NJ Roofing Blog » Roof Maintenance

Spring Maintenance of Your Wood Shake Roof

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:35:39 +0000

Part of the charm of a wood or cedar roof is the weathered look that comes with exposure to the natural elements. Wood shake roofing is surprisingly resilient to the weather, but it does require proper roof maintenance to enhance its appearance, maximize its effectiveness, and prolong its life. By following few simple steps in the spring, the average homeowner can be assured of keeping a beautiful and efficient wood shake roof for many years to come.

Spring Maintenance of Your Wood Shake Roof

Spring is the perfect time for homeowners to check wood shake roofing for damage after the ravages of winter weather and early spring storms. The inspection should take note of conditions like broken or curled shakes, rusted or loosened flashing, and cracked areas around chimneys and joints. These indicate repairs that will need to be made to maintain the integrity of the roof. Likewise, overhanging branches, debris-filled gutters, and moss or lichen growing on the shakes indicate areas where roof maintenance is needed. All of these conditions lead to the build-up of moisture, which can cause erosion and speed up decay of wood shakes.

Typically, those repairs require the attention of your local roofer, but simple roof maintenance can be performed by the homeowner who is handy. Tree limbs that shade or overhang the roof retard drying and should be trimmed away. Gutters should be cleaned to prevent blockage and the growth of mold and fungi. Rust that is detected on flashing and other metal surfaces should be removed and treated. Dirt, debris, lichen, and moss may prevent drainage of the roofing surface and retain moisture. A garden hose and a stiff brush should be used to loosen the build-up and wash it away.

The homeowner who prefers to leave roof maintenance tasks to a professional can choose additional options for preserving and enhancing wood shake roofing. Power-washing and the application of chemical cleaning solutions, preservatives, and pigmented finishes can add resilience and enhance the roof’s appearance. These treatments require training and special equipment, and, if improperly applied, can erode the shakes and harm surrounding surfaces and foliage. A reputable roofing contractor can advise the homeowner on the appropriate treatments for his roof, and then make sure that those treatments are applied safely.

If you would like to have professional care for your wood shake roof, call LGC Roofing, your leading NJ roofing contractor. We have over two decades of experience installing and caring for New Jersey roofs. Our experts can inspect your home or business, and advise you on the best products and procedures to prolong the beauty and maintain the function of your wood shake roof. Give us a call today at 609-712-8157 or request more information online!

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Metal Roof Maintenance: Preventing Corrosion

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:44:14 +0000

Metal roofing is well-known for its durability, but another of its advantages is that it is relatively easy to maintain.

Metal Roofing Maintenance – Preventing Corrosion

Your primary task in metal roof maintenance is to prevent corrosion, which can ruin both the appearance and the structural integrity of your roof. Preventing corrosion involves the periodic application of protective coatings and paying attention to details when performing minor repairs.

When a roofing contractor installs a new metal roof, they take care not to put different types of metal in contact with one another. For example, if you invested in a new copper roof, the washers and screws used to hold the roofing panels in place should be made of the same metal, instead of iron or stainless steel. This is because corrosion occurs more quickly when unlike metals are used together. Keeping this in mind, if you ever need to replace an individual metal roofing panel and you want to do the job yourself, make sure to use the proper fasteners.

Similarly, a newly installed metal roof is protected by a special anti-corrosive coating, which was applied by the manufacturer. This coating eventually wears off, though, so you will need to reapply a new protective coating in its place. There are several types of coatings used to protect metal roofing panels, and your NJ roofing contractor can recommend the best one—and advise on how frequently it should be applied. Most of these coatings, including plastisol, acrylic and silicone, last between three and five years—but some can last as long as nine years.

Metal roofing is specially designed to be low-maintenance, so if you keep your roofing panels free of rust and corrosion while ensuring they are properly protected, the rest should take care of itself. However, if you do notice any rust, damaged panels or leaks, be sure to repair your roof right away to prevent the problem from spreading.

Considering Metal Roofing?

If you are looking for a long-term roofing investment requiring little to no maintenance but offering many benefits, metal roofing is a excellent choice. To determine whether a metal roof is right for you call LCG Roofing today. With over two decades of experience, our expertise is unparalleled. Call 609-712-8157 to schedule your free installation estimate today!

