NJ Roofing Blog » Slate Roofing

DaVinci Slate Roofing Installation Project in Trenton, NJ

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:09:04 +0000

Slate roofing is amongst our favorite roofing material we install. Slate roofs are beautiful, durable and cost-effective. Sometimes they’re not the easiest to install, as it is the case with original slates, but we really enjoy each and every one of those projects!

Here are some photos from our recent project: DaVinvi slate roofing installation in Trenton, NJ.

Whether you need a brand new slate roof or restoration of your existing slate roofing, LGC Roofing is there to offer top quality service. With over 25 years of experience, we have the knowledge and the proper skills to work with any type of roofing material, including original and composite slate.

To find our whether slate roof is right for you call us at (609) 712-8157 or request more information online!

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Slate Roofing Material Options: Composite vs. Original Slates

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:44:28 +0000

When home or business owners are searching for the most aesthetically pleasing roof, slate roofing is often at the top of the list.

When it comes to slate roofing, you have two distinct choices, both of which offer benefits & drawbacks. Original slate roofing tiles are formed from stone, while composite slate is made from recycled plastic and rubber that are combined to look like original slate.

While both are visually appealing, there are some differences in slate roofing types that your local NJ roofer can help you sort out.

Cost

Original slate is more expensive than composite slate. Because of its extreme durability and beauty, it is one of the most expensive roofing options. Composite slate can be 25-75% less expensive than original slate.

Looks

Nothing compares to the beauty of original slate roofing. It comes in many color variations and has a timeless, elegant look. However, if original slate is not in your price range, composite slate is a close contender. Composite slate also comes in many color choices and has the same look as original slate—at a much lower cost.

Installation

Original slate may take your NJ roofing contractor longer to install than composite slate. Because it is heavier, a slate roofing expert will need to look at your original roof to make sure it does not need additional support before installation. Composite slate can often be installed on top of an existing roof, making installation much quicker.

Maintenance

Original slate is loved for its looks as well as its durability. It can last 100 years or more with almost no maintenance. It is excellent at repelling water, resisting the often harsh New Jersey weather, and is completely fireproof. Composite slate is also a low-maintenance choice. It too, is fireproof, can withstand the elements, and is actually designed to last even longer than original slate.

Sustainability

Original slate is an eco-friendly choice, since it is made from all natural materials that are recyclable. Composite slate is even more sustainable, since it is 100% recyclable, reflects heat from the sun, and helps with energy costs.

Call Today!

If you are planning to replace your roof with a material that is not only eye-catching, but long lasting and nearly maintenance free, look no further than original slate roofing. If the higher cost or increased weight of original slate is a concern, a sustainable, composite slate may be the ideal choice.

To schedule a free estimate, call LCG Roofing, your qualified NJ slate roofing contractor. Our team of experts will assess your current roof and help you determine which roofing material is the best investment—and the wisest choice for your New Jersey home. Call (609) 712-8157 today!

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Commercial Roofing: Why Slate is a Great Roofing Option

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:50:33 +0000

Does your new or existing commercial building need a unique architectural element to set it apart? Are you concerned about roof maintenance, repair, and eventual replacement costs? Installing a slate roofing may be the perfect solution to both your design and maintenance considerations.

What Makes Slate Roofing Attractive for Commercial Use?

Valued for its durability and elegance, slate roofing has been used for hundreds of years on some of the region’s most prized public buildings. Today, the same qualities make it a good choice for your commercial roofing needs. The benefits of using slate for your commercial roofing application are many, and include:

Versatility: Property owners who are seeking an elegant, historical, or distinctive look for their buildings should consider slate roofing installation for the surprisingly wide variety of colors and shades, patterns and textures. Made of natural stone, slate comes in red and brown earth tones, as well as shades of blue, grey, and green. Because slates are made by following the natural cleavage of stone, they are uneven in texture and thickness. This adds character to your building’s architecture. Today, composite slates offer the same design, color, and texture variety in a lower-cost, lightweight alternative.
Durability: Commonly called “the hundred year roof,” slate is found on some of the Northeast’s oldest historic buildings. With proper installation and maintenance, a slate roof will last 60 or more years: considerably longer than most commercial roofing installations. In fact, slate roofs typically carry a 50 year warranty from leading manufacturers. The key to a long-lasting slate roof is professional installation, regular inspections and maintenance by a reputable contractor.
Ease of maintenance: With proper installation, slate roofing maintenance is usually very straight forward. Slate is naturally fireproof, leak-proof, and resistant to corrosion, mold, and insects. Repairs are relatively simple and may involve removing or replacing only damaged slates. If the slates removed are intact, they can be reinstalled after the underlying repair is made. Specialized equipment is necessary to avoid damage to slates, so repairs and maintenance should always be performed by professionals.
Eco-friendliness: Slate roofing is a natural stone material that can simply be returned to the ground instead of taken to the landfill. In addition, slate roofing installation does not involve harsh chemicals, so there is no need to dispose of hazardous wastes.

To explore the advantages of slate roofing for your commercial property, contact LGC Roofing, your leading New Jersey roofing contractors. With over two decades of experience, our expertise is unparalleled. Call 609-712-8157 to schedule your free installation estimate today!

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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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5 DIY Tips for Proper Slate Roofing Inspection

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:27:02 +0000

Slate is one of the most attractive and durable roofing materials on the market, but it may require occasional repairs and service.

You may not need to completely replace your slate roof if you’ve sprung a roof leak or have localized problems, but it is important to conduct a thorough inspection to determine the nature and the extent of the damage.

While it’s recommended that you leave major slate repairs to your qualified NJ roofing contractor, you can perform a DIY slate roofing inspection.

5 Tips for Proper Slate Roofing Inspection

Here are five important tips:

Prioritize safety. First, never walk on a slate roof to perform your inspection. Unlike asphalt shingles—which you also shouldn’t walk on if you can help it—slate roofs are smooth and don’t have the coarse surface that helps you maintain your footing. Instead, perform your inspection from a sturdy ladder, or use binoculars to make your inspection from a distance. Roof safety should always be your priority.
Look for evidence of weathering. If you notice that the slate appears spongy, unusually thin, has scales along the edges, is delaminated or has whitish mineral salt rings spreading across its surface, this may mean that exposure to the elements has weakened the slate and it needs replacement.
Check for fastener failures. If the roof has cracks, holes or has patchy or missing pieces of slate, the fasteners may be to blame. In many cases, you need only replace the missing slate or damaged areas while leaving the rest of the roof intact.
Recognize flashing failures. If you’re experiencing attic leaks, or if the chimney flashings appear tarry, you may have what are known as “flashing failures.” Other telltale signs of a flashing failure are corroded or leaky liners.
Assess the results. As a general rule of thumb: if more than one-quarter of the roof has fastener failures or more than one-quarter of the slate shingles are worn or damaged, replacing your slate roof in its entirety is an investment that you should consider making.

If your slate roof requires repair or replacement, LGC Roofing contractors are among New Jersey’s most trusted roofers. Offering slate roofing installation and repair services for both residential and commercial buildings, we provide affordable inspection, repair and replacement services that help you protect your property investment while achieving beautiful results. Call today to schedule your consultation!

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Best Commercial Roofing Materials on the Market Today

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:57:23 +0000

Choosing the right roofing material for a commercial or industrial application is critically important.

While aesthetic appeal is important to commercial building owners and property managers, safety, affordability and durability are primary concerns when it comes to commercial roofing today.

Understanding the advantages as well as the limitations of commercial roofing materials is the first step toward making the best, most cost-effective choice for your facility.

