NJ Roofing Blog » re-roofing

Hiring a Slate Roofing Contractor

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:40:37 +0000

Whether you are planning to put a new slate roof on your home or just repair your existing roof, choosing a roofing company is an important decision. Your roof is a major investment, and selecting a qualified, experienced roofer is vital since unpredictable and often-brutal East Coast winters can be devastating to poorly serviced slate roofs.

When you take into account that the majority of roofing costs come from labor, it becomes even more important to ensure you hire the right roofer for your home.

Hiring a Slate Roofing Contractor

Major considerations include (1) recommendations and research, (2) certifications and insurance, and (3) professionalism.

#1: Recommendations and Research

It can be difficult to find a New Jersey roofer you can trust, so begin the process with people you know. Talk to friends, neighbors, and coworkers about their past experiences—and ask for roofer recommendations. If you receive a positive referral, locate homes where the roofing company is working and drive by to check their work. You can tell a lot about your NJ slate roofing contractor by inspecting the care they take, not only in their roofing work, but also in how they treat a homeowner’s landscaping, driveway, and property.

Before hiring a roofer, you should also research their local reputation. The Better Business Bureau is an excellent resource for this research, since complaints against roofers are reported. In fact, thousands of complaints about roofers are filed with the BBB every year—more than any other industry. Over 2 million homeowners annually research roofer trustworthiness through the BBB.

#2: Certifications and Insurance

Before hiring any roofing company, make sure the company is properly licensed & insured. A reputable roofer should be able to provide you with their contractor license number and proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance. For increased security and peace of mind, you can also check that your NJ slate roofer is bonded.

It’s also a good idea to vet your potential roofer through your insurance company before signing a contract. In addition to expediting payment, your insurer may have had previous experience with your roofer of choice, or may be able to provide a list of experienced roofers with whom they have worked.

#3: Professionalism

Be sure to hold potential roofers to the same standards of professionalism you would any other service provider. If a roofer is not professional enough to show up on time, appear neat and organized, and be respectful and courteous, do you want them working on a major piece of your home?

You should feel confident that the roofing contractor you select sees your home as more than just their “next project.” At a minimum, the roofer should meet timelines, take care with property and landscaping, and provide a written estimate and warranty. Any roofer that is slow to return phone calls, demands full payment in advance, or will not guarantee their work in writing is not a roofer that should get your business.

Call Today!

To schedule your slate roofing repair, restoration or new roof installation, discuss slate roofing options, or schedule a free estimate with NJ’s slate roofing experts, call or email LGC Roofing today.

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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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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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EPDM Roofing is the Best Flat Roofing Material

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:43:26 +0000

The horizontal design of flat roofing makes the type of roofing significantly more difficult to maintain. Flat roofs take a beating in wet weather; more so than a sloped roof. The water that pools on flat roofs after heavy snow or rain increases the likelihoods of roof leaks.

It is crucial, therefore, to select the best roofing material when considering a new surface for your flat roofing. This is where EPDM comes in.

What is EPDM

EPDM, or ethylene propylene diene monomer, is a synthetic rubber product that is one of the best roofing options for your New Jersey flat roof. While flat roofing does not last as long as a slate or asphalt shingle sloped roof (because of moisture pooling), EPDM is relatively durable and easy to install by your experienced NJ roofing contractor.

Why EPDM is Your Best Option

This synthetic rubber product provides flexibility when you are faced with roof repairs, extending the lifespan of your roof until you are ready to undergo a complete roof replacement. In addition, EPDM is designed to withstand the high temperatures of a New Jersey summer as well as the bitter cold, and does not crack or melt as the mercury rises.

EPDM roofing components, called membranes, can be used to seal and secure an existing flat roof, as well. The membranes are lightweight and do not require the use special installation equipment. The ease of application makes EPDM installation jobs easier for your New Jersey roofing contractor, and less expensive for your home repair budget. Best of all, soap and water are the only cleansers needed to maintain an EPDM-treated flat roof.

Call LGC Roofing to Install EPDM on Your Roof

If you need to replace the material on your flat roof, consider EPDM. Its many benefits and ease of installation make it the best roofing option for you.

While homeowners can install EPDM membranes themselves, remember, that correct placement of membranes is crucial to the continued performance of your flat roof. Proper installation is key in avoiding future flat roofing repairs. And with over 25 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing LGC Roofing is your best bet. Our licensed roofing experts will offer a thorough roofing estimate and promptly take care of the project at hand.

When the time comes to replace your flat roof with EPDM rubber roofing, call at (609) 712-8157.We operate throughout the state on New Jersey, offer Free Estimates and are fully licensed and insured.

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6 Steps to Handling Shingle Roofing Replacement

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:02:35 +0000

If you have asphalt shingles on your roof, it’s inevitable that they’ll need eventual replacement.

Signs that your roof shingles are nearing the end of their life include interior and exterior water marks, algae growth, and missing, warped, blistered or cracked shingles.