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Post Winter Gutter Inspection & Maintenance

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:08:44 +0000

The crocuses are blooming, the birds are chirping and you’ve made in through another New Jersey winter. Performing a post winter roof & gutter inspection will ensure that your house has done the same.

Aggressive winter weather can wreak havoc on your home, often requiring gutters repairs as the warm weather arrives. Attend to gutter maintenance swiftly with the help of your local roofing and gutter contractor to avoid leaking and other problems during spring rains.

Gutter Inspection & Roof Safely

You will need a ladder to accurately assess the condition of your gutters. During an inspection, ensure your safety and that of others around you by placing the ladder on dry, level ground. Enlist a family member or friend to hold the ladder steady as you work. If at any time you feel uncomfortable performing your own gutter inspection, descend from the ladder slowly and safely and call a professional roofer for assistance.

Your inspection will most likely start with gutter cleaning. Wear a pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands as you clear the gutters of leaves, twigs and other debris that has settled during the winter. Once the gutters are clean, you will be able to view damaged sections more easily.

Common Gutter Repairs

Common post winter issues that necessitate gutter repair include:

Blocked drainage: Pooled water can mean that the gutter hangers are installed improperly or missing, or that the gutter pitch needs to be positioned at a sharper downward angle.
Water trickling: Water that trickles between the gutter and your home’s fascia may be the result of damaged gutter aprons. These small pieces attach to both the roof and the gutter, but can be repaired or replaced quite easily.
Sags, cracks and holes: The gutters, themselves, can become damaged from ice, hail and high winds.

Post winter gutter maintenance and repair is essential and can save your home’s roof and siding from become damaged from the elements. Keep your gutter system healthy by having your local NJ roofing contractor inspect your roof & gutters twice yearly, in the fall and spring. Tackle minor repairs as soon as possible to avoid bigger, more expensive roof and gutter replacement projects in the future.

To learn more about gutter inspection, seasonal roof maintenance and affordable roof replacement, contact LGC Roofing, your New Jersey family-owned roof contractor.

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Top 3 Winter Roof Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:39:34 +0000

The wet, cold weather that characterizes New Jersey winters can cause significant damage to your roof. Like other professional residential roofers, we recommend you take certain winter roof maintenance steps to help your home’s structures remain safe and sound throughout the year.

The below roofing maintenance calls for vigilance, some elbow grease and a bit of patience. Your efforts will pay off in the end.

Top 3 Winter Roof Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

The three most important winter roof maintenance tips for homeowners include snow removal, protection and ventilation. Contact your local NJ residential roofing company to learn more about keeping your roof healthy during the winter.

Snow Removal

Snow and ice are your winter roof’s worst enemies, mainly due to the weight of the precipitation. Ice dams form when snow is not removed efficiently after a storm and later begins to melt. When the melted snow re-freezes at night or during a sub-freezing day, a dam forms in or near your gutters, and impedes the run-off of snow and water behind the dam. Ice dams and excess moisture can weaken the shingles and cause roof leaks.

Remember that snowy roofs can be very slippery; work slowly and carefully to avoid injury.

Protective Measures

Residential roofing inspections throughout the year can alert you to potential problems and may help you prevent leaking during the coldest months.

Mislaid or faulty flashing is a possible source for leaking, and should be repaired prior to the first snow to prevent wetness from seeping into your house. Similarly, broken and chipped shingles can allow moisture to transfer from the roof to your ceilings after a storm.

Call your New Jersey roofer to perform a bi-annual inspection in fall and spring, and to repair any faulty structures on your roof. The application of heat tape is another protective measure that may reduce ice dam-induced roof damage. Apply heat tape in a zig-zag pattern to promote proper drainage, even through ice dams.

Ventilation

Winter roofing maintenance should include a brief assessment of your ventilation system. Inadequate ventilation and insulation from your attic can not only cause your home to remain cool in the frosty weather, but also can encourage the formation of ice dams. Your New Jersey roofing professionals can inspect your roof and determine if your ventilation system & insulation is efficient enough to keep your home toasty warm and your roof protected from the elements.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

LGC Roofing serves a wide service area in New Jersey, including Middlesex, Monmouth, Burlington, Somerset, Hunterdon and Mercer counties. Contact us today to learn more about winter roof maintenance or to schedule a repair.

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Flat Roofing: Preventing Winter Damage in Commercial Roofs

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:08:50 +0000

Roof damage in the state of NJ is quite common during the winter months, and can be especially costly in commercial roofing.

While flat roofs are built to withstand a fair amount of snow, extreme ice buildup can cause structural damage if it is not properly handled. Some commercial roof repairs are inevitable, but there are ways to protect your flat roofing from the aftermath of heavy storms.

Common Flat Roofing Damage

The most common winter roofing problem is ice damming, which can do extreme damage to flat roofing and low-sloped roofs. As snow falls on your facility’s EPDM roof and warm air rises toward the ceiling and attic, the snow melts. When snowmelt runs toward gutters or low-sloped eaves, it refreezes and builds a dam. During continual freeze-thaw cycles, these ice dams become bigger and trap additional moisture on the roof. As water accumulates, your business or industrial facility can experience roof leaks that lead to expensive repairs.

In addition to ice damming, winter water buildup leads to gutter problems. Gutters become filled with ice, preventing proper drainage and putting undue pressure on the structure of your commercial gutter system. In extreme cases, you may need to replace damaged gutters or remove portions of the system to melt the ice and get rid of debris buildup.

Preventing Ice Dam and Gutter Damage

While it is not possible to prevent ice damming 100% of the time, commercial building owners can take steps to reduce flat roof damage.

First, make sure that your facility has adequate attic ventilation and insulation. A properly insulated attic prevents warm air from reaching the underside of the roof and beginning the vicious melt/refreeze process.
Next, clean and inspect gutters at least twice a year. The less leaf, twig and debris buildup, the more likely your gutter system can handle snow runoff rather than allowing moisture to pool.
Finally, as snow piles and ice dams begin to form on commercial roofing, it may be time to hire a roofing professional to remove some of the weight and mitigate damage. Climbing on snowy or ice roofs is dangerous work, and should only be done by professionals who are properly equipped.

To schedule your winter inspection of your commercial roof, or to request a roofing repair estimate for your facility, contact LGC roofing professionals today. With almost three decades of experience in residential and commercial roof repairs and replacement, we are NJ’s top experts on flat roofing and seasonal roof maintenance.

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When to Hire a Roofing Inspection Contractor

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:44:46 +0000

Roof inspectors are professional contractors who specialize in diagnosing the nature of roof problems and providing accurate repair estimates.

While some roofing problems are obvious—missing shingles, weather damage, rot—others are very difficult for a layperson to identify. Roofing contractors in NJ can help you minimize expenses by precisely diagnosing the nature of the problem and providing you with multiple options for correcting it.

When to Hire a Roofing Inspection Contractor

Professional roofing inspection may be especially beneficial when:

You are considering the purchase of a new home. If you’re thinking about buying an older home, or you suspect there may be roofing problems, getting a professional inspection done provides you with an objective opinion you can trust.
You are selling your home. A roofing inspector has the specific knowledge needed to help you accurately calculate price adjustments if you’re not going to replace your roof in advance of selling your house.
You are experiencing leaks but are unable to identify their source. This is a problem that only a professional can solve, and it’s not one you want to put off solving. Leaks can lead to serious structural damage.
Your roofing is more than 20 years old. A professional roofing inspector can also identify problems before they happen, and in many cases, you can save a great deal of money if you address them early.

Commercial Roofing Inspection Tip

If you are the owner or manager of a commercial property, there are additional circumstances that may require you to call in a roofing inspector.

Commercial roofing contractors can help ensure that your facilities are up to state and regional safety codes. It is strongly recommended that you consult a roofing contractor before finalizing the purchase or sale of any commercial property, as you may be held legally responsible in the event that roofing problems lead to personal injury or damage to the businesses operating in the building.

At LGC Roofing, we offer both residential roofing and commercial roofing inspection and repair services. We’ve earned a well-deserved reputation for elite performance at a fair and affordable price, so if you want to protect yourself before purchasing or selling property, or if you need to diagnose the nature of a roofing problem, contact us for a free estimate.

