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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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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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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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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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.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing is Your Best Roofing Choice

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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!

According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, standing seam metal roofing is one of the most exciting roofing technology breakthroughs of the last two decades.

The AISI also reports that metal roofing has been used on more than 50% of low-rise warehouses and commercial facilities over the last five years. Why?

Standing seam metal roofs offer many benefits from durability to energy efficiency. While the initial installation cost may seem high, standing-seam metal roof is the least costly roof option over the life of the roof because it is virtually maintenance-free and can last 30 years or more.

Additionally, recent improvements in metal roofing technologies have lead to the development of many stylish options and even tax-credit opportunities providing customers with further incentive to choose standing seam for their commercial or residential roofing project.

Hence standing seam metal roofing has become one of the most popular roofing option available on the market today, certainly among commercial but also residential customers.

The Many Benefits of Standing Seam Metal Roofing

1. Lightweight design: Standing seam metal roofing weighs a fraction of other roofing materials (typically 1.5 to 2 lbs. per square foot), and since it doesn’t add significant weight to your structure, it can often be installed over existing roofing materials.
2. Durability: Though they are lightweight, standing seam roofs handle thermal shock and severe weather conditions better than many other roofing materials. This is due to both the metal construction and the clip assembly system holding the roof together. The clips allow subtle shifting, which (a) prevents extreme wear and tear and, (b) allows flexibility during high winds and foundation settling.
3. Low maintenance: While flat roofs and composite shingles often require regular maintenance to ensure problem-free performance, standing seam metal roofs require little work or expense for 20+ years. Most also come with excellent warranties.
4. Easy, affordable installation: If your New Jersey standing seam metal roof can be installed over the top of your existing roofing material, it saves money otherwise spent on shingle removal and structural prep.
5. Weather resistance: While there are a number of seams in this type of metal roof, the design is still highly resistant to wind and moisture. After panels are joined, sealants are applied at the joints and seams. To further prevent leaking, reputable roofers use field seaming machines to ensure a complete seal.
6. Energy efficiency: Like other types of metal roofs, standing seam styles typically save home and business owners money on HVAC bills. In addition, some homeowners opt to apply reflective paint to their roof to further improve energy efficiency. As a bonus, remember that you can also receive tax credits for installing an energy efficient roof
7. Easy integration with solar panels: Standing seam metal roofing is the best roofing option for solar panel installation. It easily integrates with thin film photovoltaic (PV) laminates, the easiest and least expensive solar panel solution available on the market today.

When it’s time to replace your existing roof or add a standing seam metal roof to your new residential or commercial structure, call LGC Roofing, New Jersey roofing professionals, to obtain a competitive estimate. We’ll inspect your roof to determine whether a metal roof would require removal of existing materials – and we’ll always make sound, cost-effective suggestions about repairs. Call (609) 712-8157 today to schedule a no-hassle, no-obligation consultation with our expert roofers.

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.

Metal Roofing – Common Problems and Repair Solutions

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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 Benefits

Metal roofing is a favorite of New Jersey homeowners due to its many practical benefits, which include:

• Energy savings – Metal roofs are high in heat reflectivity, which helps with utility bills and improves the general energy efficiency of your house.
• Safety - Metal roofs are highly fire retardant, making them a safe option for any home but especially any structures in densely wooded areas.
• Durability - Metal roofing is an excellent choice for New Jersey homes, due to its ability to withstand heat, snow, ice, wind and storms.

Metal Roofing – Common Problems

While metal roofing has many advantages, it may require repairs over time. Two common problems include loose seams and rust/corrosion buildup.

Loose Seams

As your NJ metal roof expands and shrinks with weather extremes, screws become loose, and seams may separate. If this issue is not quickly addressed, your roof’s underlying structure could be damaged by condensation and water buildup around stacks. In order to prevent damage due to seam leaks, remember to inspect your home’s roof at least twice a year—and after severe storms. Watch for signs of loose hardware and obvious seam separation.

Rust/Corrosion Buildup

If your home’s metal roof is not sealed with a non-corrosive agent, it could fall prey to rust after being exposed to regular moisture. Snow, rainfall, sleet and pooling water can cause severe, corrosive damage when left unmanaged. Instead of leaving your roof’s integrity to chance, consider having it sealed with a waterproof coating or retrofitted with a durable roofing shield to prevent weather and condensation damage. Your qualified NJ roofer can recommend the most efficient, budget-friendly way of rust-proofing your metal roof.

With proper care and maintenance, your metal roof can last for a century or more, but it’s important to know that you may have to deal with occasional leaks, loose laps or rust problems.

If you notice an interior/exterior leak or rust spots—or require a metal roof repair, remember to call LGCRoofing, your leading NJ roofing expert. Our technicians will provide a thorough roof inspection, recommending cost-effective maintenance techniques that will save you money in the long run—and extend the life of your beautiful metal roof.

5 Types of Roof Vents & Energy Savings Info

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As mentioned in our earlier post, Tips for ventilating Your Roof Space, an optimized ventilation system is needed to balance the temperature and moisture levels in your home’s attic space.

3 Reasons Why You Need A Proper Ventilation System

1. your home will be more comfortable,
2. you’ll decrease utility spending, and
3. your roof will last longer, saving you money on roof repair or worse yet, complete replacement.

Who doesn’t like the sound of that?

But how much will a new roof vent cost?

Actually, you’ll find that most roof vents are reasonably priced—especially when you consider the energy-saving return on investment. When you’re ready to address home ventilation, here’s some helpful list of types of vents to help you make a decision.

• Turbine/static/wind-driven roof vents (provide ventilation by spinning naturally with the wind)
• Louver/static roof vents (deflect rain and insects while promoting air flow)
• Soffit roof vents (positioned under eaves)
• Gable roof vents (louvered vents placed on roof peaks)
• Powered roof vent units (thermostat typically included)

Before you spend a bundle on attic ventilation, make sure you’ve consulted with a roofing expert who can help. We will be happy to discuss needed repairs so call us today to schedule a roofing consultation. We will help you figure out how much you’ll save by installing and maintaining an adequate vent system in your house.

With over 20 years of experience, LGC Roofing is your 2010 roofing source for superior customer service, competitive pricing and quality workmanship.

Selecting Roof Vents for Your Home

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 roofing professional 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.