4 Steps to Diagnosing a Leaky Metal Roof

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Need a roofer? Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate on your roofing project. We’ll be happy to assist you!

If the metal roof on your home or business develops a leak, it’s important to locate and repair it quickly so you don’t incur damage to your drywall, floors, molding and insulation.

While it may take awhile to find, there are several things to look for when you’re trying to diagnose a metal roof leak.

4 Steps to Diagnosing a Leaky Metal Roof

1. If the attic is accessible, inspect it with a flashlight. You’re looking for discoloration and dark stains indicating that the wood is wet—or was recently wet. In extreme cases, you may see mold or mildew stains inside the attic. If possible, trace the dark stain to a screw or nail hole, roof valley or joint. Take note of its location before heading out to inspect the metal roof’s exterior.
2. On a sunny, dry day, examine the exterior of your roof—paying special attention to the potentially leaky valleys, joints and screws you noted in the attic. Several things may cause leaks, including loose flashing, joints, ridge caps or fasteners. Re-secure all loose fasteners and check the integrity of all joints, making sure that all caulking is in tact and water is not seeping underneath. Extreme heat or cold can damage rubber sealant, so you may need to reapply it in potentially leaky areas. Make sure you purchase caulking that is approved for exterior, metal roof use.
3. Carefully inspect the perimeter of the chimney, if one is present, since flashing can draw up around the chimney’s edge. It’s important to replace or tighten all warped flashing to avoid future water problems. You may also wish to apply a new layer of caulking around the chimney’s base.
4. Remember, water damage can be difficult to diagnose because it does not always occur directly below your metal roof leak. Water may run down a valley and trickle into a window, or pool in the attic and cause damage to interior walls.

Don’t Let a Leak in Your Metal Roof Go Unnoticed

If you’re not comfortable inspecting your metal roof yourself or are unable to find the source of a persistent roof leak, call LGC Roofing, top NJ roofing professionals. Our technicians will thoroughly inspect your home’s interior and exterior, recommending affordable roof repairs before you develop a costly structural issue or an ongoing mold problem.

Barrel Tile Roof Restoration – NJ Roofing Project

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Need a roofer? Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate on your roofing project. We’ll be happy to assist you!

The project

Few weeks ago we were called by a worried homeowner in Teaneck, NJ who requested a roof inspection as she suspected a leak damaging the tile rood of her house. We often get such calls, especially at this time of the year when the weather takes a huge tall on a roofing structure.

Upon inspection of the roof we discovered not one but several leaks caused by broken tiles and rusted flashings. We offered an estimate for a leak repair and roof restoration and got the job!

The process

First step was to carefully remove all of the existing barrel tiles from the roof.

Special care is taken to avoid any further damage to existing tile and make sure that we salvage as much as possible.

Once the tile was removed and collected, the next step was to inspect the underlying wood decking.

There was significant damage here, so we replaced the decking as needed, removing rotted material and installing new pieces.

Next we installed copper flashings, then ice and water shield underlayment and wood to support tile.

Finally, the roof was ready for the tile. We re-installed all of the salvaged tiles filling in with additional ones as needed.

Another great project done. Another happy NJ homeowner! Thank you LGC Roofing TEAM!

3 Reasons for Common Winter Roof Repairs: Leaks, Water Damage and Ice Dams

Thanks for visiting! We are LGC Roofing, family owned and operated New Jersey roofer. You can keep track of us via our RSS feed, connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Need a roofer? Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate on your roofing project. We’ll be happy to assist you!

The annual season of snow, wind and ice can brutalize our home’s exterior, leaving a number of frustrating roofing repairs in its wake. To avoid wet (and expensive) damage to your roof this winter, it’s important to educate yourself on common winter roof problems and take immediate action to save costly, time-consuming damage to your residence.

Problem #1: Roof Leak at Flashing or Drain

Roofs tend to leak in several main locations.

• For sloped roofs, residents may notice a post-storm roof leak at flashing areas—where aluminum is installed to protect roof edges and corners. Improper installation or high winds and rain can loosen flashing, causing it to pull away. Flashing inspections can be conducted prior to winter’s worst storms to ensure that it’s attached well enough to prevent water seepage. Flashing is also relatively inexpensive to replace, so replacing it before a major storm can save you thousands in repairs.
• Homeowners with flat roofs may notice leaks at drain locations. These leaks typically occur because a drain has not been properly maintained. When it becomes clogged with debris, drainage is slowed. Conducting monthly to bi-monthly inspections of drains and terraced areas can help avoid the clogs that lead to more major problems.

