NJ Roofing Blog » Roof Replacement & Repair

Flat Roofing: Common Problems and Repair Solutions

lsobczuk — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:08:58 +0000

While flat roofing work well for many structures, they also come with a variety of common problems.
Designed to be simpler than elaborate slate, shingle and metal-style roofs, flat and low-slope roofs may suffer from leaks and damage due to flashing issues, seal problems and poor installation.
If you’re comfortable with do-it-yourself projects, however, you can rectify a number of these simple, inexpensive roofing problems using the repair steps listed below.

Common Flat Roofing Problems and Repair Solutions

During winter and spring months, it’s important to inspect flat roofs for snow buildup. When cold weather persists, snow and ice can block drains and gutters, allowing water to puddle into “ponds.” The first and most important step is to remove excess water from your building roof. You can get rid of standing water using a squeegee, shovel or broom. Then, sweep the roof to remove leaf debris and dirt that may be covering cracked or damaged areas.
If drains are not cleared and standing water isn’t properly redirected, your home or business may develop a serious roof leak that can damage attic insulation, indoor furnishings and flooring. If you locate an area of your roof where water perpetually pools, take time to pull up the existing rubber roofing material, bolster the underlying insulation and re-install rubber shingles and new flashing. Stressed about doing emergency roof repairs yourself? Call your New Jersey roof repair specialist at 609-712-8157.
Many flat roof leaks occur due to cracks in the sheathing, which may be caused by normal weathering or material irregularities. If you encounter a crack during your roof inspection, (a) peel up the surrounding sheathing, allowing moist areas to dry, (b) squeeze high-quality roofing cement into the crack, and (c) replace the sheathing by tacking it down with fasteners. You may wish to apply two to three layers of cement to ensure optimal coverage and future leak prevention. When your repair is completed, use a garden hose to test the area—but only after the roofing cement has dried for 24 hours or more.
If your flat roof leak is related to roof flashing damage, it may be caused by fungus growth. As moisture builds up in problem areas, fungus begins to grow and push away the shingles or flashing. First, protect yourself with work gloves and a safety mask to avoid fungus inhalation. Second, apply a recommended roofing fungicide at the source of the leak. You may need to use multiple fungicide treatments if buildup is severe. Finally, purchase a flashing repair kit. The kit should provide detailed instructions about replacing problem flashing, sealing damaged areas and allowing adequate dry time.

Let LGC Roofing Help!

If you’re comfortable that your flat roof was installed with care, the best way to prevent roofing problems is through regular inspections and maintenance visits. Call LGC Roofing professionals today to schedule your semi-annual flat roof inspection, or to inquire about EPDM roofing option.

Roof Replacement Estimate – What You Should Know

lsobczuk — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:31:15 +0000

If weather and years have taken their toll on your New Jersey roofing structure, it’s time to invest in a new metal, slate or composite shingle roofing. A wise investment ensures that your new roof will withstand heat, wind and moisture for years to come—so it’s important to establish a budget, determine project pricing and compare several roofing contractors before beginning the project.

After you’ve weighed pros and cons and settled on a roofing material, contact three to four area roofers to request a detailed estimate of service.

How to Find a Reliable Roofer

Hiring the right roofer is crucial to your project’s success so it’s important to do some legwork.
Start by asking your neighbors, coworkers and family members for a company referral. Then conduct your own research, looking up Better Business Bureau ratings, online customer reviews and licensing information.

Before scheduling your estimate appointments, consider creating a document that lists your preferred roofing material, available start date, timeline for completion and any other project expectations.

Roof Replacement Estimate – What You Should Know

In most cases, a roofing replacement estimate will take only 30 to 40 minutes.

Roof pricing varies based upon choice of material, roof pitch/steepness, the total replacement area and whether you opt to remove previous roofing materials yourself. However, all quality roofing estimates should include:

Project commencement date
Estimated project completion date
Detailed description of work, including roofing materials, flashing locations, underlayment type & thickness and size/type of nails and fasteners
Type of sealant used to weatherproof flashing and nail holes

In addition to these material and installation basics, your roofing estimate should discuss
workmanship guarantees, material guarantees and cleanup expectations. For example, many contractors will clean up your home’s exterior after your roofing project is complete, but leave you in charge of attic spaces and other interior areas. Make sure you know what your contractor’s policy is before hiring him.

If your estimate of cost does not include your roofer’s insurance information, be sure to inquire about it. Reputable roofing companies should supply general liability insurance while on the job, and should provide all employees and site managers with worker’s compensation coverage.

