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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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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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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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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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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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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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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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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.  
4. 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.
5.  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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

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Why Get a Home Roof Inspection?

When you have your roof inspected, you’ll be issued pretty thorough information about the condition of your roof.  You’ll also receive an estimate of how long you can expect your roof to last.  At that time, you can also find out what repairs may be needed, and get a cost estimate.

If you’re buying or selling a house, a roof inspection is essential: as a seller, you’ll be required by law to provide potential buyers with information about your roof’s condition.  If you’re interested in buying a new home, a roof inspection can tell you what you can expect.

Roof Inspection: What to Expect

Having your roof inspected is a simple and pain-free process.

An inspector will climb onto your roof to check for any problems, and  if an issues are present, the inspector should be able to tell you what you can do about it. Often, the same inspector can provide you with an estimate of how much money you’ll need to spend on any roofing repairs needed.  The sooner you find out about a problem, the easier it will be to solve. It may even save you money in the long run!

During the inspection, your roofing inspector will check ridges, caps, drip edges, drains, downspouts, and gutters.  You’ll also want to make sure they also take a look at the flashing around pipes, chimneys, vents, and other areas prone to leakage to make sure everything is in good condition.  If the inspector discovers a problem with any of these areas, he or she should be able to tell you exactly what the issue is and how urgently the repairs are needed.

When to Have Your Roof Inspected?

We suggest having your roof inspected twice a year: in the spring and before winter.

In addition, it’s important to know about the materials that make up your roof, as these may determine how prone to damage your roof is.  Your roof may feature composition shingles, slate, metal, wood shakes, clay or concrete tiles, steel or EPDM.  If your roof is made of wood shakes, for example, it will likely require regular repairs and maintenance after about 10 years of wear and tear.  Tile roofs, on the other hand, can often last for as long as 50 years without needing any repairs.

Be sure to learn about the type of maintenance your roof will require over time and have your roof inspected twice a year to address any problems that may be present.  By staying on top of your roof inspections, you can prolong the life of your roof and save money on costly repairs.

Schedule Your NJ Roof Inspection Today

If it’s been awhile since you had a roofing contractor look over your home’s roof and gutter systems request a professional roofing inspection from LGC Roofing. After examining your home’s roof, we will offer you maintenance tips, quote required repairs or discuss gutter, siding and window replacement. Protect your home by making an appointment today!

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Protect your home investment by maintaining one of your most valuable assets: the roof over your head. Instead of leaving it to chance, be sure to perform regular maintenance checks on your roof annually.

4 Steps to DIY Spring Roofing Maintenance

Step #1: Perform a Visual Inspection

Take the time to get to know your roof. Look for visible signs of damage like missing shingles, warping, or discoloration. Notice if certain areas are more prone to damage than other, be sure to take a closer look.

For example, if your roof has grain-coated asphalt shingles, you might notice that the grain is worn. As this happens, shingles become more prone to water damage. Additionally, if you notice places where pools of water collect, it might be time to call in a professional roofer.

Step #2: Do the Dirty Work

Plan a spring cleaning for your roof’s most important parts. Be sure to remove any visible moss and mold that may have built up between the shingles, as these eventually lead to damage and rot. The best method for clearing moss away from your roof, invest in a moss removal solution. Unlike power washing, which can further damage your shingles, the moss remover solution is sprayed on and brushed away with a broom.

Once you’ve cleared the roof, be sure to flush gutters and downspouts, removing the leaves, nests, and other debris that may have gathered there. Be sure that the downspouts are also debris-free by flushing them with water. This part of the process is messy, but well worth the time. As the water escapes, be sure the water is flowing away from your foundation.

Next, inspect soffits, fascias and vents for nests and debris. Animals often find these warm hiding places ideal for building their homes, but when damage occurs, birds and squirrels don’t have to buy a new roof. Be sure to check the roof’s entire perimeter, and clean accordingly.

Step #3: Secure your Flashing and Sealants

Now that the cleaning is all out of the way, it’s time to pull out your toolbox. Inspect the strips of metal that connect skylights or chimneys to the roof—this is called the flashing. Over time, wind and other weather can loosen flashing, which can lead to mold or water damage inside your home.

Make sure these seals are tight, if not, tack them back on securely. While checking flashing, it’s a good idea to simultaneously checking for cracked or weakened caulk. After scraping off the old stuff, the area should be cleaned and resealed with fresh caulk.

