Metal Roofing & PV Solar Panels – Easy, Green, Affordable

If you’ve thought about adding energy-saving, eco-friendly solar panels to your metal roof, consider the advantages of thin film photovoltaic (PV) laminates. This new-generation solar option replaces bulky, heavy panels of the past, and does not require drilling into your home’s attic rafters.

Thin-film photovoltaic (PV) laminates can be bonded directly onto metal roofing panels. Unlike crystalline PV material, there’s no need for obtrusive racks and heavy, expensive glass. Instead, unbreakable thin-film PV is produced using amorphous silicon, encapsulated in Teflon and other polymers.

These photovoltaic laminates can be attached to standing seam metal roofing panels using a peel and stick method, eliminating your chances of expensive roof leaks due to invasive hardware installation.

Benefits of PV Laminate Panels

PV laminate panels are embedded with wired cells that absorb solar rays, saving you money while making your home more energy efficient.

Other solar laminate advantages include:

• Attractive, bulk-free look that blends with your metal roof
• Lightweight, simplistic design
• Extreme durability and dependability, with little maintenance required
• Low-cost installation
• Advanced protection of your home’s structure
• Leak-proof when installed by a professional
• Easily expandable
• Potential cash savings from tax rebates and energy credits

Why Standing Seam Metal Roofing?

Combining solar roofing panels with standing seam roofing panels offers the answer to the question of permanency of solar roofing systems. The secret to a long lasting solar roofing system lies in the very roof that’s underneath the solar roofing panels. The problem of the past with solar roofing was that asphalt shingle roofs that had solar roofing panels installed on them would often times fail prematurely due to its age or the fact that solar panels required roof penetrations that eventually could cause a roof leak.

Standing seam metal roof is made with metal, which is a long lasting and environmentally safe green building material that keeps your roof cooler in a summer, helps to prevent ice dam problems in the winter, and is fully recyclable at the end of its service life. Thus, a metal roof is essentially a long lasting and energy efficient roof that is good for the building owner and the environment.

Also most metal roofs come with around 35 years warranty and that’s precisely why metal roofing is the best choice when it comes to PV laminates installation. After all, you don’t want to incur the cost of removing the panels and then putting them back on, as you tend to costly roof leak repairs.

Hire a Professional Roofer!

While PV panels are fairly easy to install over your existing metal roof and can last up to 30 years or more, it’s important to enlist the services of a qualified New Jersey roofer to install the laminates and ensure proper connection of your inverter, cables and switches.

Remember, also, that high-quality solar panels are LEED certified, making it easy and budget-friendly to increase your home’s renewable power. Call LGC Roofing today to schedule your solar consultation, obtain PV laminate pricing or discuss other green roofing options with our company’s roofing experts.

5 Tips on How to Choose Slate Tile Roofing

If you caught our last blog about the ins-and-outs of slate roofing, you probably know that slate is a high-end material option that enhances a variety of architectural styles. And while all slate options are fireproof, water repellent and especially durable, there are several other things to consider before settling on a specific tile type.

How to Choose Slate Tile

Slate roofing has been used for over 150 years because homeowners realize that it’s low-maintenance, long-lasting and naturally beautiful. But what type of slate is best for your home? The following questions can help you make an educated decision about your new roof.

• Will my home bear the weight of a slate tile roof? If you’re not sure, it’s best to have a roofing professional assess your home’s structural integrity before you confirm your plans to use slate.
• What slate color will blend with my home’s paint? Since slate comes in naturally occurring colors, the most common pigments are black, gray, tan, red, green and eggplant Color varies, depending on the mineral composition of the tiles.
• What’s the best warranty I can get for my money? Since slate tiles are quite sturdy, warranties range from 50- to 100-years. That’s why slate roofs are an excellent investment for homeowners who aren’t planning on a move.
• What if I can’t afford a slate roof? While it’s one of the world’s most durable roofing materials, slate is costly to purchase and install. If slate tile doesn’t fit your budget, there are a variety of synthetic slate options. Ask an LGC Roofing professional about affordable alternatives to natural stone.
• Am I looking for an eco-friendly roofing material? When you select a slate roof guaranteed to last 100+ years, you’re reducing the waste stream and keeping your roofing materials out of the landfills for a century or more. That’s good news for Green homeowners.