Best Commercial Roofing Materials on the Market Today

Hot Mop Roofing

This type of asphalt roofing is a relatively inexpensive option and is a good choice for roofs with flat slopes, so long as they are designed to promote proper drainage. Hot mop roofing is created by applying melted asphalt to a roof surface, then using specialized equipment to spread it evenly and flatten it so that it seals correctly.

Hot mop roofing must be applied properly in order to maximize its lifespan, so it’s essential to work with an experienced commercial roofing contractor if you’re interested in this type of roof.

There are some drawbacks to hot mop roofing, though. First, it’s not particularly aesthetic—but it can be treated to improve its appearance. In addition, the application process releases moderate levels of air pollutants, which is undesirable for Green builders.

Metal Roofing

While it tends to range more toward the expensive end of the commercial roofing material spectrum, metal roofing is an outstanding choice for numerous reasons. Metal roofs are extremely durable and long-lasting, and require very little in the way of maintenance.

Metal roofing also offers outstanding fire and weather resistance, characteristics that make it a popular and safe choice for commercial and industrial buildings. Today’s metal roof suppliers offer a range of colors, textures and types, as well—so you can choose a metal roof that suits your building’s architectural appearance.

Concrete Tile Roofing

Like metal roofing, concrete tile roofing is inflammable, and naturally resists corrosion, pests and weather. Concrete tile roofing is available in an increasingly wide range of styles, textures and colors, giving you plenty of options if you prefer a certain look. However, unlike metal roofing, it is not recyclable, and therefore comes at a higher environmental cost.

Slate Roofing

The many advantages of slate roofing include excellent fire resistance; slate is also resistant to insects and corrosion, and has a very long life expectancy that’s relatively maintenance free. However, if you choose slate roofing for a commercial project, you will need to perform a careful structural assessment, since slate is heavy and adds a significant amount of weight to the building.

Whish Material is Right For Your Project?

To select the most economical, functional commercial roofing material for your business, contact LGC Roofing. Our commercial roofers are experts in hot mop, metal, concrete and slate roofing, and are happy to explain the pros and cons of commercial roofing material options—so you can make an educated choice for your facility.

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Slate Roofing Repair: Cost-Effective Alternatives to Replacement

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:11:43 +0000

Dubbed “100 year roofs” for their durability, slate roofs actually have service lives of 60 to 200 years. Chosen for their aesthetically pleasing patterns and details, among other benefits, slate roofs have been around for centuries and are prominently found on homes, churches, institutions and government buildings.

Because of the unique craftsmanship of slate roofs on New Jersey buildings and residences, many owners choose to repair or restore these roofs, rather than replace them, to preserve their beauty and historical value.

There are three main reasons why slate roofing requires repair:

Cracked, broken, misaligned or missing slates
Deteriorated metal flashing
Improper workmanship during previous repairs

Given the high cost of slate materials, homeowners should only hire a certified, experienced NJ roofing contractor to ensure that slate roof restoration is done right.

Regular maintenance and annual inspections can also extend the life of your roof.

Slate Roofing Repair: Cost-Effective Alternatives to Replacement

If you’re wondering whether to repair or replace, ask yourself:

When was the roof installed? Find records of the roof’s age and type. Not all slates are the same. Where the rocks were quarried may help to determine the lifespan of the slate.
Are the slates misaligned or sliding out of position? If yes, the metal fasteners used to hold the slates in place may have corroded and may need to be replaced.
Are there active leaks? Most roof leaks occur because of problems with gutters, valleys and flashings. Even the smallest hole can allow a large amount of water to accumulate. These leaks can often be fixed while salvaging the slates.
How many slates are damaged or missing? If 20- to 30-percent of the slates on the roof are damaged, it would less expensive for a slate roof replacement than a repair.
Are the slates delaminating (flaking or crumbling), or is there powder on the underside? If so, your roof needs to be replaced.

