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Flat Roofing: Preventing Winter Damage in Commercial Roofs

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:08:50 +0000

Roof damage in the state of NJ is quite common during the winter months, and can be especially costly in commercial roofing.

While flat roofs are built to withstand a fair amount of snow, extreme ice buildup can cause structural damage if it is not properly handled. Some commercial roof repairs are inevitable, but there are ways to protect your flat roofing from the aftermath of heavy storms.

Common Flat Roofing Damage

The most common winter roofing problem is ice damming, which can do extreme damage to flat roofing and low-sloped roofs. As snow falls on your facility’s EPDM roof and warm air rises toward the ceiling and attic, the snow melts. When snowmelt runs toward gutters or low-sloped eaves, it refreezes and builds a dam. During continual freeze-thaw cycles, these ice dams become bigger and trap additional moisture on the roof. As water accumulates, your business or industrial facility can experience roof leaks that lead to expensive repairs.

In addition to ice damming, winter water buildup leads to gutter problems. Gutters become filled with ice, preventing proper drainage and putting undue pressure on the structure of your commercial gutter system. In extreme cases, you may need to replace damaged gutters or remove portions of the system to melt the ice and get rid of debris buildup.

Preventing Ice Dam and Gutter Damage

While it is not possible to prevent ice damming 100% of the time, commercial building owners can take steps to reduce flat roof damage.

First, make sure that your facility has adequate attic ventilation and insulation. A properly insulated attic prevents warm air from reaching the underside of the roof and beginning the vicious melt/refreeze process.
Next, clean and inspect gutters at least twice a year. The less leaf, twig and debris buildup, the more likely your gutter system can handle snow runoff rather than allowing moisture to pool.
Finally, as snow piles and ice dams begin to form on commercial roofing, it may be time to hire a roofing professional to remove some of the weight and mitigate damage. Climbing on snowy or ice roofs is dangerous work, and should only be done by professionals who are properly equipped.

To schedule your winter inspection of your commercial roof, or to request a roofing repair estimate for your facility, contact LGC roofing professionals today. With almost three decades of experience in residential and commercial roof repairs and replacement, we are NJ’s top experts on flat roofing and seasonal roof maintenance.

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3 Common Winter Roof Problems & Their Prevention

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:04:23 +0000

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

3 Common Winter Roof Problems & Their Prevention

Issue #1: Ice Dams

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

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

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

Issue #2: Flashing Leaks

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

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

Issue #3: Materials Damage

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

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

Don’t Let Winter Ruin Your Roof!

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

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

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When to Hire a Roofing Inspection Contractor

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:44:46 +0000

Roof inspectors are professional contractors who specialize in diagnosing the nature of roof problems and providing accurate repair estimates.

While some roofing problems are obvious—missing shingles, weather damage, rot—others are very difficult for a layperson to identify. Roofing contractors in NJ can help you minimize expenses by precisely diagnosing the nature of the problem and providing you with multiple options for correcting it.

When to Hire a Roofing Inspection Contractor

Professional roofing inspection may be especially beneficial when:

You are considering the purchase of a new home. If you’re thinking about buying an older home, or you suspect there may be roofing problems, getting a professional inspection done provides you with an objective opinion you can trust.
You are selling your home. A roofing inspector has the specific knowledge needed to help you accurately calculate price adjustments if you’re not going to replace your roof in advance of selling your house.
You are experiencing leaks but are unable to identify their source. This is a problem that only a professional can solve, and it’s not one you want to put off solving. Leaks can lead to serious structural damage.
Your roofing is more than 20 years old. A professional roofing inspector can also identify problems before they happen, and in many cases, you can save a great deal of money if you address them early.

Commercial Roofing Inspection Tip

If you are the owner or manager of a commercial property, there are additional circumstances that may require you to call in a roofing inspector.

Commercial roofing contractors can help ensure that your facilities are up to state and regional safety codes. It is strongly recommended that you consult a roofing contractor before finalizing the purchase or sale of any commercial property, as you may be held legally responsible in the event that roofing problems lead to personal injury or damage to the businesses operating in the building.

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Fall is the Best Time to Replace a Leaky Roof

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:32:17 +0000

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

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

Fall is the Best Time to Replace a Leaky Roof

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

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

Is Your Roof Ready For Winter?

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

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

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Residential Roofing: Fall Inspection of Your Roof Shingles

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:05:32 +0000

As the days get shorter and winter makes an appearance, it’s the ideal time to schedule your fall roofing inspection. Autumn is the prime time to take care of any minor roofing repairs that may be needed to keep your roof shingles healthy during the long, bitter cold.

Healthy Shingles for a Safe Roof

A shingle roof is the most popular roofing structure, though the material type varies widely. Shingles composed of wood, slate, tile or asphalt are the outward surface of your roof, and can suffer greatly during inclement weather.

Rain, snow, hail and even extreme heat can cause shingle damage, including:

• blistering
• peeling
• curling
• loss of granules
• cracking
• rotting

The exact nature of the shingle damage to your home’s roofing may vary according to recent weather events and shingle materials.

The bottom line, however, remains the same: shingle damage can lead to roof leaks, roof buckling and structural damage if it’s not caught early.

Shingle Roof Inspection

When it’s time for semi-annual roof maintenance, LCG Roofing has the experience and professionalism to manage all of your residential roofing needs.

Contact your experienced residential roofing NJ contractor to schedule a fall inspection. Fall shingle inspections are performed with utmost attention to detail, particularly around the chimney, attic vents and flashing, to make sure shingles and roof underlayment are structurally sound.

Shingle roof inspections also include assessment of gutters, siding and eaves. Signs of dry rot or water damage should be addressed in a timely fashion to prevent further damage as the wintry weather approaches.

Contact LGC Roofing today at (609) 712-8157 to inquire about fall shingle inspections or to schedule your NJ roofing repairs. We are a family-owned company that has served New Jersey since 1985, and we strive to provide total client satisfaction with every service visit!

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Cedar Shake Roofing Installation Project in Lebanon, NJ

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:44:47 +0000

Few weeks ago a homeowner from Lebanon, NJ, contacted us regarding her leaking cedar shake roof.

Upon inspection of the roof we discovered that the roof had several substantial leaks and was in very poor condition. We both knew repairs were futile so we started looking into re-roofing options right away.

Like many roofing contractors, LGC Roofing will always suggest the most viable options and if repairs can extend the life of your roof, that’s what we’ll advise. But if your roof leaks, is showing signs of weather damage, or is looking worse for wear, it makes more sense to replace it.

Cedar Shake Roofing Installation Project

The homeowners wanted to retain the original look of the roof and house in general so we’ve offered an estimate for cedar shake medium hand splits roofing installation and soon started the project!

Wood shake roofs are undeniably beautiful and we definitely take pleasure in working with this roofing material!

Considering Cedar Shake Roofing For Your Home?

If you’re thinking about using wood shake shingle roofing on your NJ home, make sure you select a quality product. The best shakes are made from the center of huge, aged cedar trees—and are manufactured by companies who insist upon quality in their shake mills.

If you’re unsure about how to make your decision, contact LGC Roofing for a free wood shake roofing estimate and a list of high-quality cedar shake options. Call 609-712-8157 today to discuss your roofing needs with one of our experienced specialists—or to request a written estimate for your cedar roof repair or replacement project.

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Fall Roof Maintenance: From Inspection to Gutter Cleaning

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:01:00 +0000

The crisp cool air and sweater weather is a sure sign that fall has arrived in New Jersey. Fall is not only the time to bundle up, winterize your garden and settle in for the cold ahead—but it’s also the season for giving extra attention to your roof and gutter systems.

Before snow storms move in, schedule an autumn roof inspection with a reputable New Jersey roofing contractor.

Importance of Fall Roof Inspection

Your roof can sustain damage throughout the year from rain, hail and severe temperatures—at either end of the heat spectrum. The trained eye of a qualified roofing professional can spot minor problems such as bruising, water stains and dry rot.

Repairing these instances of minor damage before winter arrives can help prevent larger and more costly problems heading into spring. A thorough fall roof inspection can give you a head start on fixing your roof, and may prevent you from spending a lot of money on a complete replacement.

Proper Gutter Maintenance

A widespread problem facing New Jersey homeowners is water damage stemming from pooling snow and ice.

The gutters on your home are designed to keep moisture flowing off of your roof and away from your home. However, gutters that become clogged with leaves, dirt and other debris impede the normal drainage process, making the structure more susceptible to water damage.

Gutters that are warped from inclement weather, or those that have been improperly installed, may also contribute to roof damage.

If you have sustained gutter damage, call LCG Roofing, your trusted New Jersey roofing contractor. Our team of professionals not only performs roof repairs, but gutter repairs and installations, as well.

Get Ready For Winter, Contact LGC Roofing

The National Roofing Contractor’s Association recommends twice-yearly roof inspections to keep your home safe from weather-related roof damage. The fall and spring are optimum times to schedule both a roof inspection and a gutter cleaning.

Just as your mark your calendar for planting and winterizing your garden, make roof and gutter maintenance part of your annual routine. Call LGC Roofing at (609) 712-8157 to schedule your next roof inspection—or inquire about high-performance roof replacement.

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5 DIY Tips for Proper Slate Roofing Inspection

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:27:02 +0000

Slate is one of the most attractive and durable roofing materials on the market, but it may require occasional repairs and service.

You may not need to completely replace your slate roof if you’ve sprung a roof leak or have localized problems, but it is important to conduct a thorough inspection to determine the nature and the extent of the damage.

While it’s recommended that you leave major slate repairs to your qualified NJ roofing contractor, you can perform a DIY slate roofing inspection.

5 Tips for Proper Slate Roofing Inspection

Here are five important tips:

Prioritize safety. First, never walk on a slate roof to perform your inspection. Unlike asphalt shingles—which you also shouldn’t walk on if you can help it—slate roofs are smooth and don’t have the coarse surface that helps you maintain your footing. Instead, perform your inspection from a sturdy ladder, or use binoculars to make your inspection from a distance. Roof safety should always be your priority.
Look for evidence of weathering. If you notice that the slate appears spongy, unusually thin, has scales along the edges, is delaminated or has whitish mineral salt rings spreading across its surface, this may mean that exposure to the elements has weakened the slate and it needs replacement.
Check for fastener failures. If the roof has cracks, holes or has patchy or missing pieces of slate, the fasteners may be to blame. In many cases, you need only replace the missing slate or damaged areas while leaving the rest of the roof intact.
Recognize flashing failures. If you’re experiencing attic leaks, or if the chimney flashings appear tarry, you may have what are known as “flashing failures.” Other telltale signs of a flashing failure are corroded or leaky liners.
Assess the results. As a general rule of thumb: if more than one-quarter of the roof has fastener failures or more than one-quarter of the slate shingles are worn or damaged, replacing your slate roof in its entirety is an investment that you should consider making.

If your slate roof requires repair or replacement, LGC Roofing contractors are among New Jersey’s most trusted roofers. Offering slate roofing installation and repair services for both residential and commercial buildings, we provide affordable inspection, repair and replacement services that help you protect your property investment while achieving beautiful results. Call today to schedule your consultation!

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Skylight Leak Repairs: Finding the Source

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:49:07 +0000

Getting the most out of your skylight demands proper installation and maintenance. Even if you take good care of your roof, though, skylight leaks may develop as a result of normal wear and tear.

Fortunately, many skylight leak repairs can be done quickly and inexpensively. Knowing what to look for can make any necessary repairs easier and more cost effective.

Finding the Source of a Skylight Leak

When you notice water leaking from your skylight, the first step you must take is to locate the leak’s source. Water stains on the ceiling or puddles on the floor may be the first indicators of a problem. These can actually be great tools for identifying the source of the leak.

If the stain’s highest point is located at or near the top of your skylight, you may want to have your NJ roofing contractor start by looking at the outside flashing of the skylight. During bad weather, water rushing down the side of the roof at high speeds may run between the roof’s shingles and the skylight, creating leaks.

It’s important to make sure your roof’s flashing and seal are satisfactory; proper installation by a professional roofer is key.

If you notice a stain at the bottom of your skylight, the problem may be due to excess condensation. Too much condensation in or around the inside of your skylight is another common cause of leaks. Condensation is a natural result of humidity, and often builds up during rain storms. When too much condensation gets trapped in part of a skylight, it may create leaks.

Closely inspect the condensation channel – the part of the skylight that is designed to catch any excess condensation and allow it to evaporate back into the air. If this channel becomes damaged or clogged, the resulting build-up of condensation may cause your skylight to leak. Ask your New Jersey roof repair contractor to check your condensation channels to make sure they’re not overflowing if you notice water stains at the base of your skylight.

Problems related to excess condensation may be worsened by skylight tunnels. Skylight tunnels reduce air flow, which increases humidity. Making sure your skylight tunnel is well-insulated can dramatically reduce the amount of condensation that builds up in this area, which can help you avoid skylight leaks.

Skylight Leak Repairs Done The Right Way

When it comes to repairing leaks in your skylight, the sooner you act, the better so make sure to address any leaks as soon as you notice them. Knowing where to start and what to look for can help you save time, effort, and money on your skylight leak repairs.

Some skylight leaks are simple and are easily handled by do-it-yourself homeowners, but if you’re experiencing severe interior effects, such as ceiling staining or flooring damage, call LGC Roofing contractors to inquire about our skylight leak repair services. Family-owned and operated, LGC Roofing is a reputable roofer known for our honesty, integrity and cost-effective pricing. Dial 609-712-8157 today to experience the LGC difference.

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Roofing Inspection 101: What to Expect

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:26:08 +0000

Why Get a Home Roof Inspection?

When you have your roof inspected, you’ll be issued pretty thorough information about the condition of your roof. You’ll also receive an estimate of how long you can expect your roof to last. At that time, you can also find out what repairs may be needed, and get a cost estimate.

If you’re buying or selling a house, a roof inspection is essential: as a seller, you’ll be required by law to provide potential buyers with information about your roof’s condition. If you’re interested in buying a new home, a roof inspection can tell you what you can expect.

Roof Inspection: What to Expect

Having your roof inspected is a simple and pain-free process.

An inspector will climb onto your roof to check for any problems, and if an issues are present, the inspector should be able to tell you what you can do about it. Often, the same inspector can provide you with an estimate of how much money you’ll need to spend on any roofing repairs needed. The sooner you find out about a problem, the easier it will be to solve. It may even save you money in the long run!

During the inspection, your roofing inspector will check ridges, caps, drip edges, drains, downspouts, and gutters. You’ll also want to make sure they also take a look at the flashing around pipes, chimneys, vents, and other areas prone to leakage to make sure everything is in good condition. If the inspector discovers a problem with any of these areas, he or she should be able to tell you exactly what the issue is and how urgently the repairs are needed.

When to Have Your Roof Inspected?

We suggest having your roof inspected twice a year: in the spring and before winter.

In addition, it’s important to know about the materials that make up your roof, as these may determine how prone to damage your roof is. Your roof may feature composition shingles, slate, metal, wood shakes, clay or concrete tiles, steel or EPDM. If your roof is made of wood shakes, for example, it will likely require regular repairs and maintenance after about 10 years of wear and tear. Tile roofs, on the other hand, can often last for as long as 50 years without needing any repairs.

Be sure to learn about the type of maintenance your roof will require over time and have your roof inspected twice a year to address any problems that may be present. By staying on top of your roof inspections, you can prolong the life of your roof and save money on costly repairs.

Schedule Your NJ Roof Inspection Today

If it’s been awhile since you had a roofing contractor look over your home’s roof and gutter systems request a professional roofing inspection from LGC Roofing. After examining your home’s roof, we will offer you maintenance tips, quote required repairs or discuss gutter, siding and window replacement. Protect your home by making an appointment today!