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.

4 Ongoing Roof Winterization Tips You Cannot Miss

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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!

Winter Isn’t Over Yet

Your roof is a critical part of your home’s defense against the elements, and winter can wreak havoc on it. If you think winter is over, you need to know that March and even April can be just as damaging to the roof’s integrity as the coldest winter months we’ve just endured.

To maintain your roof’s structure and fend off costly damage caused by bitter snow, ice and wind, check out these simple, do-it-yourself winterization tips offered by LGC Roofing.

4 Ongoing Roof Winterization Tips You Cannot Miss

1. Debris removal: Clearing your roof and gutters of branches and debris helps ensure proper drainage as ice begins to melt. While you may be able to clear twigs and leaves from a ladder, it may be necessary to climb onto the rooftop in some cases-depending on your roof’s architecture. Wearing heavy gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects, carefully remove debris piles from the roof and gutters. If possible, direct downspouts away from the house and run water through cleared gutters to wash out remaining dirt buildup.
2. Inspect gutters for wear and damage: After cleaning out gutters and eaves, perform a visual inspection of your roof’s drainage system. Make a note of gutter cracks, rusty spots or holes, as you may soon need to fix these or hire someone to repair them. It is simpler–and less expensive–to replace small portions of the gutter rather than waiting until extensive damage has occurred. It’s also important to ensure that your gutters are soundly mounted along each portion of your home’s perimeter.
3. Inspect flashing and roof covering: Look for buckled or broken shingles, make sure flashing is properly sealed, and check that roof edges are firmly attached. Rain, wind and ice dams can cause extensive damage along roof seams and around the roof edge, so it’s important to ensure that all materials are secure and that there are no flashing tears or shingle warping.
4. Look for algae and moss growth: Dark areas of lichen or roof algae don’t just affect your home’s visual appeal. They are also an indicator that portions of your home’s roof are damper than others, and over time, this continual moisture buildup may cause excessive shingle and structural wear. Keep an eye on these areas, and call a qualified roofer if you’re concerned about excessive water damage.

Protect Your Property – Inspect Your Roof Today

It’s important to remember that a thorough, winter maintenance program can prevent weather-related leaks, roofing decay and gutter damage—and will ultimately prolong the life of your roof. We have previously detailed some DIY roof inspection tips you can start with.

However, if there are serious concerns about the state of your roof or you simply need a professional to inspect it for you, we’re here to help. We offer a comprehensive inspection of the interior and exterior of your roofing and gutter systems so don’t risk further damage, contact LGC Roofing now. We’re here to serve You!

4 Steps to Diagnosing a Leaky Metal 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 the metal roof on your home or business develops a leak, it’s important to locate and repair it quickly so you don’t incur damage to your drywall, floors, molding and insulation.

While it may take awhile to find, there are several things to look for when you’re trying to diagnose a metal roof leak.

4 Steps to Diagnosing a Leaky Metal Roof

1. If the attic is accessible, inspect it with a flashlight. You’re looking for discoloration and dark stains indicating that the wood is wet—or was recently wet. In extreme cases, you may see mold or mildew stains inside the attic. If possible, trace the dark stain to a screw or nail hole, roof valley or joint. Take note of its location before heading out to inspect the metal roof’s exterior.
2. On a sunny, dry day, examine the exterior of your roof—paying special attention to the potentially leaky valleys, joints and screws you noted in the attic. Several things may cause leaks, including loose flashing, joints, ridge caps or fasteners. Re-secure all loose fasteners and check the integrity of all joints, making sure that all caulking is in tact and water is not seeping underneath. Extreme heat or cold can damage rubber sealant, so you may need to reapply it in potentially leaky areas. Make sure you purchase caulking that is approved for exterior, metal roof use.
3. Carefully inspect the perimeter of the chimney, if one is present, since flashing can draw up around the chimney’s edge. It’s important to replace or tighten all warped flashing to avoid future water problems. You may also wish to apply a new layer of caulking around the chimney’s base.
4. Remember, water damage can be difficult to diagnose because it does not always occur directly below your metal roof leak. Water may run down a valley and trickle into a window, or pool in the attic and cause damage to interior walls.

Don’t Let a Leak in Your Metal Roof Go Unnoticed

If you’re not comfortable inspecting your metal roof yourself or are unable to find the source of a persistent roof leak, call LGC Roofing, top NJ roofing professionals. Our technicians will thoroughly inspect your home’s interior and exterior, recommending affordable roof repairs before you develop a costly structural issue or an ongoing mold problem.

4 Do-It-Yourself Post Winter Roof Inspection Tips

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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!

Though winter is still hanging around, it’s time to begin thinking about readying your home for spring temperatures. Remember, though, that even as the weather warms, spring storms and poor roof ventilation may continue to cause lingering ice dams and ongoing roof leak problems. That’s why it’s important to give your roof some TLC after harsh winter months.