Finally, each estimate should break down pricing in detail. Thorough price lists include:

Building material costs (roofing material, fasteners, flashing)
Labor costs, broken down by man hours or listed as a project bid
Additional expenses, such as sheathing repairs, tear-out of old shingles, etc.

Most roofers require a downpayment of 25 to 50 percent on your roof’s total cost before beginning work, and will collect the remaining amount after the roof is completed and customer satisfaction is achieved.

Let LGC Roofing Provide You With Worry Free Roofing Installation You Deserve!

At LGC Roofing, we’ve been offering quality roofing replacement services to commercial and residential New Jersey customers for over two decades. Our work is always guaranteed, and we’re fully licensed and insured for all types of roof repairs and replacements that you may need.

Call us at (609) 712-8157 today or schedule your no-cost, no-obligation estimate online. We’ll be happy to discuss the benefits of metal, composite and slate roofing materials for your home or business so give us a shout!

7 Tips for Choosing a NJ Roofing Contractor

lsobczuk — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 07:05:09 +0000

Your roof is a valuable investment, so it’s important to conduct a thorough evaluation of roofing contractors in your area before hiring a roofer for repairs or replacement.

When entrusting your home to a New Jersey roofing contractor, exercise due diligence. It may take some time to shop around for a roofer, but your research will help to ensure a quality roofing job at a fair price.

7 Tips for Selecting a Great Roofer

Check with the Better Business Bureau and area Chamber of Commerce to get a list of roofing contractors who’ve been recommended by members of your community. Once you have a comprehensive list of contractor names, you can begin screening them online and over the phone.
Never hire a roofer who’s not licensed to do their job—no matter how great a deal they promise you. Stick with roofers who are licensed and insured so you’ll be covered if something happens to your home during the roofing process. If you’re unsure about a roofer’s credentials, don’t be afraid to ask them for proof of licensing, bonding, liability insurance, workers’ comp and industry certifications.
Request personal references when you talk with a roofing company representative. High-quality companies should provide you with a list of satisfied customers who are willing to be contacted. You may also be able to find reviews of roofing contractors online at search engines like Kudzu, Yahoo! Local, Insider Pages and Yelp.
Ask potential New Jersey roofers about the length and types of warranties they provide. Quality warranties should last three to five years, and cover defective materials and workmanship. In addition, the contractor you choose should provide you with a complete copy of the manufacturer’s warranty, and address any questions you have about the paperwork.
Find out how you can contact the roofing company, and who will be in charge of your repair or installation. Your job foreman should also be willing to provide contact information, such as a cell phone number, for emergencies.
Make sure that your New Jersey roofing contractor is an expert in installing or repairing your particular roofing material. For example, LGC Roofing specializes in a number of roofing materials, including metal, slate, tile, composite shingle roofing and more.
Finally, before you sign on the dotted line—ask for a written proposal that includes starting and completion dates, detailed costs, installation procedures and warranty information.

Top quality NJ roofing contractor.

When your NJ home requires a new or refurbished roof, rely on the professionals at LGC Roofing. We’re a family-owned business with over two decades of roofing experience, and our exceptional Better Business Bureau record speaks for itself. Call today to request a free estimate or schedule a no-obligation roofing consultation with a member of our professional team.

Leaking Skylight – Common Causes and Repair Tips

lsobczuk — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:13:25 +0000

When leaks develop in your aging or improperly sealed skylight, you may notice a number of symptoms. Skylight condensation, nearby water puddling or ceiling stains are signs that you either need to contact a roofer and request an inspection or get ready to do some investigating of your own.

Common Causes of Skylight Leaks

In addition to being a source of green, natural light for your home, skylights make small, tight rooms seem larger and more spacious. If they’re not properly installed, however, skylights can be a repair headache.
If your skylight is leaking, look for the following potential causes:

