3 Most Common Shingle Roofing Installation Mistakes

By Lukasz Sobczuk | Published: March 6, 2012

3 Most Common Shingle Roofing Installation Mistakes - NJ Roofing Blog
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.

Posted in Roof Replacement & Repair, Shingle Roofing | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Commercial Roofing: Why Slate is a Great Roofing Option

By Lukasz Sobczuk | Published: February 28, 2012

Commercial Roofing: Why Slate is a Great Roofing Option
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!

Posted in Commercial Roofing, Slate Roofing | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Metal Roofing Options: Aluminum Roofs

By Lukasz Sobczuk | Published: February 21, 2012

Metal Roofing Options: Aluminum Roofs - LGC Roofing Blog

If you are planning to replace your roof in the near future, consider investing in metal roofing. Commonly used for commercial and residential structures, metal roofing options including copper, steel and aluminum.

Advantages of Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum is one of the most popular & affordable metal roofing options in residential & commercial roofing. Home and business owners select it for a variety of reasons:

  1. Visual impact: Metal roofs, including aluminum, are a visually pleasing addition to any home or building. They look as beautiful as tile or slate, and are a cost-effective and attractive alternative. Aluminum roofing panels can be painted for an even more desirable effect, and since aluminum is so lightweight, it can be easily manipulated along difficult roof lines.
  1. Environmentally sound: Aluminum roofs are becoming increasingly popular because they can be made from recycled materials. This makes them a more sustainable choice than other roofing selections. Energy costs are also lower with metal roofs, since aluminum reflects the sun and insulates during the winter. Best of all, aluminum roofing offers protection from New Jersey’s inclement weather. Rain, wind and hail are no match for a metal roof, and snow will shed easily from an aluminum roof.
  1. Long-term money savings: While a metal roof may cost more initially, it saves money over time. Some aluminum can be placed over existing roofing materials, which saves manpower; but it is over the life of the roof that the real savings is enjoyed. Metal roofs last longer than their asphalt counterparts, and require little maintenance. While an asphalt roof might last 20 years, even less if harsh weather is involved, a metal roof can last a lifetime. Aluminum roofs are also non-corrosive and fire retardant, which decreases insurance premiums.

Considering an Aluminum Roof?

If you are looking for a long-term roofing investment requiring little to no maintenance but offering many benefits, aluminum is a excellent choice. This metal roofing option is earth-friendly, and is an attractive addition to any facility.

Call LCG Roofing, your leading NJ roofing contractor, for a no-obligation quote or to determine whether an aluminum roof is right for you. Dial (609) 712-8157 today!

Posted in Metal Roofing | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Common Roofing Problems: Skylight Leak Repair

By Lukasz Sobczuk | Published: February 14, 2012

Common Roofing Problems: Skylight Leak Repair - LGC Roofing Blog

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.

Posted in Roof Replacement & Repair, Skylight Repair | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Top 3 Winter Roof Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

By Lukasz Sobczuk | Published: February 7, 2012

Top 3 Winter Roof Maintenance Tips for Homeowners - LGC Roofing
The wet, cold weather that characterizes New Jersey winters can cause significant damage to your roof. Like other professional residential roofers, we recommend you take certain winter roof maintenance steps to help your home’s structures remain safe and sound throughout the year.

The below roofing maintenance calls for vigilance, some elbow grease and a bit of patience. Your efforts will pay off in the end.

Top 3 Winter Roof Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

The three most important winter roof maintenance tips for homeowners include snow removal, protection and ventilation. Contact your local NJ residential roofing company to learn more about keeping your roof healthy during the winter.

Snow Removal

Snow and ice are your winter roof’s worst enemies, mainly due to the weight of the precipitation. Ice dams form when snow is not removed efficiently after a storm and later begins to melt. When the melted snow re-freezes at night or during a sub-freezing day, a dam forms in or near your gutters, and impedes the run-off of snow and water behind the dam. Ice dams and excess moisture can weaken the shingles and cause roof leaks.

Remember that snowy roofs can be very slippery; work slowly and carefully to avoid injury.

Protective Measures

Residential roofing inspections throughout the year can alert you to potential problems and may help you prevent leaking during the coldest months.

Mislaid or faulty flashing is a possible source for leaking, and should be repaired prior to the first snow to prevent wetness from seeping into your house. Similarly, broken and chipped shingles can allow moisture to transfer from the roof to your ceilings after a storm.

Call your New Jersey roofer to perform a bi-annual inspection in fall and spring, and to repair any faulty structures on your roof. The application of heat tape is another protective measure that may reduce ice dam-induced roof damage. Apply heat tape in a zig-zag pattern to promote proper drainage, even through ice dams.

Ventilation

Winter roofing maintenance should include a brief assessment of your ventilation system. Inadequate ventilation and insulation from your attic can not only cause your home to remain cool in the frosty weather, but also can encourage the formation of ice dams. Your New Jersey roofing professionals can inspect your roof and determine if your ventilation system & insulation is efficient enough to keep your home toasty warm and your roof protected from the elements.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

LGC Roofing serves a wide service area in New Jersey, including Middlesex, Monmouth, Burlington, Somerset, Hunterdon and Mercer counties. Contact us today to learn more about winter roof maintenance or to schedule a repair.

Posted in Roof Maintenance | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Common Roofing Problems: Leaky Vent Pipe Repairs

By Lukasz Sobczuk | Published: January 31, 2012

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.