4 Do-It-Yourself Post Winter Roof Inspection Tips

1. On a warm, dry day, inspect your entire roof for loose tiles, curled shingles and detached flashing. Make plans to fasten flashing gaps, and replace compromised tiles and shingles so they’ll weather spring storms. If you notice that harsh winter weather has worn away roof granules, affected shingles may also need to be replaced.
2. Rather than waiting until you have an overflow problem, plan to conduct “spring cleaning” of your rain gutters. Clear shingle debris, tree branches and dead leaves out of your gutters to ensure that water flow isn’t compromised during a heavy rain or spring snowstorm. If it’s warm enough, you may wish to use a hose or pressure washer to more completely clear gutters and downspouts.
3. Remove moss and lichen from your roof by sweeping it off (if it’s dry) or applying a moss-removal chemical and sweeping it off after it has been killed.
4. After repairing roof leaks, tightening/replacing shingles and getting rid of ice dams, you may need to repair interior ceiling stains. Some stains can be repainted, while others require drywall repair to restore the ceiling and wall texture.

Hire a Roofing Professional

Remember to take proper safety measures if you’ll conduct your own spring roof inspection. Make sure someone is home, or let a neighbor know of your plans to climb on the roof.
If you’re uncomfortable examining or repairing your ailing roof, contact the roofing experts at LGC. Our qualified contractors are ready to examine your home for severe roof leaks and necessary materials replacement—and we offer a no-obligation consultation and price quote so you can make an informed decision regarding any roof repairs that might be needed.

Barrel Tile Roof Restoration – NJ Roofing Project

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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!

The project

Few weeks ago we were called by a worried homeowner in Teaneck, NJ who requested a roof inspection as she suspected a leak damaging the tile rood of her house. We often get such calls, especially at this time of the year when the weather takes a huge tall on a roofing structure.

Upon inspection of the roof we discovered not one but several leaks caused by broken tiles and rusted flashings. We offered an estimate for a leak repair and roof restoration and got the job!

The process

First step was to carefully remove all of the existing barrel tiles from the roof.

Special care is taken to avoid any further damage to existing tile and make sure that we salvage as much as possible.

Once the tile was removed and collected, the next step was to inspect the underlying wood decking.

There was significant damage here, so we replaced the decking as needed, removing rotted material and installing new pieces.

Next we installed copper flashings, then ice and water shield underlayment and wood to support tile.

Finally, the roof was ready for the tile. We re-installed all of the salvaged tiles filling in with additional ones as needed.

Another great project done. Another happy NJ homeowner! Thank you LGC Roofing TEAM!

3 Reasons for Common Winter Roof Repairs: Leaks, Water Damage and Ice Dams

Thanks for visiting! We are LGC Roofing, family owned and operated New Jersey roofer. You can keep track of us via our RSS feed, connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

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

The annual season of snow, wind and ice can brutalize our home’s exterior, leaving a number of frustrating roofing repairs in its wake. To avoid wet (and expensive) damage to your roof this winter, it’s important to educate yourself on common winter roof problems and take immediate action to save costly, time-consuming damage to your residence.

Problem #1: Roof Leak at Flashing or Drain

Roofs tend to leak in several main locations.

• For sloped roofs, residents may notice a post-storm roof leak at flashing areas—where aluminum is installed to protect roof edges and corners. Improper installation or high winds and rain can loosen flashing, causing it to pull away. Flashing inspections can be conducted prior to winter’s worst storms to ensure that it’s attached well enough to prevent water seepage. Flashing is also relatively inexpensive to replace, so replacing it before a major storm can save you thousands in repairs.
• Homeowners with flat roofs may notice leaks at drain locations. These leaks typically occur because a drain has not been properly maintained. When it becomes clogged with debris, drainage is slowed. Conducting monthly to bi-monthly inspections of drains and terraced areas can help avoid the clogs that lead to more major problems.

Problem #2: Structural Water Damage

Heavy snowstorms or ice buildupkeeps your home from heating efficiently, and can cause damage to roofing shingles and trusses, as well. If you live in an area with severe winter weather, consider asking a qualified roofing professional about installing an attic ventilation system. Attic vents help to circulate air in and out of your home’s attic, reducing interior condensation and preventing snow and ice from remaining on your roof for long periods. As mentioned in our previous blogs, proper roofing ventilation can save homeowners hundreds a year on their utility bills, as well.

Problem #3: Ice Damming

When snow and ice accumulate in gutters and along roof ridges, melting water is unable to drain properly. As water backs up behind these ice dams, it can seep under flashing or penetrate your roof shingles, tiles, ceilings and walls—leading to major water damage. To prevent ice dams from ruining your home’s exterior and interior, remove snow from the roof using a roof rake (if it’s a safe option).

