NJ Roofing Blog » Shingle Roofing

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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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.

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Residential Roofing: Fall Inspection of Your Roof Shingles

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:05:32 +0000

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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6 Steps to Handling Shingle Roofing Replacement

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:02:35 +0000

If you have asphalt shingles on your roof, it’s inevitable that they’ll need eventual replacement.

Signs that your roof shingles are nearing the end of their life include interior and exterior water marks, algae growth, and missing, warped, blistered or cracked shingles.

6 Steps to Handling Shingle Roofing Replacement

Choosing professional NJ shingle roofing installation contractor ensures your new roof will withstand the punishing, year-round Garden State elements.

With that in mind, here is a six-step process to follow when shingle replacement time comes:

Check for underlying structural damage. If your shingles have become so worn that your roof has suffered structural weather-related damage, you will have to repair this before you replace your shingles. Otherwise, you’ll simply mask the problem, rather than solving it.
Set your project budget. It is very important that you avoid exceeding your maximum budget, as home repairs are notorious for growing and growing and growing until you wind up spending thousands more than you initially intended. Decide on a budget and stick to it, though you should keep in mind that some contractors offer flexible payment terms. If cash is a concern, consider working with your roofing contractor or bank to finance your project over a period of time.
Choose your roofing material. Your budget will, to a large extent, determine which options in roofing materials are available to you, but in broad terms, you can choose from tile, asphalt shingles, slate shingles—or eco-friendly, energy-saving metal roofing options.
Find a reputable contractor. Choosing an experienced roofing contractor who happily provides references and offers a high degree of transparency throughout the process is essential to getting your money’s worth.
Get an estimate in writing. Your contractor should never quote a price before coming to view your home in person. Get the estimate in writing as a means of protecting yourself against surprises down the road.
Maintain your new roofing. Now that you’ve invested in a new roof, be sure to maintain it properly according to your manufacturer’s recommended guidelines for the roofing material you’ve selected. If you’re unsure of what type of maintenance is involved, talk with a qualified roofing contractor about service and repairs.

Need Shingle Roofing Replacement?

LGC Roofing is proud of the statewide reputation we’ve built as a reliable company that does excellent roofing replacement in NJ for a fair price. You can visit our project gallery to view samples of our work, or call to arrange a no-obligation roofing replacement estimate for your next roofing project!

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Homeowners Guide to Shingle Roofing Replacement

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:37:10 +0000

The only thing guarding you from the harsh outside elements is your roof, so it’s an investment you can’t afford to skimp on.

If your shingle roof is more than 20 years old and is cracked, leaking or stained, it’s time to consider a shingle roof replacement.

Your new roof’s life expectancy depends on the quality of workmanship, installation and materials—so it’s crucial to choose a reliable New Jersey roofing contractor who will help you select quality, durable materials that compliment your home and enhance its resale value.

Shingle Roofing Choices

The sky’s the limit when it comes to shingle roofing options.

According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), composition or asphalt shingles account for nearly 80 percent of new or replacement roofing—making it the most popular roofing material in the country.

Composition shingles are relatively inexpensive compared to alternatives such as wood, metal, tile, slate or rubber. Asphalt roofing comes in two basic types: organic and fiberglass.

Organic felt shingles consist of cellulose fiber or wood base that is saturated with asphalt.
Fiberglass shingles have a glass fiber mat that is molded to the shape of the shingle, and then coated with asphalt-containing mineral fillers.

Quality of Installation Matters

Proper installation is also key in prolonging the life of your new roof.

Before starting a shingle roof replacement project, your roofer will check the attic and roof deck flashings to evaluate the ventilation and determine the condition of the framing.

A poorly ventilated attic can build up heat and moisture, causing shingles to buckle and rafters to swell and rot.

In addition, any water damage to the underlying plywood needs to be repaired before shingle installation starts.

Flashing-related failures contribute to the majority of roof leaks. A skilled roofing contractor will fabricate and correctly install all flashings, and when shingles are fastened on the roof, the ARMA recommends corrosion-resistant nails and staples that are sufficient in length to penetrate the roof deck.

LGC Roofing Offers Superb Workmanship

When you’re ready to replace your NJ shingle roof, call the licensed experts at LGC Roofing. We never take shortcuts and ensure every step is done right!

With over two decades of experience, our family-owned roofing company can help you select the roofing material that is unique to your home. Call 609-712-8157 today to schedule a shingle roof replacement or to learn more about shingle roofing options.

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Latest Trends in Residential & Commercial Roofing

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:53:44 +0000

Time for a new roof? Before committing to one of the many materials on the market, consider the latest trends in both residential & commercial roofing. There are many excellent roofing choices available to meet your needs, so take time to learn more about which roofing materials would provide the protection you want with prices that fit your budget.

Latest Trends in Residential & Commercial Roofing

Composition Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for residential roofing on the market. Because of their affordability, variety, and durability, asphalt shingles offer homeowners the opportunity to get attractive results without spending the money on other more expensive options. Asphalt shingles come in a number of styles, including basic three-tab, dimensional/architectural, interlocking, and no cut out shingles.

Additionally, many can be enhance to give the visual appearance of more luxurious materials like cedar or slate. Asphalt shingles are very durable, and many brands now offer 20 to 25 year warranties. If damages do occur, asphalt is easily installed, and shingle repairs aren’t as costly as with other materials.

Metal Roofing

The second most popular choice for roofing is metal roofing. In the past few years, metal roofing has garnered favor because it is lightweight, durable, and energy efficient. An additional appeal is that this material is recyclable, making it more eco-friendly than conventional asphalt shingles.

The initial costs of installation are higher than asphalt, but metal roofing has been known to help cut home energy costs by up to 40% by reducing energy consumption and smog, which aids in the prevention of urban heat islands. Metal roofs also raise the home’s resale value, and in some instances even reduce home owner insurance premiums.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin

Thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO, is a single-ply material made of ethylene propylene rubber, a synthetic rubber growing in popularity among commercial and industrial roofers. Like metal, TPO is highly reflective and energy efficient, making it an ideal choice for replacing outdated materials.

The modern synthetic contents make TPO more economic than its predecessors, combining the strength of EDPM rubbers with hot-air weldable seams. Another advantage of TPO roofing is that it is more resistant to mold than conventional roofing materials.

Ask Your Roofer What’s Best for You!

With so many options available on the market, it’s best to first determine which features are most important to you. Some of the materials may have a higher initial cost than others, but look into long-term maintenance costs and energy savings.

If you have questions about which material would best suit your needs and budgets talk with one of our expert roofing professionals. At LGC Roofing, we’re honored to have served New Jersey businesses and residents for 25 years. We’re NJ’s choice for high-quality commercial roofing, and we’re licensed, bonded and ready to provide you with superior roofing materials and installation procedures. We also handle all types of residential roofing projects in NJ, from roof installation & replacement to various roofing repairs.

Call 609-712-8157 today to schedule your free roofing estimate or learn more about our reputable, family-owned business.

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3 Most Common Shingle Roofing Repair Mistakes

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:51:09 +0000

Homeownership often coincides, by necessity, with a deep discovery of your inner “do-it-yourselfer.”

While repairing your roof without professional guidance may cut costs in the short term, it’s not always a long-term fix.

If you have shingle roofing that needs repairing, do some research to administer a PROPER fix—or seek the guidance of a qualified NJ roofing contractor so you don’t make common shingle roofing mistakes.

3 Most Common Shingle Roofing Repair Mistakes

Homeowners often make errors, unknowingly, when they make routine repairs to their roof. Recognizing the problems and correcting them can keep your roof in top-shape condition—and safe from the spring elements.

Mistake #1 – Inadequate fastening

Nails and fasteners that keep the roof deck together and the shingle roofing adhered to the deck can be a sign of sub-par installation, and can pierce the shingles. Remove the loose or mislaid nails and replace with new. Use up to six nails per shingle, laid right under the seal-down strip of the shingle. Replace cracked or chipped shingles at this time.

Mistake #2 – Shingle roof selection problems

Choosing shingle roofing that has a continuous seal-down strip can contribute to leaks. Select a shingle product that has breaks in the adhesive between each strip; this prohibits water from seeping under the shingle. When repairing roofs with valleys, make sure to add flashing at the angle to prevent water damage.

Mistake #3 – Flashing problems

Metal flashing is used to stop water from seeping in around chimneys, valleys, windows and skylights. The misplacement of flashing can create leaks. Chimney flashing must be set into mortar to serve its purpose; repairing with caulk is a common mistake. Misalignment of step flashing is also common. Flashing pieces should overlap approximately 2 inches and be fastened with just one nail in the upper corner.

Want Peace of Mind? Hire Roofing Professional

Roof repairs may just not be something you are comfortable doing yourself, and that’s okay. Not everyone is a natural handyman.

Call LGC Roofing, an experienced and reliable NJ roofing contractor to make minor repairs or schedule a roofing inspection of more extensive damage.

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Protecting Your New Shingle Roof from the Ice & Water

Lukasz Sobczuk — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:31:48 +0000

February may not be the best time of the year to start making sure your existing shingle roof properly safeguards your home from snow and ice. After all we’re in the middle of winter which continues to sweep across the Northeast depositing heavy snow falls and freezing temperatures, casing many problems for NJ homeowners. We’ve written about these common winter roofing problems before.

However, if you’re planning to install a new shingle roof in the next few months, it’s a good time to think about protecting your home from spring’s upcoming rains and winds—and next year’s inevitable snows.

Protecting Your New Shingle Roof From Ice & Water

Ice & Water Shield

After removing your old shingles, inspecting the existing sheathing for damage and installing a sturdy sheet-metal drip edge, it’s time to install a layer of ice & water shield.