Call LGC Roofing at 609-712-8157 or fill out our contact form to schedule a slate roofing estimate and a home structure assessment today. This no-obligation appointment is an excellent opportunity to explore this timeless roofing solution or ask questions about stone colors, tile designs and installment costs.

Durability and Longevity of Clay Tile Roofing

While clay tile costs more than composite or shake shingles, many home and business owners are attracted to its timeless look. When evaluating expense, remember that most clay tile roofs are warranted for 50+ years and can last up to 100—making them a sound investment and practical property improvement.

Advantages of Clay Tile Roofs

In addition to their proven longevity, clay tiles are wind, hail and fire resistant, so they’re especially attractive for those living with shifting weather extremes. New Jersey residents will find that clay tile stands up well to the state’s highly variable wet, dry, hot and cold airstreams. Clay tile also creates a thermal barrier, which prevents both interior and exterior energy escape. As an added bonus to utility savings, tile roof owners may qualify for tax deductions and utility rebates.

Green consumers appreciate the natural, biodegradable composition of clay tile. Created from clay and water baked at ultra-high temperatures, the tiles emit no environmental toxins, produce clean water runoff, and can eventually be recycled for use in construction and transportation projects.

No matter what the architectural style of your home or business, clay tile adds a charming touch. Commercial and residential property owners can choose from hundreds of tile colors to complement the hue and style of their home, and the baked-in pigment and weather-proof glaze prevents fading—even over decades of use.

Clay Tile Roof Tips

Clay roofs are heavy. Your qualified roofing specialist should assess your home or business before installing the tile to ensure your structure is sound enough to manage the product’s weight. Remember, also, that proper color blending requires careful tile placement—so multi-colored tile roofs may cost more to install and take longer to complete.

Selecting a Metal Roof Material

If the thought of a metal roof conjures up images of industrial facilities and aging barns, it’s time to adjust your thinking.

Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular among home and business owners, and their profiles are far more stylish than you might think. And while you’ll probably pay more upfront for a metal roof, its durability, energy efficiency and ease of installation make it a cost-effective investment for many consumers.

Metal Roofing Options

The most common metal roofing options include steel, stainless steel, copper and aluminum. Pricing varies based upon the property of the metal—such as its longevity, appearance and installation requirements.

1. Steel: A strong, safe roofing option, steel roofs are durable enough to withstand most severe rain, snow, hail and windstorms. Steel resists fire damage, reflects heat and offers insulation from cold. To prevent corrosion, steel roofs are typically coated in zinc and sealed for extra protection. If you’re hoping to match your roof color to that of your home, ask for a durable, baked-on acrylic top coat. Considering an eco-friendly roof replacement? Inquire about steel roofing created from 100-percent recycled materials.
2. Stainless steel: Markedly more expensive than steel, stainless steel roofs are a beautiful, modern option for homes and businesses. Stainless steel resists corrosion, and can be terne-coated with an alloy mixture to reduce its sheen and give it a more natural appearance.
3. Copper: Offering unmatched aesthetic appeal, copper is a lightweight architectural choice. As copper ages, it begins to take on a “patina” finish—which, to many homeowners, is even more desirable than its initial look. One of the lightest, least corrosive metal roofing options, copper has few disadvantages aside from its high cost.
4. Aluminum: The cost for aluminum roofing varies, depending on the local roofing market, but it typically costs more than the installation of standard steel roofing. It is, however, very lightweight, noncorrosive and easy to manipulate—making it a popular option for complex roofing designs. Aluminum is also a sustainable choice, since it can be crafted from recycled materials. Most homeowners prefer to paint or epoxy-coat aluminum, though, since it is not as attractive in its “raw” state.