In the long-term, it’s important to seal air leaks between your roof and attic, increase roofing insulation and ensure that your ceiling is air tight.

In Conclusion

Being aware of common winter problems, continually maintaining your home’s roof during fall and winter and a regular roof inspection can help you avoid a roof leak, costly roof repair—or even an entire roof replacement.

Don’t risk costly damage. Ask LGC Roofing to assess your home for potential leaks, ice dams and ventilation problems this winter, and plan to schedule regular winter maintenance in order to protect your home’s exterior and save time—and cash.

Tips for Ventilating Your Roof Space

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.

5 Components of The Roof Inspection Process

Last week we’ve talked about why it is necessary to have your roof inspected on a regular basis. Today we will detail the roof inspection process so that you can get the most out of your roofing professional who will handles the inspection of your roof.

Whether you’re experiencing a leak or scheduling routine home maintenance, comprehensive roof inspections should always be conducted by qualified professionals. Since your roof is the most weather-exposed part of your home, a thorough inspection will include an interior and exterior evaluation of the roof’s structure.

While each roofing company is different, there are a number of things you should expect when an inspector arrives at your home.

• Roof inspections often include a walkthrough of your home. During this portion of the evaluation, inspectors can examine ceilings, walls and attic areas for internal evidence of wind, water or hail damage. If you’re concerned about electrical or drywall problems, let your inspector know immediately.
• A quality roofing specialist should walk the perimeter of your home, noting the location of chimneys, gutters, vents and flashing points. Later in the inspection, these elements will be evaluated more extensively for maintenance/repair requirements.
• External roof inspections include a careful examination of the home’s siding and eaves. During this portion of the roofing evaluation, your inspector will check for external water stains, hail dings and indications of dry rot.
• After a thorough look at your home’s interior and exterior, a skilled roofer will ascend the roof to examine its construction, flashing, vents and chimney. Common problems reported by your inspector may include missing shingles, broken shakes or tiles, cracked flashings, damaged chimney bricks, open seams or wear from extreme sun-exposure.
• While on the roof, a qualified inspector should also assess the condition of your gutters. Improper installation, debris buildup or warped metal may cause drainage problems that could lead to structural damage or interior leaks if not addressed.

During your inspection, a roofing professional may also photograph damage from the interior or exterior of your home. You can request copies of these photos for your records, along with a comprehensive copy of the roofing report. The report should contain information about replacement or maintenance requirements, in addition to detailed pricing for each recommended item.

Schedule a Roof Inspection Today

Many homeowners live in their homes for a decade or more without ever scheduling a routine roof inspection. If this is true for you, make your home’s health a priority today. Call our contractors before fierce winter weather sets in. We’ll send a qualified professional to assess your home’s roof before you experience a damaging leak.

Roof Inspection: Why is it Necessary?

Since your roof offers a line of defense for your home’s structure, it should be inspected regularly. Roof inspections, which should be offered by your local roofer, are especially important if you live in location that tends to experience weather extremes and dangerous storms.

What Causes My Roof to Deteriorate?

Your roof has many natural attackers, including:

1. Sun: Heat and UV rays can be destructive to roofing materials, causing them to break down over time.
2. Wind: High winds can pull shingles away from the roof’s underlayment, allowing dirt and water to collect between the layers. Over time, this debris and moisture can lead to structural deterioration.
3. Rain and Snow: Frequent moisture penetration can be detrimental to your roof’s structure, causing mildew, wood rot and even damage to insulation and electrical infrastructure.
4. Lichen: Wood shakes and shingles make good homes for moss and algae. These organic materials discolor your roof and hold in excess water—which leads to wood rot and structural damage over time. In addition, fungus builds up in gutter systems, making it difficult to maintain proper drainage flow.
5. Trees: If your yard’s landscaping becomes overgrown, tree limbs and leaf buildup may become a problem. Long, heavy branches can puncture or scratch your roof, and leaves may block downspout systems.

When Should I Have My Roof Inspected?

According to the National Roofing Contractor’s Association, homeowners should have their roofs inspected twice a year to ensure optimal performance and lifespan. Regular roof inspections include a look at interior walls, ceilings and fireplace flues, assessment of leaks or visible damage, evaluation of downspout/gutter systems and examination of roofing materials (shingles, shakes, tiles, etc.).

After inspecting your home from the inside and out, a qualified roofer can make recommendations about maintenance or replacement measures. We will be covering the topic of what to expect during a roof inspection in our next post so don’t miss it.

Schedule Your NJ Roof Inspection Today

If it’s been awhile since you had a roofing professional look over your home’s roof and gutter systems, contact LGC Roofing. After examining your home’s roof, our contractors can offer you maintenance tips, quote required repairs or discuss gutter, siding and window replacement. Protect your home by making an appointment today.

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.