Posted in Roof Replacement & Repair, Roof Ventilation | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Flat Roofing: Preventing Winter Damage in Commercial Roofs

By Lukasz Sobczuk | Published: January 24, 2012

Flat Roofing: Preventing Winter Damage in Commercial Roofs

Roof damage in the state of NJ is quite common during the winter months, and can be especially costly in commercial roofing.

While flat roofs are built to withstand a fair amount of snow, extreme ice buildup can cause structural damage if it is not properly handled. Some commercial roof repairs are inevitable, but there are ways to protect your flat roofing from the aftermath of heavy storms.

Common Flat Roofing Damage

The most common winter roofing problem is ice damming, which can do extreme damage to flat roofing and low-sloped roofs. As snow falls on your facility’s EPDM roof and warm air rises toward the ceiling and attic, the snow melts. When snowmelt runs toward gutters or low-sloped eaves, it refreezes and builds a dam. During continual freeze-thaw cycles, these ice dams become bigger and trap additional moisture on the roof. As water accumulates, your business or industrial facility can experience roof leaks that lead to expensive repairs.

In addition to ice damming, winter water buildup leads to gutter problems. Gutters become filled with ice, preventing proper drainage and putting undue pressure on the structure of your commercial gutter system. In extreme cases, you may need to replace damaged gutters or remove portions of the system to melt the ice and get rid of debris buildup.

Preventing Ice Dam and Gutter Damage

While it is not possible to prevent ice damming 100% of the time, commercial building owners can take steps to reduce flat roof damage.

  1. First, make sure that your facility has adequate attic ventilation and insulation. A properly insulated attic prevents warm air from reaching the underside of the roof and beginning the vicious melt/refreeze process.
  2. Next, clean and inspect gutters at least twice a year. The less leaf, twig and debris buildup, the more likely your gutter system can handle snow runoff rather than allowing moisture to pool.
  3. Finally, as snow piles and ice dams begin to form on commercial roofing, it may be time to hire a roofing professional to remove some of the weight and mitigate damage. Climbing on snowy or ice roofs is dangerous work, and should only be done by professionals who are properly equipped.

To schedule your winter inspection of your commercial roof, or to request a roofing repair estimate for your facility, contact LGC roofing professionals today. With almost three decades of experience in residential and commercial roof repairs and replacement, we are NJ’s top experts on flat roofing and seasonal roof maintenance.

Posted in Commercial Roofing, Roof Maintenance | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Copper Roofing: Perfect Marriage of Beauty & Function

By Lukasz Sobczuk | Published: January 17, 2012

Copper Roofing: Perfect Marriage of Beauty & FunctionFrom elegant estates to industrial facilities, copper roofing supplies character and longevity that few other roofing materials can match.

Appreciated for its warm, rich color and weather-resistant durability, copper roofing is considered one of today’s most sought-after roofing materials—no matter what your building style.

Copper is not a new roofing phenomenon, as it is found on buildings that are centuries old. Popular in historic structures, this beautiful metal roofing material is valued for a variety of reasons.

Copper Roofing Advantages

  • Weather and climate resistance: Copper roofing is an enduring material that resists earthquakes, strong winds, record heat and more. In addition, copper roofing will protect your structure from flooding, and can withstand torrential storms and safeguard your building from leaks when properly installed. Because of its amazing durability, your NJ copper roof will last far longer than asphalt or shake shingles.
  • Unmatched aesthetics: Copper develops a “patina,” or blue-green color, as it weathers. When this rich patina mingles with the metal’s warm tones, the result is uniquely beautiful.
  • Innovative installation: Over the years, many tools have been developed to assist in the simple, efficient installation of copper roofing. While copper takes minimal surface preparation in most cases, it’s always best to have a NJ roofing contractor install your new roof.
  • Proven safety: Copper roofs are inflammable, supplying excellent resistance for homes and businesses in fire-prone areas.
  • Lightweight: With the installation of any NJ roofing material, there is always a risk of putting excess stress on your home or business structure. Fortunately, copper roofing is lightweight—making it an especially wise investment for areas facing heavy snowfall.

When married with its robust design, the beauty of copper roofing lends instant curb appeal to any structure—whether residential or commercial.

To learn more about copper roofing options for NJ home and business owners, schedule a consultation or speak with an expert NJ roofing contractor, call LGC Roofing at 609-712-8157 today.

Posted in Metal Roofing | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

NJ Roofing Blog: Top 10 Articles of 2011

By Lukasz Sobczuk | Published: January 10, 2012

10 Most Popular Articles in 2011: NJ Roofing Blog

This past year was a very busy year for LGC Roofing. We’ve grown our business, had a privilege of working on some interesting and challenging NJ roofing projects and have grown an extended family of fans of our business online. Both our blog readership and social media engagement have increased exponentially, for which we’re very grateful. This has been a good year!

We wanted to thank you all for your readership, engagement and interest! We really appreciate You!

10 Most Popular Articles From NJ Roofing Blog in 2011

NJ Roofing Blog: Top 10 Articles of 2011

Posted in Projects | Tagged | 9 Comments

Hiring a Slate Roofing Contractor

By Lukasz Sobczuk | Published: January 3, 2012

Hiring a Slate Roofing Contractor - LGC Roofing

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.

Posted in Roof Replacement & Repair, Slate Roofing | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments