now will save you a lot of stress—and potentially a lot of money—down the line. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. At M5 Contracting, we treat every home like it’s our own, and we’re proud to be your go-to roofing experts here in Holts Summit. Stay safe, stay dry, and as always—if you need a hand, I’m just a call away.  Warm regards, Thomas McCormack Owner, M5 Contracting

5 Reasons To Avoid Clay Roofing in Missouri By Thomas McCormack, Owner of M5 Contracting – Holts Summit, MO When I first got into the roofing business here in Holts Summit, I was drawn to all the different types of roofing materials out there — asphalt shingles, metal panels, wood shakes, and yes, clay tiles. Clay roofing has this timeless charm to it. There’s no denying it looks beautiful, especially on Spanish-style or Mediterranean-inspired homes. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to repair, inspect, and even install a few clay roofs in Missouri. But if I’m being totally honest — and I always aim to be — I generally recommend my customers steer clear of clay tile roofing here in Missouri . Why? Because our climate and conditions just don’t play well with this material. Sure, it looks great on a postcard from California or Arizona, but Missouri’s unpredictable weather, heavy storms, and seasonal shifts can turn a clay roof into a real headache. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the five biggest reasons you should avoid clay roofing in Missouri , based on what I’ve seen firsthand over the years. Whether you’re building new, thinking about a roof replacement, or just curious about your options, I hope this helps you make the best choice for your home. 1. Clay Tiles Crack Under Missouri’s Freeze-Thaw Cycles Missouri weather is wild — and I’m not just talking about tornadoes. One of the biggest problems we face here is something called the freeze-thaw cycle . We might have a mild 60-degree day in February followed by a hard freeze that same night. This constant up-and-down in temperature wreaks havoc on roofing materials that absorb moisture — like clay. Clay tiles are porous, meaning they soak up water. When that water freezes, it expands, and over time, that expansion causes the tiles to crack, chip, or even break apart completely. It doesn’t take a major winter storm to do this — just repeated cycles of freezing and thawing can slowly destroy a clay roof tile by tile. This is one of the most common issues we see when inspecting older clay roofs. By the time a homeowner spots the damage from the ground, there could already be dozens of cracked or compromised tiles up top. Bottom line: Clay tiles just aren’t built for climates with harsh freeze-thaw cycles like we have here in Missouri. 2. Clay Roofs Are Extremely Fragile and Easy to Damage One of the biggest misconceptions about clay tiles is that they’re super durable. In truth, they’re durable when it comes to things like rot and pests — but they’re very brittle when it comes to physical pressure or impact. Just walking on a clay tile roof the wrong way can cause breakage. That makes basic maintenance, chimney inspections, or even cleaning out your gutters a risky job. A misplaced step can lead to several broken tiles — and suddenly a simple task turns into a repair job. Now factor in Missouri’s severe weather. Our state sees its fair share of: Wind-blown debris Falling tree branches Hailstorms Ice dams Each of these can spell trouble for a clay roof. Even a medium-sized hailstone can crack a tile. And when a few tiles break, it creates vulnerabilities that can lead to leaks, underlayment damage, and mold growth in your attic. Bottom line: Clay roofs may look tough, but they’re incredibly fragile — and Missouri’s stormy conditions don’t do them any favors. 3. They’re Incredibly Heavy and Require Special Structural Support Another downside that often surprises homeowners is just how heavy clay tile roofing is. To give you some perspective: Asphalt shingles weigh around 2–3 pounds per square foot. Clay tiles can weigh up to 12 pounds per square foot — or more, depending on the type. That kind of weight isn’t something you can just slap on any old roof. Your home needs to be specifically engineered to handle it, which often involves reinforcing the roof deck, trusses, and other structural components. If your current home wasn’t designed for a clay roof, installing one means a major upfront cost just to upgrade your framing. In my experience, very few homes in mid-Missouri are built with clay roofing in mind. Trying to retrofit one onto an existing structure is almost always more trouble (and money) than it’s worth. Bottom line: Clay roofing is heavy, and most Missouri homes aren’t structurally prepared for the extra weight. 4. Repairs Are Expensive and Complicated Let’s say you go ahead and install a clay roof anyway. What happens when it eventually needs repairs? The truth is, clay tile roofing is expensive and tricky to repair — especially here in Missouri, where the materials and experienced labor can be hard to come by. If a tile breaks, it’s not always easy to find a perfect color or shape match. This can leave your roof looking patchy or mismatched over time. And remember, you can’t just nail a replacement tile in place like you can with asphalt shingles. Clay roofing requires precision, careful handling, and specific techniques to ensure the tile sits properly without cracking. Improper repairs can cause water pooling, tile shifting, or more breakage down the line. We’ve been called in to fix DIY clay roof repairs gone wrong more times than I can count. It’s usually not the homeowner’s fault — it’s just that clay roofs require specialized knowledge and tools that most people (and even many general contractors) don’t have. Bottom line: Repairing a clay roof in Missouri is expensive, time-consuming, and often frustrating. 5. Poor Fit for Missouri’s Climate and Roofing Needs This one’s the kicker. Even if you had the money, the structural support, and access to expert repair crews… clay roofing still isn’t a great fit for our local climate. Missouri throws everything at your roof: Ice and snow in the winter Intense heat and UV in the summer Wind, hail, and flying debris in spring and fall High humidity and mold growth risk Sudden temperature swings year-round Clay tile roofs are best suited to dry, mild, consistent climates like parts of California, Arizona, and the Mediterranean — not a place where you can get all four seasons in one week. Over time, the tiles degrade faster, repairs pile up, and the maintenance costs start to outweigh the benefits. In addition, clay roofs don’t offer the same flexibility as more modern roofing systems when it comes to energy efficiency, venting options, or storm-resistant designs. Bottom line: Missouri homeowners deserve roofing systems that are built for Missouri weather — and clay just isn’t one of them. Final Thoughts from Thomas If you’ve got your heart set on a certain look, I get it. Clay roofs are gorgeous — no argument there. But from a contractor’s perspective, and as someone who wants the best for my neighbors here in Holts Summit and across Missouri, I wouldn’t recommend clay roofing for your home. There are plenty of other options that offer beauty, durability, and better performance in our climate: Architectural shingles that mimic clay’s texture Metal roofing with baked-on finishes that last decades Synthetic slate or composite tiles designed to look like clay but perform like asphalt or metal At M5 Contracting, we specialize in helping Missouri homeowners find the right roofing system for their needs — not just what looks good in a brochure. If you’re weighing your options or have questions about replacing or upgrading your roof, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to chat, give honest advice, and point you in the right direction. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Here’s to strong, storm-proof roofs and smart decisions.  – Thomas McCormack Owner, M5 Contracting Proudly serving Holts Summit and Mid-Missouri