6 Steps to Handling Shingle Roofing Replacement

Choosing professional NJ shingle roofing installation contractor ensures your new roof will withstand the punishing, year-round Garden State elements.

With that in mind, here is a six-step process to follow when shingle replacement time comes:

Check for underlying structural damage. If your shingles have become so worn that your roof has suffered structural weather-related damage, you will have to repair this before you replace your shingles. Otherwise, you’ll simply mask the problem, rather than solving it.
Set your project budget. It is very important that you avoid exceeding your maximum budget, as home repairs are notorious for growing and growing and growing until you wind up spending thousands more than you initially intended. Decide on a budget and stick to it, though you should keep in mind that some contractors offer flexible payment terms. If cash is a concern, consider working with your roofing contractor or bank to finance your project over a period of time.
Choose your roofing material. Your budget will, to a large extent, determine which options in roofing materials are available to you, but in broad terms, you can choose from tile, asphalt shingles, slate shingles—or eco-friendly, energy-saving metal roofing options.
Find a reputable contractor. Choosing an experienced roofing contractor who happily provides references and offers a high degree of transparency throughout the process is essential to getting your money’s worth.
Get an estimate in writing. Your contractor should never quote a price before coming to view your home in person. Get the estimate in writing as a means of protecting yourself against surprises down the road.
Maintain your new roofing. Now that you’ve invested in a new roof, be sure to maintain it properly according to your manufacturer’s recommended guidelines for the roofing material you’ve selected. If you’re unsure of what type of maintenance is involved, talk with a qualified roofing contractor about service and repairs.

Need Shingle Roofing Replacement?

LGC Roofing is proud of the statewide reputation we’ve built as a reliable company that does excellent roofing replacement in NJ for a fair price. You can visit our project gallery to view samples of our work, or call to arrange a no-obligation roofing replacement estimate for your next roofing project!

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Roofing Repair vs. Replacement: How to Make the Right Call

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:19:29 +0000

Your home is likely one of your biggest investments—and your roof is one of the most important ways to protect that investment. If your roof leaks, is showing signs of weather damage, or is looking worse for wear, you may need to replace it.

Roofing Repair vs. Replacement: How to Make the Right Call

Because a new roof is a significant expense, many people are left wondering whether they’d be better off simply repairing it. There are several factors to consider when making this decision:

Age of your current roof: An average roof can last anywhere from 12 to 20 years, depending on materials. If you are having problems after 12 to 14 years, it is probably more cost effective to replace than repair.
Type of damage: Leaking pipe flanges, chimneys, skylights and interior areas (where the wall meets the roof) are all things that can be repaired easily. Other, more extensive repairs may warrant replacement. Ask a qualified roofer to inspect your roof if you’re unsure.
Condition of the shingles: Roofs should be inspected every year after storm season. Deteriorated shingles can be restored, but extensive damage—such as shingle warping, algae or water damage inside the house—may mean it’s time to replace the roof. An expert NJ roofing contractor will be able to inspect the roofing material and assess whether it’s worth repairing.
Extreme weather damage: Any time your roof is subjected to extreme weather such as hurricanes, hail, or severe storms the damage may necessitate replacing the roof. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover this, so consult with your insurance company shortly after the damage occurs.
How long you plan to be in your house: Roof replacement is a long-term investment. If you don’t plan on remaining in your home for long, and repairs do not exceed the cost of replacement, it may make more sense to simply fix the roof—rather than installing a new one.

When you are ready to make a decision about your New Jersey roof, an expert NJ roofing contractor can assist you. To schedule a roof replacement consultation or a repair estimate, contact LGC roofing at 609-712-8157—or fill out our roofing request estimate form today!

We specialize in NJ roof repair and roof replacement, and our work is 100% guaranteed. Our professional, family-owned and operated team will assist you with your decision and ensure your satisfaction, whichever option you choose.

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Is Your NJ Roofing Contractor Making These 5 Common Mistakes?

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:01:17 +0000

Like any trade, roofing is an art form. That’s why it’s important to select an expert NJ roofer to protect your home or business—and the value of your investment. When it’s time for a new metal, composite or wood shingle roof, make sure your roofing contractor isn’t cutting corners with these common (and costly) mistakes.

Is Your NJ Roofing Contractor Making These 5 Common Mistakes?