Improperly installed fasteners: When roofing nails are exposed to the elements, water may seep in around them. Rusty or loose nails and skylight fasteners should be replaced and sealed with waterproof roofing cement.
Poor flashing seals: In addition to improperly installed roofing nails, the flashing around your skylight may not be flush and secure. If new fasteners do not help, consider replacing all flashing around the skylight’s perimeter. High-quality roofing cement should also be used around the new flashing edges to ensure a tight, weatherproof seal.
Glass micro-fractures or fissures: As your skylight ages, tiny, hairline cracks may develop around its edges. While these cracks don’t look like much to the naked eye, they allow moisture into your home. If there are a large number of offending cracks, you may need an entire skylight replacement”. Some small fissures can be repaired, though. Apply a thin, smooth layer of roof sealant to all evident cracks. Remember to apply roofing cement during dry weather so it can cure properly.
Sealant failure due to thermal expansion: If you live in a climate where door and window frames tend to expand from the heat, your skylight may have the same issue. Even the best roof cement can pull away during repetitive temperature changes. This constant “stretching” of your skylight’s frame may allow moisture to seep in around the edges. If this is the case, check the integrity of the frame and reapply new nails, along with a thick layer of roofing cement.

Having Skylight Repair

Skylight leaks are typically a simple, do-it-yourself repair, but if you’re experiencing severe interior effects, such as ceiling staining or flooring damage, call LGC Roofing experts to schedule a no-obligation, no-cost consultation. Family-owned and operated, LGC Roofing is a reputable roofer known for our honesty, integrity and cost-effective pricing. Dial 609-712-8157 today to experience the LGC difference.

Tools Needed For Shingle Roof Replacement or Repair

lsobczuk — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:57:21 +0000

If you caught our last blog post, you’re now familiar with the tools necessary for shingle roof removal.

If you are planning to repair or replace your shingle New Jersey roof on your own as well, instead of hiring a New Jersey roofing expert, expect to need the following tools and materials at your disposal.

Roofing Installation – Tools Guide

As with shingle removal, safety should be your main concern (whether you’re on a flat roof or a pitched roof with steep surfaces).

Borrow or purchase a heavy-duty, sturdy ladder—or consider renting scaffolding for safer access to extreme heights. In addition, consider a fall protection kit that comes with a harness, roof anchor, lanyard, counterweight and rope. Your fall protection kit should be OSHA-approved, and can be used in conjunction with a hard hat, work gloves and slip-proof boots to prevent injury.

On top of applicable safety equipment, roof replacement and repairs require several common tools that can be purchased at your local hardware store or rented from a local equipment rental shop.

Assuming that the flashing, felt and roof deck are in good order after removing your old shingles, when you are ready to repair or replace your shingle roofing you’ll need:

2×4 LUMBER STRIPS, #16 NAILS and HAMMER: Prior to roof replacement, it’s a good idea to install a few 2×4 braces to maintain your footing. Lay each wood piece horizontal to the roof’s edge, and drive nails through each end of the 2×4 to attach them to the roof. Pull up the brace and re-nail it as you move around the roof surface.
ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES: Remember to select shingles that complement your home’s paint and trim. Shingles are generally sold in “squares,” and each of these units cover roughly 100 sq. feet. You can read our guide on how to select roof shingles for a better idea on the subject.
ASPHALT ROOFING CEMENT: Applied to the back side of each shingle, roofing cement helps to secure the shingle during nailing and ensures a tight fit to the roof’s surface. It’s also a good idea to apply roofing cement to nail heads to avoid small leaks.
GALVANIZED ROOFING NAILS¬: Used to secure shingles during installation. Hammer several galvanized nails through self-sealing strips found on each shingle’s surface.
REPLACEMENT FLASHING: As you install shingles around eaves, ridges and valleys, it’s important to make sure that all metal flashing is in tact. If not, you’ll need to reapply replacement flashing strips as needed.
UTILITY or SHARP LINOLEUM KNIFE: Used to cut portions of shingles or trimming shingles to the correct shape and size.
CHALK LINE: To ensure symmetrical placement of shingles, most roofers snap horizontal and vertical chalk lines on the roof deck. A level is also a useful tool for measuring exact shingle positioning.

Hire Professionals

If you’d prefer to hire a New Jersey roofing expert to replace or repair your asphalt, metal, tile or slate roof, contact the LGC Roofing. Our free consultation is designed to assess the state of your existing roof, and help you choose the roofing material that is the most attractive, durable and cost-effective option for your home or business.
Still planning to install the roof yourself? Let us help. We’ll check the flashing, roof vents, skylights and chimney to make sure they’re structurally sound before you begin installation. Call us at (609) 712-8157 to ask about pricing or to schedule a replacement consultation!

Essential Tools for Shingle Roof Removal

lsobczuk — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 07:28:16 +0000

If your New Jersey shingle roof has begun to age and is regularly requiring more than routine maintenance, it’s time to consider roof replacement.

