Choosing Copper Roofing For Your NJ Home

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While it comes with a price tag that’s higher than other metals, copper roofing lends durability and character to any structure—no matter what the size or style.

From traditional Victorian, Colonial and Tudor homes to postmodern and contemporary buildings, copper roofing is a preferred roofing material chosen for its architectural beauty and long-lasting construction.

Benefits of Copper Roofing

• Other than its obvious aesthetic value, copper roofs come with many undisputed benefits. For instance, did you know that when a copper roof is installed at industry-best standards, it requires no painting or finishing? Many other roofing materials need to be sealed, finished or painted in some way—which leads to additional cost and long-term maintenance requirements. Copper is strong, attractive and resilient—all on its own.
• It’s important to note that the finish of your New Jersey copper-clad roof will change with time. Natural weathering, moisture and oxidations will turn the roof’s golden-brown tone to a green “patina” finish. Many homeowners agree that this is the beauty of copper roofing. However, if you prefer the original color, ask your New Jersey roofing professional about treatment methods that slow the weathering process. Remember—the changing finish of your copper roof will not negatively impact its performance.
• While copper roofs have been around for over a century, they never go out of style. The timeless metal is used to protect homes, shopping malls, places of worship and sports facilities—among other building types.
• One of the most significant reasons for copper’s popularity is its sustainable, energy-efficient design. For home and business owners searching for a Green roofing option, copper fits the bill. First, it’s made primarily of refinery scrap—so it does not require excessive use of natural resources. Second, it is easily recycled at the end of its lifespan, and third—it reflects the sun’s rays, preventing heat transmission and reducing cooling bills.

Perhaps the most important reason to consider a copper roof is its durability—and the positive impact that has on your home investment.

According to Metal Roofing Alliance President William Hippard, metal roofs add up to $1.45 per square foot to your home’s overall value.

LGC Roofing Installs Copper

Your new copper roof will protect and beautify your home or business for decades—especially if it’s installed correctly. For more information about copper roofing brands, call LGC Roofing at 609-712-8157, or request a free estimate via our brief contact form.

Solar Panel Installation Tips from Your New Jersey Roofer

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Need a roofer? Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate on your roofing project. We’ll be happy to assist you!

Solar panels are a cost-effective, efficient way of harnessing the sun’s power for indoor heating and electricity generation.

While your New Jersey Roofing Contractor can assist you with solar panel selection and installation, many homeowners are choosing to install this renewable, non-polluting energy option themselves.

Here are a few Solar Panel Installation to help you get started.

• Remember, solar panels can only produce energy when they’re placed in direct, unobstructed sunlight. Before installing your PV panels, make sure your roof area is capable of supporting them, and that you have adequate installation space. Decide whether you need to trim branches or even remove trees to ensure safe, reliable installation of your solar system.
• Choose a location where trees, foliage, power lines and other objects will not affect solar absorption—and where daytime shadows will not inhibit your system’s effectiveness. Typically, it’s best to install PV systems on the south side of your home. This way, the cells will collect light all day as the sun moves east to west.
• Check with your city or municipality about the types of building permits you’ll need. Some areas require a simple site permit, while others provide specific installation instructions and require detailed, post-installation inspections. If you fail to comply with area building codes, you may incur costly fines or have to re-install non-conforming panels.
• All solar panel roof mounts should be installed with at least three inches of space underneath them. This allows for air-flow circulation and provides room to tilt the panels for optimal solar reception.
• After measuring carefully and drilling pilot holes for your mounts, install all PV mounts with heavy-duty lag bolts. If it is easy to access your attic, you may wish to place blocks of wood below each panel mount to bolster the strength of your PV system. Finally, caulk around the edge of each mount and install flashing around them to prevent common roof leaks.

If you’ve purchased solar panels but have yet to place them on your roof, the highly qualified LGC roofing team can provide affordable, high-quality installation for homes and businesses. Call 609-712-8157 to ask about solar panel purchases, installation or repairs—or to schedule a free, on-site roofing consultation.

5 Frequently Asked Questions about Metal Roofs

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Need a roofer? Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate on your roofing project. We’ll be happy to assist you!

Metal roofing is an enduring New Jersey favorite because of its durability and low-maintenance design.

If you’ve considered a metal roof for your home or business, read on for LGC’s helpful answers to five common metal roof questions.

1. Why should I choose a metal roof over other materials?

Metal roofs offer a number of advantages, which include:

• Enduring life expectancy: Metal roofing is a robust option that comes with comprehensive warranties of 20 to 50 years.
• Lightweight design: Relative to other materials, like concrete tile, metal roofing is a lightweight one to three pounds per square foot. Because of that, it’s unlikely that your home will require bolstered structural support to sustain your new metal roof.
• Fire and weather resistance: Metal roofs do not absorb water, and are known for their non-combustible, non-flammable design. Because of this, you may enjoy lower insurance premiums if you invest in a metal roof.
• Energy efficiency: Because metal roofing is very reflective, you’ll experience less energy use and lowered utility bills. Installing a metal roof is an excellent step toward “greening” your home.

2. Are metal roofs eco-friendly?

In addition to the energy savings your metal roof provides, it’s also a sustainable roofing option. Metal roof materials, like copper and steel, contain at least 25-percent recycled material.