Need Slate Repairs? Hire Professional Roofing Contractors

Working with slate roofing requires advanced skills, so don’t trust just anybody to restore or replace your slate roof. Trust the knowledge and expertise of LGC Roofing: a family-owned company that has been installing and repairing slate roofs for over 20 years.

Our work is guaranteed and our slate roofing expertise is unrivaled. Call us today for a free slate roofing restoration estimate, and learn how we can help you preserve your investment!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Slate Roofing Installation

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 24 May 2011 15:30:30 +0000

Spring is here, and with it comes the opportunity to perform upkeep on your home.

After long winters, many homeowners find that in addition to general maintenance, time and the elements have taken their tolls on one of the most important pieces of the house: the roof.

The key to maintaining a sound slate roof is diligent maintenance and inspection!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slate Roofing Installation

Age, wear and tear, and appearance affect the way you feel about your roof, so if you’re looking to update or replace your slate roof, take some time to consider the options.

If you’re a homeowner looking for slate roof replacement or repair, you may have a few questions. Here are some of the most frequently-asked questions about slate roofing installation.

FAQ #1: What are the benefits of slate roofing?

Slate is a great option for homeowners interested in a safe-low maintenance roof. They are beautiful, eco-friendly, and protect your home from damage.

Because the material is natural, every slate roof is unique.

Slate ages gracefully over time, and requires no cleaning. Maintenance and repairs are inevitable, but when it comes to repair, removing it causes minimal damage to the environment.

Unlike other roofing materials, slate requires no plastic, asphalt or fiberglass, making it safer to return to the earth and a great eco-friendly roofing option. Additionally, slate roofs offer long-standing protection against leaks, fires, and wind damage. With the appropriate maintenance, the overall reliability of this natural material is ideal for roofs intended to last for the long haul.

FAQ #2: How much does slate roofing cost?

Depending on the thickness of the material, slate roofing can range anywhere from $10-$40 per square foot. Factors to take into cost considerations include building height and the pitch of the roof. Generally, installed slate roofs cost between $10 and $20 per square foot.

FAQ #3: Do I need special framing or structure for slate?

The ideal structural setting for a slate roof is a solid deck with 16” on center framing. Slate is a heavier material, weighing approximately 800 to 1,000 pounds for a 10‘ x 10’ square. This varies by thickness: with 3/8” slate weighing around 1,500 pounds per square, each 1/8” of thickness adds an additional 500 pounds.

Weak structures will lead to a weak roof, so if you want to protect your investment, be sure your supports can handle the material. Most homes are built to handle wind and snow loads heavier than slate; if you are unsure, consult with a roofing professional.

FAQ #4: How do I maintain and repair my slate roof?

An annual inspection of your roof will help you keep it in the best possible state. Homeowners can do this themselves by looking for damaged or missing pieces of slate.

If you are looking to repair slate, contact a professional. Correct installation is the foundation for a solid roof, and mistakes can be costly to the homeowner. Depending on the age of your roof, check with local contractors for inventories of reclaimed slate for a uniform look, or purchase new squares.

Never coat slate: adding sealants, paints, or any other coverings (including shingles) will expedite the aging of the roof.

While the initial cost of slate roofing may discourage you, the long-term savings offer sound reassurance that your investment will be worthwhile. If you are ready to invest in a long-term slate roofing solution, work only with experienced professional contractors like LGC Roofing. For more information on slate roofs, or for a no-obligation quote, contact us at (609) 712-8157 or request a slate roofing installation estimate online.

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Common Post-Winter Slate Roof Repairs

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:04:34 +0000

When New Jersey goes through a tough winter, weather-related roof damage is almost sure to follow. Slate roofing, in particular, can be put under a lot of stress due to snow, ice and hail, requiring slate roofing repairs in the warmth of spring.

NJ roofing contractors are aware that many homeowners are do-it-yourselfers, and are comfortable making their own slate roofing repairs. Learning how to take care of winter roof problems properly can save you a lot of time and money.