Experienced do-it-yourselfers may decide to remove the old roofing, themselves, rather than hiring a professional roofer for shingle removal.

If you do opt to remove existing shingle roofing on your own, just remember to gather the correct tools before starting the job.

Safety first

Safety should always come first before you attempt to climb onto your roof’s surface.

We recommend that you acquire one or two sturdy ladders (or scaffolding for extreme heights), along with a fall protection kit. Fall protection kits can be purchased or rented, and typically come with an OSHA-approved harness, roof anchor, counterweight, lanyard and strong rope.

It’s also a good idea to install several roof jacks and planks to prevent a misstep, and to wear slip-proof gloves, a hardhat and work boots.

In addition to safety and accessibility equipment, you’ll need to rent a large dumpster for shingle disposal.

Essential Tools for Shingle Roof Removal

There are also several tools you’ll need to remove shingles and fasteners with ease. They include:

Roofer’s shovel or shingles scraper: Similar to a flat-blade shovel with pointed teeth and a metal heel, a shingle scraper is designed to slide under the shingle edge. By placing pressure on the metal heel, you can use the tool to pry shingles away from the wood underneath during roof removal. If you purchased your roofer’s shovel, hold onto it. It’s a convenient way to break up ice and remove stubborn tree roots from your landscaping.
Classic pry bar: The same tool you might use to pull out nails or take apart wood pieces, classic pry bars are smaller and easier to maneuver than a shingle scraper. This is useful if you’re removing broken shingle pieces or rusted nails and fasteners.
Hammer: For small nails and fasteners that were not pulled out by the roofer’s shovel and pry bar, you may need to use the claw end of a smaller hammer.
Bar magnet: These handy tools are attached to a sturdy rope, and can be rented from a local hardware store. They are a great way to collect nails and screws that fall off of your roof during shingle removal. Just drag the magnet across your yard and driveway to collect stray metal fasteners that could hurt someone—or deflate a tire.

Roofing Replacement

After removing your roof and disposing of the shingles, you may need the services of a New Jersey roofing expert to install a new metal, shingle or slate roof on your home.

Call LGC Roofing when you’re ready to select the most cost-effective roofing material for your home’s architectural style.

We’ll check the flashing, roof vents, skylights and chimney to make sure they’re structurally sound before attaching your new roofing material – and we offer comprehensive materials and workmanship guarantees.

Call today to schedule your no-obligation roof removal or roof replacement consultation.

Repair and Maintenance of Slate Roofing

lsobczuk — Wed, 26 May 2010 07:21:15 +0000

Slate roofing is an upscale, artistic choice for homes and businesses, due to its natural beauty, durability and sleek architectural look. And while slate roofs typically require minimal maintenance, your slate tiles may need occasional repairs.

Frequency of repairs depends upon the mineral properties, fabrication method, installation techniques and inspection schedule of your New Jersey roof. However, broken, cracked or deteriorating slate tiles should be promptly repaired or replaced in order to prevent interior damage, structural degradation or attic moisture buildup.

Remember that, if you’re unsure about the extent of the slate damage, it’s best to hire a qualified NJ roofing specialist to inspect and repair your slate roof. This is especially important since the most common reason for slate roof failure is improper repair.

Slate Roof Repair and Installation Considerations

There are several things to remember before inspecting a problematic roof or installing new slate on your home.

As with many other types of roofing, good flashing is essential to protecting your home from the top down. Your slate tiles may be leaking because of poor flashing quality or improper flashing installation.

As you’re inspecting your roof, take note of the flashing type. The best flashing for a slate roof is copper, since tin-plated and galvanized steel do not last as long. If you’re installing a new slate roof, consider paying the small difference for quality copper flashing.

If you believe that your existing flashing is damaged—especially in valleys, around vents or along chimneys, it’s best to enlist the help of a roofing professional, since these flashing areas can be difficult to repair.
Some slate roof leaks may be caused by rusty nails and fasteners. Again, if you have the option, select copper or stainless steel nails when installing or repairing slate roofs and new flashing. Galvanized nails can rust within 30 years, and your roof may develop a leak at the rust site.
Consider track systems. When slate roofs are installed with nails, there is always a chance of pinching or damaging tiles. New track systems allow adequate venting between the slate and the roof – and make it easy for the slate to be installed without nails or screws.
Since slate is made of natural stone, and stone can have invisible fracture lines, it’s important to be especially careful when you’re climbing on the slate roof. Many homeowners have unknowingly damaged or cracked their slate tiles by carelessly stepping on them. Once a slate tile is cracked, a freeze cycle can split the tile beyond repair.

Finally, it’s important to note that all slate is not the same. If your home’s roof was selected by a previous homeowner, they may have chosen cheap slate tile without a proven performance track record. Slate roofs are an investment in the future of your home, and should be chosen carefully if you have the opportunity to choose the roofing material, yourself.

If you’re ready to add a new slate roof, or replace one that’s aging or in dispair, call LGC Roofing – we specialize in slate roofing installation in NJ. We’ll meet with you to discuss materials options and determine a high-quality roofing material that fits your budget and your home’s design. Request your free slate roofing installation estimate today!

3 Common Roof Leak Locations – Prevention and Repair Tips

lsobczuk — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:15:37 +0000

Spring has arrived—with its unpredictable moisture patterns, gale-force winds and leftover snowstorms. For New Jersey homeowners, that often means pesky roof leaks galore—in many common locations.

3 Common Roof Leak Locations – Prevention and Repair Tips:

Leaking Chimneys

Whether it’s due to aging caulk, cracked cement caps or flashing problems, chimneys are one of the biggest problem areas when it comes to leaks. Many (but not all) chimney leaks can be repaired by peeling off old, dried caulking and roof sealant from around the chimney’s base. Inspect each area of flashing for cracks or damage, and replace flashing as needed. To improve the integrity of your flashing, remember to use a high-quality, flashing cement to re-caulk the area (rather than traditional roofing cements and sealants). If you have a more invasive leak caused by cracked mortar joints, stone or brick displacement, consider calling your local roofer who will perform a thorough roof inspection. The goal is to examine and repair the damage.

Leaks in the Roof Field

For aging homes, it’s common for leaks to occur in the shingle field—whether it’s composed of slate, shake or composite shingles. If your roof is strong enough to walk around on, inspect the shingle field for missing granules, apparent cracks, displaced tiles or unfilled nail holes. Depending upon how severe the roof field leak is, you may be able to replace individual shingles, slates or tiles quickly and easily. If the entire roof is suffering from severe wear and tear, however, it may be safer—and more cost-effective—to replace it completely. Our roofing professionals can assess your home’s roof field, determine the extent of the damage and make an affordable recommendations for repair or replacement.

Leaks in Roof Valleys

When two portions of your roof intersect, the resulting line is called a “valley.” Valleys typically contain a type of metal flashing, but in some cases, shingles or tiles may just butt up against one another. Either way, valleys are a common source for roof leaks. If your roof valleys contain metal flashing, it’s possible that the shingles were improperly cut, allowing water to leak behind faulty shingle tips and seep into your attic or down your walls. Valley leaks tend to be more complex to repair than other types of damage, so it’s best to leave them up to the professionals.

While GRAVITY causes the majority of New Jersey roof leaks, wind-driven moisture may cause water to seep into areas that normally remain dry. If you’re struggling to identify the source of your leaky roof, a garden hose and a friend (an interior “spotter”) may help. However, if you are not comfortable climbing on your roof or assessing the source of your leak, don’t hesitate to call LGC Roofing, your New Jersey leaky-roof expert. LGC Roofing provides fast, affordable consultations and quotes, and our team can (1) help you prevent costly damage from spring winds and rain, and (2) provide budget-friendly replacement options for aging or severely damaged roofs.

Fighting a Leaky Roof? You May Need Flashing Repairs!

lsobczuk — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:42:41 +0000

Leaky roofs are often tricky to diagnose. At best, they’re a nuisance—and at worst, a costly structural nightmare. There are many reasons for roof leaks, and flashing damage is near the top of the list if you’ve ruled out shingles, valleys and ice damming.

What is Flashing?

Metal flashing is often made of tin-coated steel, galvanized steel and copper, and is the material used to “bridge the gap” between roofing materials and non-roofing materials. For example, flashing is found between roof planes, around chimneys, at the termination of roof slopes, around skylights and in roof valleys.

When properly installed, flashing will prevent water from seeping in to your New Jersey home at the base of chimneys and vent pipes, in roof valley areas, or around exposed windows.

To prevent expensive flashing leaks, make sure you install the appropriate amount and type of flashing. It’s also important to inspect flashing 1 to 2 times a year. Below, you’ll find additional maintenance recommendations.

