By Emma Peterson.

Located just outside Memphis, Tennessee in a town called Collierville, Jolly Roofing has built a legacy.

Jolly Roofing’s story begins with Mr. John Jolly in 1968. Today, Roger Glaude (Jolly Roofing’s financial controller) and Trip Swords (their CFO) came to share their company’s story with Alex Tolle for an episode of Roofer of the Month. Trip, who has spent over 25 years with the company, shared a bit more of their origin story, saying, “Mr. Jolly was one of eight brothers and sisters. Probably around age 17 or 18 he basically started his own company, and between '68 and '95, he pretty much ran it himself, until he brought in his son John. In 1995, John got on with his dad and it has pretty much continued to grow to this day and year.”  

When we asked them what their secret to success has been over the years, both Roger and Trip spoke about the people behind Jolly Roofing. Trip shared, “We're very fortunate that a lot of people really bought in to the vision that Mr. Jolly had shared with everyone just decades ago. We have people in the field right now that have been with us back when they were 18 and 19, and these guys, they're in their mid-40s. They've stayed with us, they've helped grow, they've served in all different types of capacity. I mean, it's been a big, big plus for us.” Roger added, “One of the things I really loved about this place is the people and the longevity that people have been here, because it's just incredible how long some of these people have been here. I know one of our guys, he's our superintendent here in Memphis, some of the stories he has starting back in '95 or '96 like hauling shingles with John Jolly on job sites, and now he's one of our superintendents here in Memphis.”

Just last year the company did over $100 million in commercial work for the industrial sector. This not only includes installations, but also repairs, maintenance and more. Roger explained, “One of our big things in a Roof Secure Program. Through Roof Secure, we inspect the roof and if it doesn't look right we report it to the business owner. From there, we can have the re-roof or the maintenance work done. This lets GCs and building owners manage their roofs and do these inspections yearly, so that way they can stay in front of the surprise costs that might come about.”

Read the transcript or Listen to full conversation to learn more about Jolly Roofing and their incredible legacy.

Knowing their home was improperly vented, this homeowner turned to the experts to ask which type of ventilation would be best.

Mark, a homeowner in Texas, asked about properly ventilating his house:

My house is a two story and the roof is improperly vented. The upstairs room is a cathedral ceiling that extends about 6’ down the front slope and is crammed with batt insulation. There is really no way to add ventilation near the ridge without taking out the insulation. My question is, will a vent work on the front slope if it is 6’ from the ridge row? The slope has a 22’ rafter length. I'm considering a solar power vent, but would prefer turbines. Thank you.

Below is what our roofing expert Gary Knighten with Jolly Roofing and Contracting had to say in response to your question:

When I read the above description of the issue I would say if the top ridge line is crammed with insulation then there is probably insulation crammed between each rafter the length of the roof. Also, a power vent will only pull air if it has proper ventilation, this only happens when the roof has soffit vents or gable vents; airflow is generated from powervent as long as air can be pulled/sucked out.

Below is what our roofing expert Andrew Rogers with Progressive Roofing had to say in response to your question:

Just going off the little bit of information provided, there’s multiple different options. I would look into gable vents, soffit vents and potentially ridge vent. The goal is to find the vent that would vent across all studs and provide adequate air flow to vent the space. Typically you’d want a vent to allow air in and then a separate source to allow air out. Soffit vents are typically the best option for the inlet combined with a ridge vent for outlet. Gable vents are great options also. I’ve attached a link to all three types. The power vent the homeowner referenced would only move air in the one cavity between studs.

Most of the vent manufacturers will provide coverage for each vent in terms of how many square feet is vented per vent. For example one vent for 600 square feet. Refer to the manufacturers instructions for the number of vents needed.

Here is a link to a continuous soffit vent example (we are not endorsing this product and know nothing of its reliability, it’s merely an example of a continuous soffit vent application)
Continuous Soffit Ventscanplas.com

Here is an example of a ridge vent (we are not endorsing this product it’s merely an example of a ridge vent).
What is a Ridge Vent and When Is One Usedgaf.com

Here is an example of a gable vent (we are not endorsing this product it’s merely an example of a gable vent).
How to Install Gable Vents in an Attic? - A Guide!vulcanvents.com

Roofing expert Henry Staggs had this to say:

I am picturing a completely filled cavity. There would be little to know about airflow through that space. At the very least he might put in a ridge vent and some intake vents under the eave. 

Air could travel freely, but that may also allow for moisture to get in that insulation, VIA vapor drive. Which could be problematic, given that the area is full and air may move slowly or not at all. 

Continue the conversation on our Forum!