New Jersey’s Metal Roofing Experts

If it’s time to replace your roof, contact the metal roofing experts at LGC Roofing. Ask our professional installers about metal roofing options, or call today to schedule a home or business roofing estimate.

Preparing Your Roof for Solar Panels

If you’re committed to incorporating green elements into your existing home, you may be considering solar panels. But before you invest in a photovoltaic system to conserve energy and reduce your carbon footprint, remember to check with zoning boards, make sure your roof is well-suited for a solar system, and have it inspected prior to installation.

A Solar Panel Checklist

• The first step in preparing for solar panel conversion is to make sure you have approval from neighbors, local planning commissions and homeowners’ associations. Some cities and suburban areas don’t allow residents to install roof-mounted solar power, and your neighbors may complain about obstructed views. In some regions, you may need to acquire special permits before going green with solar.
• Talk with several roofing companies about the viability of solar energy for your house. Tall buildings and overhanging trees can block solar panels, reducing their chances of collecting energy-producing sunlight. In addition, you’ll get the most out of your panels if they can be mounted facing south.
• If your roof is ailing, it’s critical that you invest in repairs before placing solar panels. A roofing expert can make recommendations about needed repairs, as well as examine your roof to ensure that your shingles can accept solar panel mounts without opening your home to unwanted leaks and structural damage.
• If it’s time to replace shingles, ask your roofer about installing solar panel mounts at the same time. Just remember that if your shingles are still in good shape, you’ll have to hire a professional to remove solar panel mounts when it’s time to install that new roof in a few years.

Building a new home? Consider installing solar panels from the get-go. Putting in panels during the initial construction process will save you money and time later—while simplifying the installation procedure.

Call the NJ Roofing Experts

When you’re in the market for solar energy but don’t know where to start, call the professionals at LGC Roofing. Ask LGC’s experts about scheduling a no-obligation roofing inspection to determine whether your home’s design is adequate for solar panels, and whether your roof is sound enough to tolerate mounting and installation.

Cedar Shake Roofs Offer Sustainable, Enduring Value

When it’s time to install a roof on your new or existing home, the material options can seem overwhelming. Before investing in a replacement roof, consider the material best-suited for your climate, architectural style, aesthetic vision and budget. Discuss your options with a reliable roofing expert, and remember to inquire about installation costs, required maintenance and warranty guarantees.

If you’ve thought about moving beyond asphalt roofing to something more attractive and distinctive, consider the benefits of a cedar shake roof.

• Wood shake roofs provide character. They enhance the warmth and beauty of your home in a way asphalt and composite shingles simply cannot.
• Wood shake roofs are eco-friendly. Made from a natural, renewable resource, cedar roofing can be purchased from companies with sustainable harvesting techniques.
• Wood shake roofs insulate well. With up to two-times the insulating value of asphalt shingles, the cellular structure of cedar shake roofs make them an energy-saving addition to your home during summer and winter.
• Wood shake roofs are durable. Because they’re able to tolerate harsh winds, hail and even earthquakes, cedar shake roofs are a resilient roofing option for nearly every climate.
• Wood shake roofs are versatile. Due to their timeless look, cedar shake roofs complement many architectural styles, including mountain cabins, Victorian abodes, Cape Cod homes and Tudor or Gothic-style residences.
• Wood shake roofs are adaptable. When treated with preservatives, your cedar shake roof will resist fungus, decay and fire damage for years to come.

Ready to explore the features of cedar shake or other roofing materials? Need to know how much to budget for your new roof? Call the New Jersey roofing professionals. With over two decades of experience installing and repairing quality roofs, gutters and siding, LGC Roofing brings advanced material technology and unrivaled customer service to both residents and business owners in the New Jersey area.