Some aluminum roofs are even 100-percent recyclable. In addition, metal roofs have two to three times the lifecycle of an asphalt roof—which reduces the waste stream and saves space in landfills.

3. Is a metal roof hard to install?

Many quality metal roofing materials are available in individual shingles and large sections. While your metal roof installer should be experienced at installing all types of metal roofs, multi-shingle sections are faster and easier to install. In fact, they can probably be installed over your existing roof without factoring in the time and cost of roof demolition. And, due to metal’s weather-proof design low-maintenance design”, it will probably be the last roof you’ll ever install on your home.

That’s why many New Jersey homeowners look at their beautiful metal roof as a money-saving investment. And when you rely on LGC Roofing to help you LGC Roofing will assess your home to ensure that your attic contains proper insulation—which acts as a sound barrier.

In Conclusion

Are you ready to find out more about metal roofing for your New Jersey home? Call
NJ’s roofing experts to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate or to inquire about cost-effective roofing options that will save you money in the long term.

Going Green: Advantages of Metal Roofing

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Need a roofer? Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate on your roofing project. We’ll be happy to assist you!

Roofing is often one of the first things homeowners think of when they decide to “go green.” But what material is the most eco-friendly?
Today’s roofing market has been flooded with environmentally friendly options, from natural slate and wood shake to recycled shingles and clay tiles. But have you considered metal roofing?
It’s one of the greenest roofing choices on the market, today—and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the energy savings that comes with it.

Benefits of Green Metal Roofing

If you’ve never thought of metal as being particularly eco-friendly, consider these undeniable benefits.

1. One of the best reasons to install a metal roof is the fact that it’s made from non-petroleum-based, completely recycled materials—and it is recyclable when you’re ready to remove it, too. This sustainable reuse means that less material is routed to crowded landfills.
2. If you’ve always wanted to save on water bills by installing a rainwater catch system, metal roofs are ideal. They provide superior water channeling, and you don’t have to worry about the debris and toxic components that are often present in asphalt shingle runoff.
3. Selecting a light-colored (painted or galvanized) metal roof encourages light reflection and reduced attic heat absorption. This results in a cooler, more comfortable environment—along with lower air conditioning bills.
4. “Traditional” roofing materials, such as asphalt-based shingles and tars, tend to offgas toxins into the environment as they heat up. A variety of carcinogens, including VOCs, benzene, xylene and toluene, may be released. This can be unhealthy for homeowners, and bad for the environment. Metal roofing is a cleaner, greener option.

On top of these environmentally friendly attributes, metal roofing is also known for being one of the most durable, fire-resistant, lightweight and low-maintenance options on today’s market. In addition, green metal roofs can be installed over existing materials—which then provide additional attic insulation and energy savings.
If you’re interested in finding out more about recycled metal roofing options, call your New Jersey roofing expert. Our qualified team members can help you set up a no-obligation metal roofing quote or schedule existing metal roof repairs, inspections or replacement.

Living Green: Tips for Choosing an Eco-Friendly Roof

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Need a roofer? Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate on your roofing project. We’ll be happy to assist you!

If you’re a home or business owner committed to living sustainably, conserving energy and lowering costly utility bills, there are a growing number of eco-friendly roofing ideas for today’s market. If you’re unsure about how to “green” your roof, the professionals at LGC Roofing can help you select a roofing option that’s environmentally friendly, affordable—and attractive. Below are some of the most popular ways to embrace roofing sustainability and energy efficiency.

1. Choose metal roofing. Choosing a green roofing material, such as metal, almost always translates into lower energy bills down the road. Metal roofing transmits far less heat to your attic, it will reflect, rather then absorb, heat from the sun, and it’s a great roofing material if you ever consider solar panel installation.
2. Purchase recycled shingles. Traditional shingles are difficult to recycle when it’s time to replace your roof, and contain chemicals that are released into the air during sunlight exposure. On the other hand, green shingles are made of materials like cellulose fiber, reinforced vinyl, sawdust, recycled plastic and rubber. Some of these eco-friendly shingles come with warranties of up to 50 years, and most can be “re-recycled” after they’re removed from your roof.
3. Choose clay or slate. These naturally occurring materials are big in the green roofing industry, since they’re particularly energy efficient and beautiful. Slate is the most durable of the two (lasting up to 100 years or more), but clay is typically more affordable. Both can be installed and disposed of without polluting the environment or releasing dangerous chemicals.
4. Install building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roofing. BIPV roofing systems contain tiles and an electric current system, and function much like a solar coating for your roof. Many of the photovoltaic tile options offer an attractive look that complements shingles, metal and slate roofs. In addition, BIPV’s allow for solar-generated energy to enter your home, decreasing your electric bill in a clean, environmentally friendly manner.
5. Remember sustainable roofing insulation. Green insulation plays a significant role in energy savings. Ask LGC Roofing, your local NJ roofer about insulating your roof with recycled cellulose fiber, sheep’s wool or formaldehyde-free fiberglass to lower emissions and decrease energy use.

At LGC Roofing, we realize that choosing the right roof for your New Jersey home is based on a variety of factors—including cost, climate, home style and commitment to the environment. To find out more about affordable, eco-friendly roof materials call us at call 609-712-8157 or schedule a no-obligation roofing consultation online! Our material and installation experts will work with you to stay within your budget—and help you select a roof that’s both beautiful and sustainable.

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 efficientt 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 material 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 material 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.