NJ Roofing Blog » Roof Replacement & Repair

8 Steps to Roofing Replacement

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:25:18 +0000

When an existing roof has degraded due to weather, age, or substandard materials and workmanship, roofing replacement becomes necessary. Since re-roofing is a major investment, homeowners should keep these 8 important steps in mind when discussing their options with a qualified roofing contractor.

8 Steps to Roofing Replacement

When selecting the type of roofing material best suited for your area, home architectural style and budget, look for top quality materials that you can afford. Damage resulting from inferior materials often goes unseen for years, but can lead to serious structural problems in the home.
Be sure that plans include stripping the old roof down to the decking and inspecting for any repairs that must be made to bolster the integrity of the new roof.
Once repairs have been made, drip edge should be installed to prevent water from backing up under the roofing surface.
Ice and water shield installed over the roof decking will prevent moisture build-up, and is essential to a lasting roofing replacement job.
Next, a quality underlayment should be installed over the entire roofing surface.
Metal flashings and diverters should be placed at critical points such as in channels and near chimneys. These must be well-secured with sealant to eliminate the possibility of water seeping under the edges.
The installation of ridge vents help to ensure continuous attic ventilation while protecting the re-roofing job. In addition, rib caps will finish the look of the new roof and protect the ridge vents.
Finally, the homeowner should make sure that the roofing contractor will, clean-up the job site, leaving landscaping intact and surrounding areas free of nails and other debris.

A little knowledge about the re-roofing process enables homeowners to make the best investment possible. Roofing estimates you receive for your roofing replacement project should address these 8 steps in order to achieve the maximum life for a new shingle, metal or slate roof.

LGC Roofing is an experienced New Jersey contractor, in business for over two decades. If you suspect that your home needs a new roof, give us a call at 609-712-8157. Our experts will provide a free estimate, and will detail the materials and procedures covered by our bid.

With LGC Roofing, you can have confidence in your replacement roof investment—for years to come!

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NJ Top Green Roofing Option: Metal Roofing

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:47:17 +0000

To many families, going green means recycling materials in the home, limiting the amount of waste produced, and buying food and other consumer goods locally. You can also protect the environment and save your family money by participating in green roofing.

Green roofing simply means choosing eco-friendly roofing materials when it’s time to replace your home’s roof. Metal, particularly steel, is a sustainable, recycled and recyclable roofing material that is friendly to the environment and your pocketbook.

Metal Roofing is Less Wasteful

Installing a recycled metal roof in your home can create less waste both at the time of installation and down the road, when you are in need of roof repairs and possible shingle replacement.

Coated steel is just one example of a green roofing material that can be fitted directly over the existing roof of your home. This unique installation process eliminates the need for removing the damaged, weather-beaten shingles or tiles from your roof. Keeping the old roofing intact while installing a new roof prevents a significant amount of non-decomposing materials from entering local landfills. Less waste equals a cleaner world for future generations.

Ask your experienced New Jersey roofing professional about the drainage and gutter systems on recyclable, green roofing as well. Certain materials are coated with substances that make rainwater safe for drinking and gardening purposes.

Metal Roofing is Energy Efficient

Green roofing can save you lots of green in the form of your monthly cooling bills. The reflective surface of metal roofing shingles and sheets reduces the amount of heat the attic or upper level of your home absorbs, which translates into lower electricity bills and energy conservation throughout hot New Jersey summers.

The heat reduction on the roof’s surface also reduces the risk of heat-induced damage to the roofing material, itself. And—you’ll save money on roof replacement costs over the long term, since your roof will likely require only minor maintenance in the years to come. Don’t forget to check with your tax professional about energy efficiency tax credits too; you may be able to deduct a portion of your roof’s cost because you chose to go green.

Metal Roofs Are Low Maintenance

Green metal roofing is easily maintained to preserve the beauty and function of your home. The outer coating of the roofing materials renders the structure rust-free and highly resistant to the elements.

Even with minimal maintenance requirements, it’s still a good idea to schedule periodic roof inspections to ensure your green roof is in tip-top shape. For seasonal inspections and unexpected repairs, contact LCG Roofing. We offer free metal roof estimates, specialize in all types of metal roofing, and are ready to schedule your appointment. Call (609) 712-8157 today!

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Common Roof Valley Problems & Repair Tips

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:26:07 +0000

The valley of your home’s roof is the angle at which two roof slopes meet. For example, multiple wings in your home that are perpendicular to one another will form a valley to allow for efficient water run-off.

Common Roof Valley Problems & Repair Tips

Leaking valleys can be some of the most common and frustrating roof leaks a homeowner will encounter. Older roofs or sub-par installation of materials can create roof valley problems, and should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible to help you avoid larger and more expensive roofing issues.