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Residential Roofing: Fall Inspection of Your Roof Shingles

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:05:32 +0000

As the days get shorter and winter makes an appearance, it’s the ideal time to schedule your fall roofing inspection. Autumn is the prime time to take care of any minor roofing repairs that may be needed to keep your roof shingles healthy during the long, bitter cold.

Healthy Shingles for a Safe Roof

A shingle roof is the most popular roofing structure, though the material type varies widely. Shingles composed of wood, slate, tile or asphalt are the outward surface of your roof, and can suffer greatly during inclement weather.

Rain, snow, hail and even extreme heat can cause shingle damage, including:

• blistering
• peeling
• curling
• loss of granules
• cracking
• rotting

The exact nature of the shingle damage to your home’s roofing may vary according to recent weather events and shingle materials.

The bottom line, however, remains the same: shingle damage can lead to roof leaks, roof buckling and structural damage if it’s not caught early.

Shingle Roof Inspection

When it’s time for semi-annual roof maintenance, LCG Roofing has the experience and professionalism to manage all of your residential roofing needs.

Contact your experienced residential roofing NJ contractor to schedule a fall inspection. Fall shingle inspections are performed with utmost attention to detail, particularly around the chimney, attic vents and flashing, to make sure shingles and roof underlayment are structurally sound.

Shingle roof inspections also include assessment of gutters, siding and eaves. Signs of dry rot or water damage should be addressed in a timely fashion to prevent further damage as the wintry weather approaches.

Contact LGC Roofing today at (609) 712-8157 to inquire about fall shingle inspections or to schedule your NJ roofing repairs. We are a family-owned company that has served New Jersey since 1985, and we strive to provide total client satisfaction with every service visit!

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Fall Roof Maintenance: From Inspection to Gutter Cleaning

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:01:00 +0000

The crisp cool air and sweater weather is a sure sign that fall has arrived in New Jersey. Fall is not only the time to bundle up, winterize your garden and settle in for the cold ahead—but it’s also the season for giving extra attention to your roof and gutter systems.

Before snow storms move in, schedule an autumn roof inspection with a reputable New Jersey roofing contractor.

Importance of Fall Roof Inspection

Your roof can sustain damage throughout the year from rain, hail and severe temperatures—at either end of the heat spectrum. The trained eye of a qualified roofing professional can spot minor problems such as bruising, water stains and dry rot.

Repairing these instances of minor damage before winter arrives can help prevent larger and more costly problems heading into spring. A thorough fall roof inspection can give you a head start on fixing your roof, and may prevent you from spending a lot of money on a complete replacement.

Proper Gutter Maintenance

A widespread problem facing New Jersey homeowners is water damage stemming from pooling snow and ice.

The gutters on your home are designed to keep moisture flowing off of your roof and away from your home. However, gutters that become clogged with leaves, dirt and other debris impede the normal drainage process, making the structure more susceptible to water damage.

Gutters that are warped from inclement weather, or those that have been improperly installed, may also contribute to roof damage.

If you have sustained gutter damage, call LCG Roofing, your trusted New Jersey roofing contractor. Our team of professionals not only performs roof repairs, but gutter repairs and installations, as well.

Get Ready For Winter, Contact LGC Roofing

The National Roofing Contractor’s Association recommends twice-yearly roof inspections to keep your home safe from weather-related roof damage. The fall and spring are optimum times to schedule both a roof inspection and a gutter cleaning.

Just as your mark your calendar for planting and winterizing your garden, make roof and gutter maintenance part of your annual routine. Call LGC Roofing at (609) 712-8157 to schedule your next roof inspection—or inquire about high-performance roof replacement.

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5 DIY Tips for Proper Slate Roofing Inspection

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:27:02 +0000

Slate is one of the most attractive and durable roofing materials on the market, but it may require occasional repairs and service.

You may not need to completely replace your slate roof if you’ve sprung a roof leak or have localized problems, but it is important to conduct a thorough inspection to determine the nature and the extent of the damage.

While it’s recommended that you leave major slate repairs to your qualified NJ roofing contractor, you can perform a DIY slate roofing inspection.