Problem #2: Structural Water Damage

Heavy snowstorms or ice buildupkeeps your home from heating efficiently, and can cause damage to roofing shingles and trusses, as well. If you live in an area with severe winter weather, consider asking a qualified roofing professional about installing an attic ventilation system. Attic vents help to circulate air in and out of your home’s attic, reducing interior condensation and preventing snow and ice from remaining on your roof for long periods. As mentioned in our previous blogs, proper roofing ventilation can save homeowners hundreds a year on their utility bills, as well.

Problem #3: Ice Damming

When snow and ice accumulate in gutters and along roof ridges, melting water is unable to drain properly. As water backs up behind these ice dams, it can seep under flashing or penetrate your roof shingles, tiles, ceilings and walls—leading to major water damage. To prevent ice dams from ruining your home’s exterior and interior, remove snow from the roof using a roof rake (if it’s a safe option).

In the long-term, it’s important to seal air leaks between your roof and attic, increase roofing insulation and ensure that your ceiling is air tight.

In Conclusion

Being aware of common winter problems, continually maintaining your home’s roof during fall and winter and a regular roof inspection can help you avoid a roof leak, costly roof repair—or even an entire roof replacement.

Don’t risk costly damage. Ask LGC Roofing to assess your home for potential leaks, ice dams and ventilation problems this winter, and plan to schedule regular winter maintenance in order to protect your home’s exterior and save time—and cash.

Fall Is The Best Time For Roof Replacement

If you are thinking about roof replacement, fall is by far the best time to handle it. The timing can’t be better. It’s not too hot anymore but it’s still warm enough to allow shingles to seal properly before the cold weather arrives. Wait few more months and it will be too late.

It is obvious that winter is the most challenging time for roof material. Make sure your roof is in good shape before the snow, freezing rain and gusty winds arrive.

Even the smallest problem might turn into a disaster when you have a lot of snow covering your roof. If you’re not sure whether your roof is in good condition, arrange for an inspection by a professional roofer. If you see obvious signs of aging on your roof, don’t wait!

When Leaks Are Visible, It Might Be Too Late

Even if you don’t see any leaks inside the house, it doesn’t mean that the roof is not leaking. Usually, a roof leak has been happening for several months before you will see water stains inside. Don’t let the water damaging wood decking. Replacing wood is very costly and can be avoid by replacing old roof early.

Don’t risk property damage. Contact LGC Roofing, your professional NJ roofing experts, for an inspection today!

5 Things You Need To Get Out of Your Roofing Estimates

When you decide it’s time to replace your roof, finding the right roofing contractor might be a hassle. I will try to explain how to choose the right roofer for your project so your new roof doesn’t cost you more then it should.

As a first step you need to get few roofing estimates that you can later compare. Contact at least three roofing contractors in your area – that should be enough to find the right one. Look for the contractors online, in the yellow book or ask your friends and neighbors. Gather your written estimates with warranty information from all of the contractors you’ve contacted. Now it’s your job to choose who the best fit is.

There are five important factors you should consider before deciding who to hire:

• First impression -  Was the contractor on time? Did he look professional? Did he explain all steps and aspects of the job? Did he provide his best option and offered various solutions? Did he listen to your suggestions and ask for your questions?
• Details of the estimate -  Did he give you detailed estimate with all steps to be taken? For how long will he guarantee his work? Who will do the actual work, him or subcontractor?
• Price - Is his price final? Are there going to be extra charges? Are all your selected contractors using the same type of the material? Is the contractor insured and licensed to do roofing? How much deposit does he require?
• Legal aspect -  Is he going to obtain all necessary permits? Is he going to dispose of all trash lawfully?
• Job details -  How soon can he start? How long will it take from start to completion? How many people will be working on your project?

Getting a roofing estimate is more then just finding out how much your new roof will cost you. You need to hire the right roofer or you might be paying the price later on.

Make the right selection by asking the right questions. Hopefully you will hire the right guy and not end up with unprofessional contractor.

Lukasz Sobczuk, LGC Roofing