Common roofing problems relating to the valley include:

Leaks
Improperly cut materials
Aging shingles

Roof Valley Leaks

Leaking is perhaps the most probable issue that you’ll have with your roof valley. Leaks occur when the metal flashing that surrounds the valley does not adequately protect your roofing materials. Water damage is most prevalent during or after a particularly wet or snowy winter.

Semi-annual roof inspections by an experienced roofing contractor can help you avoid major water damage. Your roofer should insulate the roof valley with felt paper and replace faulty sections of flashing. This may help you avoid more costly repairs, such as a full roof replacement.

Improperly cut materials

Roofing materials that are not cut and installed properly can also contribute to roof valley damage and leaking. Shingles that intersect at the angled valley must be cut at an angle to ensure a tight fit and prevent water from entering empty spaces between the shingles and flashing. Proper placement of nails near the valley is of utmost importance, as well. Nails should be placed at least six inches away from the seamed intersection of roofing slopes to prevent shingle damage and subsequent leaking. Tension in the shingles or roofing tiles results when nails are located very close to the seam.

Aging shingles

A third cause of roof valley problems is simply age. Most roofs are built to last an average of between 15 and 30 years, depending on the type of materials used. Older homes that retain their original roofs are often fraught with chips, bruises and even missing shingles. An experienced roofing contractor knows what to look for in an aging roof, and can give you an accurate and affordable estimate on repairs that won’t break the bank and may even increase your home value.

Contact LGC Roofing today to learn more about our services, inquire about flashing repairs, or schedule your spring roof inspection!

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3 Most Common Shingle Roofing Installation Mistakes

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:53:13 +0000

It’s no secret that shingle roofing success is largely dependent upon quality installation. When you hire a trusted NJ roofer to handle the installation of your asphalt shingles, you are investing in the quality and longevity of your roofing system.

While shingle roofing can provide your home or business with years of protection, it can also fail prematurely due to faulty workmanship.

3 Most Common Shingle Roofing Installation Mistakes

PROBLEM #1: Improper Moisture Protection

Many times roof leaks result from a failure to install proper moisture barriers underneath asphalt shingles. First, your NJ roofer should install a waterproof, adhesive membrane along valleys and eaves. Then, he should apply a high-quality ice and water shield to protect wood decking, chimneys, pipe flanges and roof connections.

If your roofer takes shortcuts with moisture barriers, water can seep underneath shingles due to blowing winds or ice dams. In severe cases, it can penetrate and damage your home’s interior.

PROBLEM #2: Reusing Old Flashing

Your roofing contractor should not reuse old flashing to protect your roof. Although the flashing around your pipes, vents and fascia board may look serviceable, there is always a possibility that it has been punctured or damaged. New flashing is not a major expense relative to the cost of a new roof! Why pay thousands for new asphalt shingles and cut corners to save $100 to $200 on new flashing? Safeguard your roofing investment by insisting upon all new flashing.

PROBLEM #3: Improper Nailing

At LGC Roofing, we receive countless calls from frustrated homeowners whose shingles are falling off. Many times, this is because of improper nailing.

When nails are under- or over-driven, or are installed in the wrong location, shingles can shift, buckle or blow off. Your roofing repair contractor should carefully nail shingles to the roof using manufacturer’s recommendations for type/number of nails. Proper nailing ensures a tight seal between the shingle and the decking, which prevents leaks and shingle blowoff.

LGC Roofing has been serving NJ home and business owners for over two decades. Our team of shingle roofing contractors provides affordable, reliable roofing repair and installation, and offers free estimates for roofing repair, replacement and gutter installation. If your shingle roof was improperly installed, we can help!

To learn more about our company or request a project bid, call 609-712-8157.

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Common Roofing Problems: Skylight Leak Repair

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:21:31 +0000

Skylights are exposed to harsh weather elements, and over time, this can lead to leaks and other related problems. Even if you take good care of your roof, skylight leaks may develop as a result of normal wear and tear. Fortunately, many skylight leak repairs can be done quickly and inexpensively.

Skylight Leak Repair

Finding the Source of the Leak

The first step in performing any skylight leak repair is to diagnose the problem. Finding the source of a skylight leak can be tricky. Sometimes, what appears to be a leak is actually just a collection of condensation, which may signal that the skylight isn’t quite airtight. However, if you’re noticing streaks of water running down the wall that originate from specific points on the skylight’s edge, you have a leak on your hands.

Leaks can also originate elsewhere, but drain into the house through the skylight. If you don’t notice problems with the skylight itself, you may need to make flashing repairs or roofing repairs. Water that enters through a roof leak or vent flashing can travel significant distances.

