NJ Roofing Blog » Roof Ventilation

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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NJ Roofing Repair – Introducing a New Website

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:35:04 +0000

We’re happy to introduce our latest website dedicated to all types of roofing repairs we come across in our profession.

We share lots of DIY roofing tips and offer simple repair suggestions so please stop by and look around.

Our goal is to share our knowledge and help you determine whether simple DIY solution or a professional roofing service is in your best interest.

This website covers all the most common roofing problems:

We’ll be growing the site as needed, adding more topics that our readers might be interested in.

We’d love to learn what else you would want to see there so please leave any feedback you may have!

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repairing roof valleys

4 Must-Know Facts About Vent Pipe Repairs

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 10 May 2011 17:55:33 +0000

Vent pipes in the roof allow heat and gases to escape from your home, but like other household components, they can wear out.

Roof vent pipes often have collars around their base, to keep rain water and debris from leaking into your attic. When those collars rust or fray, water can pool in your attic, causing damage to the inside of your home.

Water can also get in if the roof vent itself has been damaged.

4 Must-Know Facts About Vent Pipe Repairs

If you need to repair or replace components from your vent pipes, here are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Generally speaking, rubber seals and flanges tend to work better than metal ones for use with a vent pipe. They provide more flexibility and resilience than metal flanges, and also help stabilize the pipe itself inside the opening. Rubber can become damaged just like metal, but it’s better at withstanding water damage.
Look for breaks in the sealant around the seal or flange: the adhesive connecting it to the vent pipe can crack, especially in the harsh summer heat—followed by the cold and frost of winter. Those cracks may allow water to pool in the roof and create the very problems they were intended to stop.
Always clear a wide work area around the spot when repairing a vent pipe. If you have a sloped roof, remove the shingles above and around the pipe using a pry bar. Take care not to damage any shingles and/or pick up some extras in case any of them get broken in the process. If you have a gravel roof, sweep the gravel clear from around the pipe before you begin work.
Roof safety is paramount when conducting repairs. Always use sturdy equipment, and have someone in or nearby the house monitoring you in case you fall.

LGC Roofing Offers Vent Pipe Repair Services

If your vent pipes need repair and you don’t want to take it on yourself, LGC Roofing is the solution.

Our qualified NJ roofing contractors are licensed and bonded by the state of New Jersey and offer a full line of services for both residential and commercial building.

Call our team today to schedule a comprehensive roof inspection or request a vent pipe repair estimate. We’ll pinpoint the problem and keep your vent pipes—and your entire roof—in first-class condition!

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Protecting Your NJ Roof From Ice & Snow Damage

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:31:25 +0000

Given the amount of snow New Jersey has received over the past few days it’s understandable that NJ homeowners are nervous about the impact of this weather on their roofing structures.

After all, it’s been a rough blizzard dumping almost two feet of snow and causing New Jersey government to declare state of emergency. We not only got above average snow falls but also freezing temperatures and high winds. All of these alone can damage any roof, especially one that’s not been maintained very well.

Snow and ice are very damaging to the roof of your home, so knowing how to remove them is critical to protecting your roof. Heavy snow build up can be a serious problems as the roof is under an extra weight it can have trouble handling.

Once the snow begins to melt, however, forming ice dams are your main concern. Ice dams can be nightmares, potentially causing extensive water damage to their victim’s homes.

So how do you protect your roof from ice and snow damage?

Start by getting all excess snow off of your roof. Using a roof rake and push broom carefully pull down snow build up from your roof. On a roof with a greater pitch, removing three or four feet of snow above the roof line will slow down the growth of the dam. Rakes are somewhat dangerous to use on ladders so be careful! Remove as much snow as you can later shovel from driveways and walkways.
If you have a flat roof, climb up on it and shovel the snow off completely. Make sure to be as thorough as possible and shovel after every snowfall to void snow build up.
Chisel grooves into the dam to allow the water behind it to drain off. This is a good emergency measure… especially if rain or a sudden thaw is coming! Be careful with those shingles!
Install radiant heat to melt the snow and ice from your roof and gutters. Radiant heat system will keep your roof temperature above freezing, melting any moisture on the roof regardless of how cold it is outside.
Install an ice barrier to facilitate proper snow/water drainage.
Do not use rock salt – it will stain the roof and siding!
Hire professionals to handle snow removal for you!

How can I prevent ice dams in the future?

Properly ventilating and insulating the attic is usually the best way to prevent ice dams.

The usual recommendation for proper roof ventilation is 1 square foot of vent for every 150 feet of attic floor area but each climate region may have it’s own recommendations so I would suggest contacting a licensed local insulation company near you.

If you have small louvered vents at either end of the attic known as gable vents you can either replace them with larger vents, or install an electric vent fan over the inside of them. These special fans usually work on a thermostat and will pull outside air into the attic to keep the temperature inside consistent.

Need Inspection? Contact professionals

If you’re not sure how your roof is handling all that extra moisture, contact professional roofing company and request a thorough roof inspection service. Consider LGC Roofing, NJ roof installation/repair professionals. We will help you understand your roof’s potential problems and suggest appropriate preventative repairs. Don’t hesitate. Call (609) 712-8157 today!

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

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:16:31 +0000

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 buildup keeps 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 ventilationcan 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.