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5 Things You Need To Know Before You Go Metal By Thomas McCormack, Owner of M5 Contracting A Personal Note from Thomas: If you’ve been thinking about upgrading to a metal roof , you’re not alone. Over the past few years, I’ve seen a major shift here in Missouri—homeowners are getting smart about investing in their properties, and metal roofing is one of the most common upgrades we’re asked about. That said, switching to a metal roof isn’t something you just jump into. It’s a big decision, and I believe in making sure every homeowner I work with fully understands the pros, the cons, and everything in between. So before you go metal, here are five things you need to know to make the right call for your home, your budget, and your future. 1. Yes, It Costs More Upfront—But It Pays Off Let’s start with the obvious: metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingles . But there’s a reason for that. You're getting a roof that can last 40–70 years, resist storm damage, reduce energy bills, and boost your home’s value. While you’re paying more upfront, you’re likely saving in the long run —on repairs, replacements, and even insurance premiums. At M5 Contracting, we walk you through the cost breakdown and help you explore financing or insurance claim options if applicable. 2. Not All Metal Roofs Are Created Equal Just like any building material, there are different types of metal roofing systems —and not all of them are high quality. From standing seam panels to metal shingles, and from steel to aluminum or even copper, each option has pros and cons depending on your goals, budget, and home design. We help you navigate those choices so you don’t end up with the wrong product for your home or climate. 3. Proper Installation Is Everything Metal roofs only perform well if they’re installed properly —and unfortunately, not every contractor is trained or experienced in working with metal. Incorrect fastening, poor flashing, and sloppy seams can lead to leaks, noise issues, and premature wear. That’s why at M5 Contracting, we take pride in our specialized metal roofing installs. Our crew follows best practices to the letter, ensuring you get the durability and performance you’re paying for. 4. Metal Roofing Isn’t Just for Modern Homes I hear this all the time: “I love the idea of a metal roof, but I’m not sure it’ll look right on my home.” Truth is, metal roofing is more versatile than most people think . With today’s wide range of colors, profiles, and finishes, we can match virtually any home style—from classic farmhouses to sleek, contemporary builds. Want the look of wood shake, tile, or slate with the performance of metal? We’ve got options for that, too. 5. It Might Get Loud—But It Doesn’t Have To Yes, metal roofing can be noisier during heavy rain or hail—but it doesn’t have to be. With proper underlayment, insulation, and attic design, we can minimize or eliminate sound transfer . In fact, many of our clients are surprised at how quiet their metal roofs actually are after installation. We’ll assess your attic and insulation and make sure your system is installed in a way that keeps things comfortable and quiet. Final Thoughts from Thomas Going metal is a big step—but it’s one I believe in. If you’re looking for a roofing system that’s tough, long-lasting, energy-efficient, and sharp-looking , metal might just be the upgrade your home needs. At M5 Contracting , we’ve helped homeowners all across Missouri make the transition to metal roofing with confidence and clarity. I’d be happy to help you explore your options and make sure you’re set up for success. – Thomas McCormack Owner, M5 Contracting 🏡 Ready to talk metal?Give us a call

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5 STEP DIY ROOF INSPECTION CHECK LIST WITH THOMAS MCCORMACK FROM M5 CONTRACTING M5 Contracting’s 5-Step DIY Roof Inspection Checklist Hey there, Thomas McCormack here, owner of M5 Contracting. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and keeping it in top shape is crucial for protecting your family and belongings. While professional inspections are always a good idea, I know many homeowners like to keep an eye on things themselves. That’s why I’ve put together this simple 5-step DIY roof inspection checklist to help you spot potential issues before they turn into costly repairs. Let’s get started! Step 1: Check for Missing or Damaged Shingles Your shingles take the brunt of Missouri’s tough weather conditions. From ground level, or using a pair of binoculars, look for cracked, curled, or missing shingles . These are signs that your roof may be vulnerable to leaks and needs attention. If you notice a significant amount of damage, it may be time to call in the professionals at M5 Contracting.