NJ Roofing Blog » Cedar / Wood Shake

Cedar Shake Roofing Installation Project in Lebanon, NJ

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:44:47 +0000

Few weeks ago a homeowner from Lebanon, NJ, contacted us regarding her leaking cedar shake roof.

Upon inspection of the roof we discovered that the roof had several substantial leaks and was in very poor condition. We both knew repairs were futile so we started looking into re-roofing options right away.

Like many roofing contractors, LGC Roofing will always suggest the most viable options and if repairs can extend the life of your roof, that’s what we’ll advise. But if your roof leaks, is showing signs of weather damage, or is looking worse for wear, it makes more sense to replace it.

Cedar Shake Roofing Installation Project

The homeowners wanted to retain the original look of the roof and house in general so we’ve offered an estimate for cedar shake medium hand splits roofing installation and soon started the project!

Wood shake roofs are undeniably beautiful and we definitely take pleasure in working with this roofing material!

Considering Cedar Shake Roofing For Your Home?

If you’re thinking about using wood shake shingle roofing on your NJ home, make sure you select a quality product. The best shakes are made from the center of huge, aged cedar trees—and are manufactured by companies who insist upon quality in their shake mills.

If you’re unsure about how to make your decision, contact LGC Roofing for a free wood shake roofing estimate and a list of high-quality cedar shake options. Call 609-712-8157 today to discuss your roofing needs with one of our experienced specialists—or to request a written estimate for your cedar roof repair or replacement project.

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Maintaining Your NJ Wood Shake Roof

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:22:42 +0000

While wood shake roofs are beautiful and possess unfailing character that dates back to Colonial days, home and business owners may be hesitant to consider them because of their perceived maintenance requirements.

It’s true that your wood shake roof will need to be properly maintained to fulfill it’s projected lifespan, but maintenance is not difficult—especially when you rely on the assistance of an affordable, skilled New Jersey roofing contractor.

If you plan to conduct wood shake maintenance yourself, the following tips will come in handy.

Expect and prepare for weathering. Part of the natural beauty of cedar and wood shake roofing is the way its look changes with the introduction of precipitation and sunlight. However, over time your shingles may be overexposed to moisture, UV rays and fungus/algae growth—and shingles can discolor, crack and degrade. If you’d like to slow the rate of weathering and discoloration, apply a pigmented finish that will withstand the elements and preserve the wood’s color. Ask your roofing specialist about the best finish for your wood shakes, since it’s important to choose one that is fire resistant and designed to withstand New Jersey weather extremes.
Maintain your gutters. Like any roofing material, cedar/wood shakes can be damaged by constant moisture. When gutters become full of debris and run-off is not properly directed, water can become trapped beneath or around shingles. This causes premature degradation, along with fungus, algae and mold buildup. Clean your gutters at least twice a year, and trim back large tree branches and other vegetation overhang. This will help you to keep gutters clear of twigs and leaves—and prevent the constant shade that won’t allow shakes to dry out.
Clean your cedar roof as necessary. During semi-annual roof inspections, check your wood shake roofing for lichen, moss and mold growth. Clean affected areas with a homemade solution of warm water, detergent and bleach (a good rule of thumb is to use a mixture of 1 ounce detergent + 1 quart bleach + 3 quarts water).
Check open valley metal and flashing for rust. If you find rusty metal sections during roof inspections, scrub the metal with wire to remove the rust. To prevent rust return, prime metal pieces and coat them with a waterproof protectant.

If you find broken tiles or shingles while climbing on your wood shake roof, remember to repair or replace them immediately to prevent precipitation from ruining adjacent pieces.

Unsure of how to tackle a do-it-yourself cedar shake repair project? Call LGC Roofing at 609-712-8157 today. Our team of cedar and wood shake roofing experts will provide a no-obligation shake repair quote before returning your wood shake roof to the functional, beautiful surface it was created to be.

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Pros and Cons of Choosing Wood Shake Roofing

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:33:06 +0000

Many homeowners opt to install wood shake roofs on their homes because of the material’s natural look and unique personality. And even if a homeowner chooses the same type of shake shingle as their neighbor, the roofs will look different from one another—because of the material’s innate variation in color, pattern, wood cut and thickness.

It’s important to remember, though, that wood shakes are not easy to install. That’s why it’s important to select a skilled New Jersey roofing contractor if you decide on this roof style for your residence or business.

Cost of Wood Shake Roofs

While wood shake roofs are undeniably beautiful, that beauty comes with a cost. You might have to pay three to five times as much for cedar shake roofing as you would for composite or asphalt shingles—in addition to paying a premium for installation.