Available in rolls one to three feet wide and approximately 75 feet long, ice & water shield is a self-adhered membrane that is easy to install. Position the roll along roof valleys and next to your roof’s eave so the material overlaps your new drip edge. Roll the membrane onto the roof deck.

While you’ll find ice & water shield to be a bit costly, it’s well worth the expense. For roofing structures in New Jersey, where winter and spring are often characterized by cold, wet weather, it provides superior leak protection and prevents damage due to ice dams and severe rain.

In some cases, you may wish to install an overlapped, second layer of ice & water shield to further protect your residential or business roof. Some do-it-yourself installers choose to secure the ice & water shield with staples or fasteners, but we advise against it. If you can avoid putting even small holes in the self-adhesive product, it will perform better.

Roof Felt

Following your ice & water shield installation, it’s time to apply a layer of roof felt. Sold in three-foot rolls, 30-pound roofing felt is designed to add a second layer of defense to your shingle roof’s underlay.

To install it properly, overlap the roofing felt with the ice & water shield and roll it along the eaves. Using a heavy-duty staple gun, attach roofing felt tautly to the roof deck. Repeat the application process, continuing to overlap four to six-inch layers of roof felt until you get to the roof ridge. When working around vent pipes and other obstacles, cut a slit in the roofing felt and place it over the vents.

Your roof is now ready for its new, low-maintenance composite shingles.

Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor

If you lack experience with do-it-yourself shingle roof installation, call a skilled New Jersey roofing contractor. With over two decades of maintaining, repairing and installing shingle, metal, wood shake and slate roofs, our team of experts knows what it takes to prevent weather-related damage to your residence or work facility.

In addition, we carefully explain each step of our 6-steps roofing replacement process, and ensure that your new shingle roof is skillfully installed and priced to suit your budget.

Call 609-712-8157 today to schedule your shingle roof installation estimate or inquire about other materials options.

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When to Replace a Shingle or Shake Roof

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:32:38 +0000

GAF is widely known for offering a large selection of roofing shingles. They are however more than just a distributor for roofing products and insulation. They provide roofing solutions, home improvement tips, and recommendations to find a professional contractor.

Just like we do here, at LGC Roofing Blog, they offer information, tips, advice and expertise aimed to help homeowners solve their roofing problems.

Recently, I’ve come across this great resource for homeowners to detect whether they need a new shingle or shake roof. You select your roof style and click on any problem shown on a roof diagram to learn what’s causing it and how to fix it.

What I also like is their DesignEyeQ tool where you can experiment with different home looks to find the one you love! Check it out!

Contact Your Local NJ Roofing Contractor

If you need help repairing your damaged roof, contact LGC Roofing for a repair estimate. With over 25 years of experience working with all kinds of roofing materials, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle all types of roofing repairs required.

Call today to schedule a roofing repair consultation or find out which replacement roofing material is best for your home’s architectural look.

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Common Roof Problems: High Wind Damage

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:40:55 +0000

While many homeowners understand the hazards of storm, hail and tornado damage, few realize that high winds, alone, can lead to major roof repairs, even replacement.

Wind gusts of 75 to 85 miles have been found to damage shingles or even lift them from rooftops, especially if the shingles are aging or are improperly sealed. Unfortunately, missing shingles can expose your home’s roof to costly water damage if they’re not replaced before the next storm comes along.

How high winds leads to roofing damage?

It is typically changing wind speed and changing wind direction that causes shingles to become dislodged. When this occurs, dirt, leaves, branches and other debris blows underneath the shingles and speeds deterioration of your roofing underlay. Between the underlay damage and the shingles loss, you may need to replace large portions of your roof.

How do I know if the wind has damaged my roof?

The best way to assess the condition of your roof after any type of storm is to hire a professional roofing contractor to perform a thorough roofing inspection. Your qualified roofing expert will assess your home’s wind damage, determine the condition of your roofing material, and check your gutters to ensure their integrity.

Before calling your roofer, walk around your home’s interior and exterior to look for the effects of wind damage. If you notice any of the following problems with your home or roof, let your roofing professional know immediately.

Tears in window and door screens
Visible window cracks or caulking displacement
Damage to gazebos and hot tub covers
Broken fence posts or missing pickets
Dents or damage to exterior HVAC units
Porch and garage light damage/breakage
Broken tree limbs
Water seepage in attic
Water stains on ceiling or drywall
Visible shingle or gutter damage

If you believe your roof has suffered severe damage from a recent wind storm, avoid causing further damage to already-compromised shingles. Rather than climbing onto your roof, call LGC Roofing, your top notch NJ roofer at 609-712-8157 to schedule your free, comprehensive roofing assessment.

LGC Roofing specialize in residential and commercial roofing repairs and replacement. We are known for our attention to detail, comprehensive warranties and legacy of service. Request your fall inspection today to ensure that your home is properly protected from the elements this winter.