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5 Types of Roof Vents & Energy Savings Info

Lukasz Sobczuk — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 07:57:14 +0000

As mentioned in our earlier post, Tips for ventilating Your Roof Space, an optimized ventilation system is needed to balance the temperature and moisture levels in your home’s attic space.

3 Reasons Why You Need A Proper Ventilation System

your home will be more comfortable,

you’ll decrease utility spending, and

your roof will last longer, saving you money on roof repair or worse yet, complete replacement.

Who doesn’t like the sound of that?

But how much will a new roof vent cost?

Actually, you’ll find that most roof vents are reasonably priced—especially when you consider the energy-saving return on investment. When you’re ready to address home ventilation, here’s some helpful list of types of vents to help you make a decision.

Turbine/static/wind-driven roof vents (provide ventilation by spinning naturally with the wind)
Louver/static roof vents (deflect rain and insects while promoting air flow)
Soffit roof vents (positioned under eaves)
Gable roof vents (louvered vents placed on roof peaks)
Powered roof vent units (thermostat typically included)

Before you spend a bundle on attic ventilation, make sure you’ve consulted with a roofing expert who can help. We will be happy to discuss needed repairs so call us today to schedule a roofing consultation. We will help you figure out how much you’ll save by installing and maintaining an adequate vent system in your house.

With over 20 years of experience, LGC Roofing is your 2010 roofing source for superior customer service, competitive pricing and quality workmanship.

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Selecting Roof Vents for Your Home

Lukasz Sobczuk — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 09:46:07 +0000

Since attic ventilation is critical to saving energy and properly heating or cooling your home, it’s important to select roof vents that are both cost effective and efficient.

The best way to ensure that your attic is properly ventilated is to hire a local roofing contractor to assess your existing vent structure and recommend roof ventilation products. However, if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you should learn ventilation basis before purchasing attic vents.

Understand Roof Vent Options Before You Buy

1. Proper ventilation requires both intake and exhaust vents. Intake vents allow an infusion of fresh air into your home, and exhaust vents help air to leave the attic. You need a combination of these two types to ensure optimal air circulation and minimal condensation.
2. Survey your venting options before making a purchase. You’ll find a variety of the following vent types:

Soffit vents—These vent openings are typically screened, and are located on the underside of your home’s eaves (in the attic floor). Soffit vents allow an influx of fresh air, which rises and flows out through vents in the roof peaks. Screens are a good idea if you live in a region prone to insect infestation.
Gable vents—Placed on roof peaks, these louvered vents promote warm air exhaust.
Static vents—Installation of these inexpensive turbine or louver vents involves removing several portions of your roof shingles, as they’re typically placed in rows. These vents are effective at moving air, but can leak if they’re not properly installed and regularly inspected.
Wind-driven vents—Mounted on a rooftop or installed against a gable, these vents are driven by natural wind rather than an electrical source. When it’s breezy, the vent will circulate air in a stuffy attic.
Powered vent units—These electric- or solar-powered vents usually include a thermostat, and will automatically come on when your attic or home temperature reaches a specified point.

3. Determine the number of vents your home needs to make it a worthwhile investment. Recommended vent number depends on your roof’s square footage, and is often based on a 1/300 rule. This means that you should have one square foot of vented area per 300 feet of attic space. If your home’s attic measures 1,500 square feet, you’ll divide by 300—and conclude that 5 square feet of venting is sufficient. Remember, over-installing vents is not recommended, since too many vents increase your chance of damaging attic leaks.

Look to the professionals when you’re ready to efficiently apply roofing ventilation. LGC Roofing professionals are experts at making your home energy efficient, affordable and ready to withstand the elements. Tune into our next blog for more information on vent pricing and energy savings.

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Tips for Ventilating Your Roof Space

Lukasz Sobczuk — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:03:16 +0000

While you may know that attic ventilation helps control indoor temperature and saves energy costs, you may not realize that improper ventilation can damage your roof, create ice dams and reduce your roof’s overall lifespan. So, before preparing to replace or repair your roof, have a qualified professional assess your ventilation system.

Sufficient attic ventilation provides a variety of benefits, including:

Healthy, natural airflow in and out of your home
Improved air conditioning and heating efficiency
Prevention of condensation buildup that damages roofing infrastructure and ruins personal belongings
Prevention of mold, mildew and wood rot caused by continual condensation buildup
Prevention of wood cracks caused by extreme attic overheating
Prevention of costly, warped siding replacement due to intense condensation

It’s a common construction mistake for a roof to have less than adequate venting. In fact, the American Institute of Architects estimates that nearly 90 percent of American homes have unacceptably high moisture levels. Roofing ventilation is a helpful way to balance those levels, but with a wide variety of vents to choose from (gable, ridge, static and soffit), it’s important to consult an expert before you begin installing vents on your own.

Remember, however, that too many roof vents can open your home to leaks or seam malfunction—especially during extreme weather. Talk with a professional to determine how many vents your roof needs—and where they should be installed. A general rule is one square foot of attic ventilation for every 300 square feet of ceiling space, but recommendations may vary based on your home’s architectural design.

Call LGC Roofing today to schedule an attic ventilation assessment or inquire about roof vent installation. After all, high-quality turbine venting is a cost-effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency—and make your living space more comfortable.

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Proper Roof Ventilation

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:26:31 +0000

Roof ventilation can extend the life of your roof, if properly installed…

See full article at http://www.rooflife-oregon.com/roof-ventilaton-key-to-a-longer-lasting-roof.html