Step #4: When In Doubt

If you are uncertain about how to perform any of these roof maintenance steps, or don’t feel comfortable with your level of knowledge in the area, don’t hesitate to contact a professional roofing contractor.

If you live in New Jersey and aren’t sure where to begin your spring roofing maintenance, give us a call for a no-obligation roofing maintenance estimate.

For more than 25 years, LGC Roofing has provided honest and professional roofing maintenance and repairs in New Jersey. Call (609) 712-8157 to speak to our expert team today!

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Installing and maintaining gutters can be a challenge, but it’s necessary if you want them to function as they should.

Step #1 – Proper Gutter Installation

Proper maintenance begins when you install the gutters.

When selecting residential rain gutters, make sure the parts you purchase fit tightly against your roof, so water doesn’t leak down the sides. Do-it-yourself gutter pieces are typically made of plastic, vinyl or metal, and snap easily together. A tight seal between these gutter parts prevents the damage caused by leaking.

In addition, it’s a wise idea to purchase extra pieces when you’re assembling the gutter; they can be used as replacement parts when old pieces wear out.

As you install, ensure that the gutters run slightly downhill to prevent water pooling and resulting damage. Proper pitching is very important in gutter longevity.

Step #2 – Gutter Maintenance and Repair

Once gutters are installed, check them regularly for damage and repair.

Examine your NJ home’s gutters frequently after it rains, looking for areas where the water pools. This pooling signals a potential leak in the drainage system, and standing water can damage the metal parts of your gutter system or cause a leak between the seals.

In addition, plan for a spring gutter cleaning and a fall gutter cleaning every year: clearing out the leaves and other debris before they build up and clog downspouts. Screens and other devices make this easier, but you should still plan for a fall & spring gutter inspection to ensure that vinyl and metal gutters are safely funneling water away from your home’s structure.

Safety First!

Always practice care when installing gutters.

• Don’t check them immediately after a rain when surfaces are slick.
• Wear shoes with good traction and use a ladder that is sturdy and in good condition.
• If you’re climbing a ladder or working on a roof, make sure someone else is home and within shouting distance. In case of an accident, they can call for help or come to your aid.

Proper Installation & Maintenance Key to Healthy Gutter Systems

Prefer to leave gutter installation and repair to the professionals? Contact LGC Roofing! We’re the best NJ roofing contractor in the state: family owned and operated for over twenty years.

Our work stands up to the harshest weather conditions, and we offer prompt roofing repair services for when emergencies happen. Our fully insured and licensed staff is standing by to assist you, so call us today, at (609) 712-8157, or request a free estimate on your spring gutter repair or gutter cleaning services.

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Winters in New Jersey are cold, messy and seemingly never-ending and this year has been particularly harsh. However, spring brings with it a new group of home responsibilities, including scheduling your spring roof inspection with a reputable NJ roofing contractor.

Why Do I Need Regular Roofing Inspections?

Spring roof inspections are important because your roof can take quite a beating every winter. Snow and ice that sits on top of your home can block precipitation from draining off of your roof.

Damage from pooling water and ice can include leakage into your home, cracked and bruised shingles and damaged storm collars.

It’s important that every homeowner includes a roofing inspection (handled by a professional roofer) in their Spring cleaning projects. Addressing small problems that have now will surely extend the life of your roof and save you huge replacement cost.

What Happens During a Spring Roof Inspection?

Your roofing contractor will assess the condition of your roof for a variety of potential problems that might have occurred over the winter, including:

• Moisture damage to shingles: curling, cracking and blistering indicate worn shingles
• Wind damage: may result in missing or broken tiles
• Leakage: ice dams can create leaks in your home
• Gutter damage from heavy wind, ice and snow
• Staining and streaking from mold and mildew
• Loose flashing or seals

The roofing professional inspecting your home will walk around the outside of your home to look for visible damage before he ascends the roof. He will then take a closer look at the shingles and structures on your roof, and may ask to inspect the interior of your home as the part of the roof inspection process.

You may have water stains, or paint and wallpaper bubbling on the interior walls and ceiling of your home; these can all indicate a roof leak.

Depending on the size of your home and the condition of your roof, a spring inspection can take as little as 45 minutes or may extend to over an hour.

Need a Quality Roofer to Handle Your Roof Inspections

LGC Roofing, a licensed and insured family-owned business, has more than 20 years’ experience in roof inspections and roof repairs . Have your roof inspected and attend to repairs early in the spring to prevent further complications as the temperatures climb and the spring rains arrive.

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