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.

Incoming search terms:

• tile roof vent repair
• roof vent pipe repair
• vent pipe leak repair
• how to fix a leaky roof vent pipe
• roof vent pipes replacement
• leaking roof vent pipe

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

3 Common Winter Roof Problems & Their Prevention

Issue #1: Ice Dams

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

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

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

Issue #2: Flashing Leaks

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

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

Issue #3: Materials Damage

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

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

Don’t Let Winter Ruin Your Roof!

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

At LGC Roofing, we offer both residential roofing and commercial roofing inspection and repair services. We’ve earned a well-deserved reputation for elite performance at a fair and affordable price, so if you want to protect yourself before purchasing or selling property, or if you need to diagnose the nature of a roofing problem, contact us for a free estimate.

Incoming search terms:

• Enable CommentLuv slate tile
• replace missing flashing
• roofing problems in winter

New roofing is best installed in the fall, since New Jersey winters are particularly hard on roofing materials. Before freezing rain, snow and gusty winds set in, discuss your roof replacement with a professional NJ roofing contractor.

If you’ve already seen evidence of roof leaks in need of repairs, you should act especially quickly. As moisture continues to permeate cracks or damaged materials, it seeps into the wood decking underneath. Replacing this underlayment is costly, and is best avoided by planning your roofing replacement during dry weather.

Fall is the Best Time to Replace a Leaky Roof

There are a number of other benefits to fall roof replacement:

• Assessing summer roof damage: Your NJ roof tolerated scorching temperatures, hail and wind storms this summer, so it may not be ready for winter temps. Fall is a good time to evaluate any summer damage that may have occurred—so you can deal with repairs or replacement before the winter elements make things worse.
• Installing shingles during ideal temperatures: Now that oppressive heat is no longer an issue, it is the perfect time to install new roofing materials. It’s still warm enough for roofing materials to settle and seal—so they’ll be ready to ward off the chill and the snow.
• Protecting attic insulation: For your attic insulation to do its job this winter, it is important to maintain its integrity. Roof leaks cause insulation breakdown and mold buildup, which could hamper your attic from trapping valuable winter heating. Replace your roof before insulation is damaged—so you aren’t forced to replace insulation materials along with your roof!

Is Your Roof Ready For Winter?

Don’t risk property damage or jeopardize your home’s ability to endure the winter. To learn more about industry-best roofing material options, or to inquire about a roof repair or replacement, contact the LGC Roofing team today.

Serving residential and commercial clients with NJ roofing replacement, we offer unmatched service and high-performance roofing solutions for all facility types.

Incoming search terms:

• roof replacement and insulation types

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?

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. Install an ice barrier to facilitate proper snow/water drainage.
6. Do not use rock salt – it will stain the roof and siding!
7. 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!

Incoming search terms:

• snow pictures of new jersey
• protect roof shingles from ice and snow
• snow and ice damage to roof
• snow damage to roof
• snow in new jersey

If you caught our last blog about fall roof inspection, you know that semi-annual roof checkups can prevent costly damage down the road.

In addition to regular exterior inspections, however, there are several other ways to safeguard against leaks this winter season.

Roof leaks can cause severe damage to your home, inside and out. As water pools beneath shingles or other materials, it may cause warping and breakdown of your roof’s underlayment.

In addition, perpetual seeping into the attic or behind drywall can lead to unhealthy mold growth. Finally, if your leak becomes an interior problem, you may need to repair or replace insulation, drywall, floor coverings or furniture.

To prevent your home from water infiltration this winter, keep the following tips in mind.

Attic inspection

In addition to inspecting your roof’s exterior, it’s a good idea to inspect your attic 1 to 2 times a year—and especially before winter sets in. If you get the opportunity to inspect it on a rainy fall day, you’ll be able to see leaky areas firsthand. If it’s dry outside when you inspect, look for other telltale signs of leaks:

• mold or mildew around the vents, joints and seams,
• warped wood, or
• stained insulation

If you’ve had recent rain, you may even see water dripping from insulation, wood or vent areas.

Once you’ve found a potential leak, call your New Jersey roofing repair professional to schedule a leak repair. The specialists at LGC will also inspect your attic for less visible areas of moisture damage, and can recommend additional ways to ward off leaks.

Ice dam prevention

It won’t be long before blowing snow sets in, and it’s one of the main causes of roof leaks. Snow and cold weather lead to ice dams, which build up on your roof and prevent proper runoff drainage.

While shingle roofs are meant to be basically water resistant, they’re no match for water trapped behind ice dams for lengthy periods. This water begins to slowly saturate your shingles and roof structure, eventually leading to leaks.

To avoid ice dams before they happen, make sure your attic is adequately ventilated. Attic temperatures should be the same as the exterior temperature, and gable, soffit and roof ridge vents help to maintain this temperature consistency.

In addition, properly insulating between the rafters can help to prevent ice damming. If you believe your roof needs additional venting or an insulation checkup, contact LGC Roofing to schedule a free consultation.

Limit roof traffic

As the holidays approach, you may be climbing on or around your roof to hang lighting or install holiday décor. However, regular foot traffic can lead to a leak, since shingles may split and flashing may crack under pressure.

If you must be on the roof for inspections or holiday light hanging, avoid stepping on shingles that appear to be compromised—whether warped, curling or cracked. Also, try not to step on roof tiles or tile cement—since these materials are also easily damaged under weight.

As we move into fall, remember that a well-maintained roof is less likely to leak, and less likely to require costly repairs. Remove debris—like pine needles and leaves—to encourage proper draining. In addition, maintain your gutters properly and conduct or schedule regular inspections to ensure that water is draining properly, year-round.

For more information about getting the most out of your roofing investment, or to schedule your fall roof repairs contact LGC roofing at 609-712-8257 today.

Incoming search terms:

• 6:12 roof fall prevention
• roof maintenance cold weather
• roofing foll
• warped wood repair roof
• what causes warped roof shingles

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.

Incoming search terms:

• house roof vents
• vents for roofs
• best way to ventilate a low slope shingle roof
• roof venting

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.

Incoming search terms:

• roof vents
• roof ventilation
• roof vent
• extreme roof ventilation
• Roof Ventilation System
• ventilation roof

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