Handling Appropriate Repairs

Most skylight leaks occur in the flashing, which marks the point of contact between the skylight and the roof. Often, simply replacing the flashing will solve the leak problem.

If yours is a standard skylight, you can obtain replacement flashing directly from the manufacturer. However, if you have a custom skylight, you may need to contact the roofing contractor that installed it, or call in a roofing repair company to perform skylight leak repairs using specialized tools and equipment.

Hire a Pro for a Permanent Solution to Your Leaks

Skylight leak repairs are among the most common roof leak repairs typical roofers are dealing with. With over 20 years of experience in roofing installation and repair, we know our way around proper skylight installation techniques and permanent solutions to skylight leaks.

If you’re having trouble with a stubborn skylight leak, or you are experiencing other roofing issues, LGC Roofing team members are happy to help. We are one of New Jersey’s leading roofing contractors, with hundreds of satisfied customers. Contact us today for a service estimate, or to speak with a roofing expert about your skylight installation, service or replacement.

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Common Roofing Problems: Leaky Vent Pipe Repairs

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:51:25 +0000

Piping that travels up through your attic and out through your roof can spring leaks, which leads to excess moisture. Over time, this added moisture creates structural instabilities and allows mold and mildew to grow in your attic.

If you’ve noticed a roof leak originating in this piping, or you’ve noticed gaps between the pipes and roof surface when inspecting your rooftop, it must be promptly addressed in order to prevent costly problems down the road.

How Vent Pipe Leaks Start

The pipes that exit through your roof are secured by flanges, which are typically made of metal or rubber. As they age, these flanges degrade, creating gaps that allow water to leak in through your roof. If this is the source of the problem, you will need to replace these flanges to restore your roof’s water tightness.

In other cases, the problem doesn’t arise from the flanges, but from the pipes themselves. This requires a more complex fix. Corrosion and cracks in the pipes allow water to drip out, and this water collects on the floor of your attic. Eventually, moisture seeps through to the adjoining ceiling. To repair this problem, corroded or cracked pipes must be replaced—which is a job that requires advanced plumbing skills.

Need Vent Pipe Repairs?

Having vent pipe leak repairs handled by a professional is highly recommended. A reputable roofing repair contractor should be called in to fix your roof leak as soon as possible—and help you avoid the potentially serious issues that arise from excess attic moisture.

At LGC Roofing, we provide homeowners throughout New Jersey with affordable, reliable roofing repair services. Whether you have a roof leak or require a roofing inspection, it’s time to contact our team to schedule a consultation.

The LGC Roofing team provides free, no-obligation repair estimates, and our competitively priced services have earned us a very high rate of customer satisfaction. Call 609-712-8157 today to speak with a roofing specialist or discuss your leaky vent pipe repair.

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Hiring a Slate Roofing Contractor

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:40:37 +0000

Whether you are planning to put a new slate roof on your home or just repair your existing roof, choosing a roofing company is an important decision. Your roof is a major investment, and selecting a qualified, experienced roofer is vital since unpredictable and often-brutal East Coast winters can be devastating to poorly serviced slate roofs.

When you take into account that the majority of roofing costs come from labor, it becomes even more important to ensure you hire the right roofer for your home.

Hiring a Slate Roofing Contractor

Major considerations include (1) recommendations and research, (2) certifications and insurance, and (3) professionalism.

#1: Recommendations and Research

It can be difficult to find a New Jersey roofer you can trust, so begin the process with people you know. Talk to friends, neighbors, and coworkers about their past experiences—and ask for roofer recommendations. If you receive a positive referral, locate homes where the roofing company is working and drive by to check their work. You can tell a lot about your NJ slate roofing contractor by inspecting the care they take, not only in their roofing work, but also in how they treat a homeowner’s landscaping, driveway, and property.

Before hiring a roofer, you should also research their local reputation. The Better Business Bureau is an excellent resource for this research, since complaints against roofers are reported. In fact, thousands of complaints about roofers are filed with the BBB every year—more than any other industry. Over 2 million homeowners annually research roofer trustworthiness through the BBB.

#2: Certifications and Insurance

Before hiring any roofing company, make sure the company is properly licensed & insured. A reputable roofer should be able to provide you with their contractor license number and proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance. For increased security and peace of mind, you can also check that your NJ slate roofer is bonded.

It’s also a good idea to vet your potential roofer through your insurance company before signing a contract. In addition to expediting payment, your insurer may have had previous experience with your roofer of choice, or may be able to provide a list of experienced roofers with whom they have worked.

#3: Professionalism

Be sure to hold potential roofers to the same standards of professionalism you would any other service provider. If a roofer is not professional enough to show up on time, appear neat and organized, and be respectful and courteous, do you want them working on a major piece of your home?

You should feel confident that the roofing contractor you select sees your home as more than just their “next project.” At a minimum, the roofer should meet timelines, take care with property and landscaping, and provide a written estimate and warranty. Any roofer that is slow to return phone calls, demands full payment in advance, or will not guarantee their work in writing is not a roofer that should get your business.

Call Today!

To schedule your slate roofing repair, restoration or new roof installation, discuss slate roofing options, or schedule a free estimate with NJ’s slate roofing experts, call or email LGC Roofing today.

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3 Common Winter Roof Problems & Their Prevention

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:04:23 +0000

The less-than-predictable East Coast winters can wreak havoc on your NJ roof. Here are three of the most common winter roof problems—and the winterization steps you can take to avoid frustrating and costly roofing repairs.

3 Common Winter Roof Problems & Their Prevention

Issue #1: Ice Dams

Ice dams form when snow and ice build up inside gutters and along roof ridges. This ice prevents additional water from draining properly, and as it pools, it may infiltrate shingles, underlayment, ceilings and walls. According to UMassAmherst’s Building and Construction Technology department, “Proper insulation and roof ventilation can stop ice dams from forming, prevent damage and lower energy bills.”

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent ice dams. Home and business owners can control this type of damage, though.

First, it’s important to have your roof regularly inspected to ensure its integrity and confirm that water cannot seep underneath roofing materials. Second, it’s important that you have high-quality ceiling insulation, and an effective roof ventilation system. These precautions will help to maintain a constant roof temperature, lowering the chances of ice damming.

Issue #2: Flashing Leaks

Roofs can leak in many locations, but especially few places are most common. On sloped roofs, leaks often occur along flashing sections—where metal is installed to safeguard roof corners, ridges and edges. If flashing is not properly installed, or if it is blown loose during high winds or storms, it may pull away from the shingles or underlayment. As it pulls away, it leaves your roof’s underlying structure unguarded against water seepage.

Check all flashing areas during your bi-annual roof inspection, and hire your local NJ roofing contractor to replace damaged or missing flashing. Flashing is relatively inexpensive to fix and replace, and you could prevent thousands in repair damages by attending to it.

Issue #3: Materials Damage

Even the most high-quality roofing material can be adversely impacted by severe storms, pooling water and ice buildup. To protect slate, tile or shingle roofing, hire a quality roofing contractor to install a high-performance attic ventilation system. Again, this is relatively inexpensive when you consider the cost of replacing interior valuables. Your new vents allow air to properly circulate in and out of your attic, reducing ice buildup and attic condensation.

Roof ventilation systems can also lower your heating and cooling bills over the long term.

Don’t Let Winter Ruin Your Roof!

To protect your home’s exterior and interior structure during winter, remember to keep up on your roofing inspections.

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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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.

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5 Easy Shingle Roofing Repairs That Will Extend the Life of Your Roof

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:42:13 +0000

Despite the rising interest in materials like copper and tile, most roofs are still made of shingles.

Replacing a shingle roof can be a pricey proposition, so it’s beneficial to understand simple fixes and preventive measures that extend roof life and protect your roofing investment.

5 Easy Shingle Roofing Repairs

Here are five easy repair tasks that can prevent premature aging and decay of your roof shingles:

Apply a liquid polymer coating. These coatings can help stave off water and weather damage and keep your shingles looking newer for longer. They are widely available through home improvement retailers, and can be applied in just a few hours. These coatings work best when used on new shingle roofs.
Replace worn shingles promptly. If your shingles wear out or fall off, your naked roof is exposed to wind, sleet, snow, hail and rain, which will eventually cause it to rot or leak – and that will be an even more expensive fix.
Cut overhanging branches. If you have tall trees around your house, prevent roof damage by trimming back branches that are hanging over your home. Consult local guidelines to see if you are allowed to cut branches that hang over your roof even if the tree is located on a neighboring property.
Be vigilant about your gutters. Leaves and debris in your gutters can prevent rainwater from properly draining through your downspouts, which in turn can cause damage to both your shingles and your roof. It’s recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice annually—in spring and fall.
Make regular inspections. Inspect both your roof and your attic ceilings (and any other ceilings in direct contact with your roof) for signs of exterior or interior damage, wear, leaks, rot or structural problems. If you find any, repair them right away; the longer you leave them, the more expensive the fixes will become.

If you need professional advice, or if you’ve encountered a roofing problem that’s beyond your ability to repair, you can trust LGC Roofing to provide reliable and affordable services for home roofing repair in NJ. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for both residential and commercial roofing repair services throughout New Jersey. We’re ready to make your home or business roof last decades to come.