Flashing Maintenance 101

Over time, flashing may corrode or become loose. Before your New Jersey roof begins to leak, look for damage to flashing during semi-annual roofing inspections. Here are some tips:

While inspecting your roof shingles and gutters, look for loose nails, fasteners and seals at your shingle edges, around the chimney and in sloped areas where flashing has been applied. As the caulking and silicon sealant applied to the flashing ages and is exposed to weather, it may crack, crumble or pull away. Flashing may simply need to be tacked down or resealed. If you recognize loose flashing, don’t allow it to go unrepaired. Water can literally stream down into your home through improperly sealed joints.
To help new or existing flashing last longer and withstand the elements, prime flashing with a metal primer and seal it with corrosion-proof metal paint that matches your home’s roofing material. This will help to prevent damage due to rust, and will lengthen the life of your roof flashing.
Seal improperly covered seams with urethane roofing cement. This type of sealant is designed to be applied between flashing and shingles or siding to prevent seepage. Remember, if you see a lot of dry, crumbling caulk at the seam, scrape it away with a wire brush before applying a new sealant layer.

Remember that while there are many do-it-yourself ways to maintain the integrity of your flashing, severe flashing damage or home leaks are best left to an experienced NJ roof repair specialist.

Call LGC Roofing at (609) 712-8157 to schedule an inspection, obtain a repair quote or inquire about a new, affordable roof – before spring rain and winds arrive.

Emergency Flat Roof Leak Repairs

lsobczuk — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 07:35:05 +0000

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12394349@N06/ / CC BY 2.0

Whether you have a traditional tarred or EPDM rubberized roof, weather-induced flat roof leaks can cause ongoing structural problems and costly damage if they’re not addressed quickly. Before conducting emergency roof improvements on your New Jersey residence, however, make sure that your home’s roof is not still covered by an existing manufacturer’s warranty. If it is, contact your installation contractor as soon as possible so they can repair or replace the affected roof portion without charge.

If severe weather caused your flat roofing damage, it’s best to wait for the weather to pass before attempting to repair the roof. Keep in mind that most emergency roof repairs are considered temporary, and that you should enlist the help of a NJ roof repair specialist for long-term repair solutions.

The most important thing to do during a flat roof leak is to protect your home’s interior, including furnishings, carpeting, drywall and hard floors. Spread out plastic sheeting for large leaks, or use buckets to contain smaller leaks.
After ensuring that your home’s interior contents are protected, climb carefully onto the roof and remove excess water with a shovel, squeegee, Shop Vac or bucket—depending on the severity of the pooling.
After clearing off excess water, try to discern the source of the water problem. You may have a clogged drain or gutter, which can occur when debris builds up over time. If possible, use your hand or a small trowel to remove rocks, leaves or roofing material from the drain or downspout to prevent further pooling.
Once you’ve located the exact source of the leak based on the interior dripping pattern and exterior pooling evidence, you’re ready to perform an emergency roofing repair.

Emergency Flat Roof Repairs

Depending on the situation, the following materials may be helpful

Plastic Roof Cement: If your roof is a single-ply EPDM, built-up or modified bitumen BUR system, you can apply a temporary patch with roofing fabric and plastic cement. First, scrape away loose debris and gravel from the damaged area. After cleaning and drying the area as best you can, apply your cement, extending several inches beyond the leak to ensure full coverage. Continue to work the cement into the roof’s membrane with your trowel or mud knife. Cover the cement layer with fiberglass fabric, and apply a second cement layer to reinforce the repair. (Note: If your roofing surface is exceedingly wet, look for “rain patch” cement.)
Roof Tape and Roofing Sealant: Useful for built-up, single-ply EPDM and PVC surfaces, this repair option should also be applied to a clean, dry area. After wiping the surface clean with alcohol, apply polyurethane caulking or roof tape to the damaged area. (Note: You may have to purchase roofing tape through a roofing contractor or materials dealer, since it is not always available in builder supply stores.)
Duct tape: If your roof is composed of PVC plastic sheeting, you can use layers of duct tape to create a quick-patch. Remember, however, that the duct tape will not last long—especially if you’re expecting additional rain or severe wind.

After applying temporary patches to your New Jersey home’s leaky flat roof, contact a professional roofer. LGC Roofing will give you a competitive repair estimate, and can also suggest a more permanent solution—like a new EPDM roof. These new, rubberized designs are durable, cost effective and weather resistant, and come with exceptional warranties and performance guarantees. Call us today to schedule your repair consultation or inquire about full flat roof resurfacing.