5 Tips for Proper Slate Roofing Inspection

Here are five important tips:

Prioritize safety. First, never walk on a slate roof to perform your inspection. Unlike asphalt shingles—which you also shouldn’t walk on if you can help it—slate roofs are smooth and don’t have the coarse surface that helps you maintain your footing. Instead, perform your inspection from a sturdy ladder, or use binoculars to make your inspection from a distance. Roof safety should always be your priority.
Look for evidence of weathering. If you notice that the slate appears spongy, unusually thin, has scales along the edges, is delaminated or has whitish mineral salt rings spreading across its surface, this may mean that exposure to the elements has weakened the slate and it needs replacement.
Check for fastener failures. If the roof has cracks, holes or has patchy or missing pieces of slate, the fasteners may be to blame. In many cases, you need only replace the missing slate or damaged areas while leaving the rest of the roof intact.
Recognize flashing failures. If you’re experiencing attic leaks, or if the chimney flashings appear tarry, you may have what are known as “flashing failures.” Other telltale signs of a flashing failure are corroded or leaky liners.
Assess the results. As a general rule of thumb: if more than one-quarter of the roof has fastener failures or more than one-quarter of the slate shingles are worn or damaged, replacing your slate roof in its entirety is an investment that you should consider making.

If your slate roof requires repair or replacement, LGC Roofing contractors are among New Jersey’s most trusted roofers. Offering slate roofing installation and repair services for both residential and commercial buildings, we provide affordable inspection, repair and replacement services that help you protect your property investment while achieving beautiful results. Call today to schedule your consultation!

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Do-It-Yourself Roofing Repair Safety Tips

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:45:58 +0000

No matter how simple your roofing repair, completing do-it-yourself roofing work can be dangerous if you don’t observe basic safety measures.

Do-It-Yourself Roofing Repair Safety Tips

Select proper footwear. Don’t risk slipping off of your shingle or metal roof in that old pair of tennis shoes. Instead, choose a pair of rubber-soled work shoes or boots with good tread.
Watch the weather. Do-it-yourself roofing repairs are best made on a warm, clear day when roofing materials are dry and there’s no chance of moisture, wind or icy conditions. Watch the forecast, and avoid climbing onto the roof until morning dew has evaporated. If you’re facing a roofing emergency during wet weather, it’s best to call your New Jersey roofing contractor to complete your repair.
Observe ladder safety. If the ground below your ladder is uneven, level it with plywood or something similar. You may even want to secure it with stakes. Once it is fully extended and leaning against the roof, fasten the ladder’s top to a rafter using roof anchors or large nails. If your roof is more than one story high, you may wish to consider purchasing or renting a roof harness system, as well.
Prepare supplies in advance. There’s nothing worse than reaching the rooftop—just to realize that a critical tool or repair material is sitting on the ground, below. Make a list of the materials and tools you’ll need to complete the DIY repair, and be careful when hoisting them onto the roof. Once you’ve gathered your supplies, a rope pulley or roof harness system makes tool transport easier and safer.
Take your time, and work carefully. Most rooftop injuries occur when home or business owners are frustrated or in a hurry to complete a repair. Be patient during roofing repairs, and take breaks when you’re tired—especially when it’s hot outside.
Clean your work area before you begin a repair. It’s important to sweep off debris and dirt that could cause you to slip, as well as remove nails, screws or other fasteners that could hurt you when you kneel on the metal, shingle or wood shake roof. Wearing knee pads is also a helpful way to prevent knee fatigue or injury from sharp objects.
Install toe holds. When working on a steep roof, consider installing 2” by 4” wood toe holds. Simply nail the pieces of wood to the roof’s decking, and remove the toe holds when your repairs are complete. Adjustable roof jacks are another DIY option, if you’d prefer not to install handmade toe holds.

Perhaps the most important roof safety guideline of all is to let someone know when you’ll be climbing on the roof. If your family members are not home, contact a neighbor to let them know of your plans—and remember to clip your cell phone to your belt or harness while you’re working.

Safety First

When your roof is beyond repair—and requires total replacement—contact LGC Roofing for a comprehensive estimate. Our team of licensed experts has decades of experience with all roofing types, and can help you select the material that is best suited to your home. Call 609-712-8157 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation with NJ’s best roofing contractor.