Cedar shake roofing lasts longer than asphalt roofing, though, with a lifespan of five to 10 more years than standard shingles. When considering the lasting value of wood shakes, you may determine that the material’s longevity is worth the extra cost.

Ask the experts at LGC Roofing about the most economical, attractive wood shake options for your home.

Energy and Environmental Advantages of Wood Shake Roofs

According to the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau, wood shingles are an environmentally sound choice because they’re made from a natural, renewable resource. In addition, cedar shakes are biodegradable—so they won’t sit in landfills for decades (or even centuries) to come, unlike some of their synthetic counterparts.

Depending upon which wood shakes you select, many of them are completely recyclable and take little energy to manufacture in the first place.

Home and business owners with shake roofs also find that the material insulates their attic more efficiently than other roofing materials – while allowing the house to “breathe” and exchange toxins for fresh air.

Maintenance of Wood Shake Roofing

Cedar roofs are undoubtedly a beautiful addition to many structures, but home and business owners should be aware that they require more maintenance than composite shingles.

For example, you may encounter an insect infestation or a case of mold and mildew on your wood shake roof and have to spend money, time and frustration replacing old shakes. And, since previously installed shake shingles begin to fade with weather and time, the new ones will never properly match the older shakes on your roof.

Choosing Your Wood Shake New Jersey Roof

When you’ve finalized your decision to use wood shake shingle roofing on your NJ home, make sure you select a quality product. The best shakes are made from the center of huge, aged cedar trees—and are manufactured by companies who insist upon quality in their shake mills.

If you’re unsure about how to make your decision, contact LGC Roofing for a free woodshake roofing estimate and a list of high-quality cedar shake options. Call 609-712-8157 today to discuss your roofing needs with one of our experienced specialists—or to request a written estimate for your cedar roof repair or replacement project.

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When to Replace a Shingle or Shake Roof

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:32:38 +0000

GAF is widely known for offering a large selection of roofing shingles. They are however more than just a distributor for roofing products and insulation. They provide roofing solutions, home improvement tips, and recommendations to find a professional contractor.

Just like we do here, at LGC Roofing Blog, they offer information, tips, advice and expertise aimed to help homeowners solve their roofing problems.

Recently, I’ve come across this great resource for homeowners to detect whether they need a new shingle or shake roof. You select your roof style and click on any problem shown on a roof diagram to learn what’s causing it and how to fix it.

What I also like is their DesignEyeQ tool where you can experiment with different home looks to find the one you love! Check it out!

Contact Your Local NJ Roofing Contractor

If you need help repairing your damaged roof, contact LGC Roofing for a repair estimate. With over 25 years of experience working with all kinds of roofing materials, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle all types of roofing repairs required.

Call today to schedule a roofing repair consultation or find out which replacement roofing material is best for your home’s architectural look.

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Cedar Shake Roofs Offer Sustainable, Enduring Value

Lukasz Sobczuk — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:14:55 +0000

When it’s time to install a roof on your new or existing home, the material options can seem overwhelming. Before investing in a replacement roof, consider the material best-suited for your climate, architectural style, aesthetic vision and budget. Discuss your options with a reliable roofing expert, and remember to inquire about installation costs, required maintenance and warranty guarantees.

If you’ve thought about moving beyond asphalt roofing to something more attractive and distinctive, consider the benefits of a cedar shake roof.

Wood shake roofs provide character. They enhance the warmth and beauty of your home in a way asphalt and composite shingles simply cannot.
Wood shake roofs are eco-friendly. Made from a natural, renewable resource, cedar roofing can be purchased from companies with sustainable harvesting techniques.
Wood shake roofs insulate well. With up to two-times the insulating value of asphalt shingles, the cellular structure of cedar shake roofs make them an energy-saving addition to your home during summer and winter.
Wood shake roofs are durable. Because they’re able to tolerate harsh winds, hail and even earthquakes, cedar shake roofs are a resilient roofing option for nearly every climate.
Wood shake roofs are versatile. Due to their timeless look, cedar shake roofs complement many architectural styles, including mountain cabins, Victorian abodes, Cape Cod homes and Tudor or Gothic-style residences.
Wood shake roofs are adaptable. When treated with preservatives, your cedar shake roof will resist fungus, decay and fire damage for years to come.

Ready to explore the features of cedar shake or other roofing materials? Need to know how much to budget for your new roof? Call the New Jersey roofing professionals. With over two decades of experience installing and repairing quality roofs, gutters and siding, LGC Roofing brings advanced material technology and unrivaled customer service to both residents and business owners in the New Jersey area.