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.

5 Types of Roof Vents & Energy Savings Info

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!

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.

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.

Cedar Shake Roofs Offer Sustainable, Enduring Value

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

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

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

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