Common Winter Slate Roof Damage?

Slate roofing repairs are needed when the roofing materials are cracked, broken or indented due to the external force of hail or ice, or if you experience leakage into your home. The slates can also become damaged from abnormalities in the wood decking beneath the slates—or from faulty nails.

If you are not sure if your roof is, in fact, damaged from inclement weather, call LGC Roofing, your local NJ roofing contractor to schedule your post winter roof inspection.

Do-It-Yourself Slate Roofing Repairs

Slate roofing repairs can be performed tile by tile without replacing the entire roof. The best-case scenario is using leftover slate that you’ve been storing in your garage; the materials blend in nicely without making an eyesore out of your roof.

If this is not an option, order slate that presents as close a match in color, shape and age as possible. Gently lift up the slate above the one to be replaced to allow easy access. Remove the nail and the damaged slate, and re-hang the new slate before returning the higher slate to its previous position.

Slate is secured to the roof with nails, but the each individual piece hangs, rather than sits, snugly against the surface. When replacing slates, avoid driving the nails into the slate too deeply or you may incur cracks or stress that is not yet visible to the eye—but may develop later. It’s also important to hammer the nail enough so that the slate that rests on top of the tile you’re replacing doesn’t chip or crack. Galvanized nails do the job, but may not last as long as your slate, requiring premature replacement of both components.

When Hiring a Professional Roofer is the Right Move

Winter roof problems can seem overwhelming if home repair is not your strong suit. LGC Roofing is more than happy to help, from offering a no-obligation free slate repair estimate to handling your slate roof restoration or complete replacements.

Call LGC Roofing today at (609) 712-8157 with questions about your NJ slate roof.

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Slate Roofing Restoration: Saving Tile & Money

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 07:15:09 +0000

If you are the proud owner of a home with a slate roof, you enjoy exceptional advantages that other roofing types just can’t match. Slate is incomparably beautiful, lending your home an air of classic elegance and dignity (just look at our recent slate installation project photos).

You can also rest in the knowledge that the slate tile on your roof will never burn, and that it’s one of the most low-maintenance roofing options on the market. Its superior resistance to mold and mildew makes it exceptionally long-lasting, as well—often serving for a century or more.

Slate Roofing Restoration: Saving Tile & Money

Even the most durable roofs need repair at some point, though. If you need restoration or repair of your slate roof, contact the LGC Roofing experts. A family-owned business for more than 25 years, we specialize in the proper installation of all types of slate roofing.

What causes slate roofs to deteriorate?

There are a number of considerations that must be taken into account when inspecting a slate roof for repair, including flashing quality, nail and fastener type—and quality of the tiles, themselves. Often, the slate tiles have simply outlasted the other components. That’s not surprising when you consider that a galvanized nail can rust in 30 years, while slate can last for 150 years.

Instead of complete replacement consider slate restoration

A slate roof is not inexpensive, so you’ll want to avoid unnecessary costs. Any roofing contractor you choose to hire should do everything they can to reclaim slates that are in good condition and only replace those that cannot be reused.

Here’s the process LGC Roofing follows (and your roofing contractor should to):

carefully remove each slate in the work area,
inspect it for damage,
reinstall each tile that is in good condition , and
replace broken or missing tiles.

When it comes to slate roofing, material & labor costs are higher than with most other roofing materials out there. Why add to the cost by replacing the roof entirely. Our restoration process will save you considerable replacement expense, and reduces material waste.

Our highly skilled and conscientious craftsmen understand that slate roofing is an art as much as it is a science, and will treat your investment with the respect it deserves. You should be also be aware that the most common reasons for slate roofing problems are poor repair jobs.

Trust your slate roof to us to prevent costly future issues.

Contact LGC Roofing via a form, or call 609-712-8157 for a free slate repair estimate. We also offer coupons and specials, which can save you up to 15 percent off a repair job of $250 or more.

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