Fastener length: Inexperienced roofers may fasten shingles with nails that are too short. When exposed to NJ wind, heat and moisture, these fasteners can loosen, causing shingles to shift. A qualified NJ roofer should use nails that penetrate deep into plywood decking to avoid shingle shifting and displacement.
Fastener placement: Incorrect nail placement can also cause severe structural problems. Nails and fasteners should be placed underneath the upper layer of shingles, rather than allowing nail heads to be exposed to moisture and sun. Exposed nail heads corrode quickly, creating a hole where water can penetrate roofing materials and roof decking.
Flashing problems: Your NJ roofing contractor should properly install metal flashing to prevent moisture from seeping in around skylights, chimneys and roof valleys. Discuss your roofer’s flashing placement plan, and make sure he/she is preparing your roof to endure snow, ice and rain. If flashing is misaligned or not overlapped properly, water may leak into your structure’s attic or interior.
Slate coloring problems: If you made the wise decision to install a slate roof on your home or business, make sure that your roofer inspects all slate before installing it. Even when purchasing slate from a single source, coloring may very. Your NJ roofer should open each pallet and compare the consistency of the material hue/shade before slate roof installation begins. While some color differential may look attractive, excessive color difference may cause the roof to look “mismatched.”
Material overhang: Shingles and other materials should overhang the roof’s eaves. If this is not the case, when a stiff NJ wind comes along—roofing materials may be compromised—or moisture may blow in underneath the shingles’ edges. In addition, your roofer should use the proper number of fasteners per shingle for your home or business’s geographic wind zone.

LGC Roofing has been perfecting the “art of roofing” for several decades. Whether installing slate, metal, composite or wood roofing, our team takes measures to ensure your satisfaction and safeguard your roofing investment. For a roof replacement consultation—or to have our roofers evaluate existing roofing problems, call 609-712-8157, or fill out our brief form to request a free estimate today!

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Best Commercial Roofing Materials on the Market Today

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:57:23 +0000

Choosing the right roofing material for a commercial or industrial application is critically important.

While aesthetic appeal is important to commercial building owners and property managers, safety, affordability and durability are primary concerns when it comes to commercial roofing today.

Understanding the advantages as well as the limitations of commercial roofing materials is the first step toward making the best, most cost-effective choice for your facility.

Best Commercial Roofing Materials on the Market Today

Hot Mop Roofing

This type of asphalt roofing is a relatively inexpensive option and is a good choice for roofs with flat slopes, so long as they are designed to promote proper drainage. Hot mop roofing is created by applying melted asphalt to a roof surface, then using specialized equipment to spread it evenly and flatten it so that it seals correctly.

Hot mop roofing must be applied properly in order to maximize its lifespan, so it’s essential to work with an experienced commercial roofing contractor if you’re interested in this type of roof.

There are some drawbacks to hot mop roofing, though. First, it’s not particularly aesthetic—but it can be treated to improve its appearance. In addition, the application process releases moderate levels of air pollutants, which is undesirable for Green builders.

Metal Roofing

While it tends to range more toward the expensive end of the commercial roofing material spectrum, metal roofing is an outstanding choice for numerous reasons. Metal roofs are extremely durable and long-lasting, and require very little in the way of maintenance.

Metal roofing also offers outstanding fire and weather resistance, characteristics that make it a popular and safe choice for commercial and industrial buildings. Today’s metal roof suppliers offer a range of colors, textures and types, as well—so you can choose a metal roof that suits your building’s architectural appearance.

Concrete Tile Roofing

Like metal roofing, concrete tile roofing is inflammable, and naturally resists corrosion, pests and weather. Concrete tile roofing is available in an increasingly wide range of styles, textures and colors, giving you plenty of options if you prefer a certain look. However, unlike metal roofing, it is not recyclable, and therefore comes at a higher environmental cost.

Slate Roofing

The many advantages of slate roofing include excellent fire resistance; slate is also resistant to insects and corrosion, and has a very long life expectancy that’s relatively maintenance free. However, if you choose slate roofing for a commercial project, you will need to perform a careful structural assessment, since slate is heavy and adds a significant amount of weight to the building.

Whish Material is Right For Your Project?

To select the most economical, functional commercial roofing material for your business, contact LGC Roofing. Our commercial roofers are experts in hot mop, metal, concrete and slate roofing, and are happy to explain the pros and cons of commercial roofing material options—so you can make an educated choice for your facility.

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Tips for Finding a Quality Roofing Contractor Online

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:24:20 +0000

While consumers were once limited to recommendations from family or friends—or to the roofing contractors listed in their local Yellow Pages—they can now go online to broaden their options, find a reliable NJ roofing contractor, and optimize the value of their roofing investment.

Tips for Finding a Quality Roofing Contractor Online

If you’re searching for a roofing contractor online, there are a few key indicators of a reputable company:

Comprehensive information: Reputable roofing contractors won’t just put up a slapdash website that offers basic, generalized information about the company and what it does. Instead, a good roofing contractor will offer customers a complete online storehouse of information: not just about the company itself, but also about its products, services and past projects. You should look for roofing contractors who have put effort into informing and educating consumers about the options available to them—without requiring them to contact a salesperson to find out what the company does and does not do.
Customer testimonials: Contractors with high rates of customer satisfaction are proud of their work—and they should be. Look for contractors that offer a varied range of verifiable testimonials from satisfied past customers. This is a strong indicator that the contractor has a history of providing fair value and doing good work. Yelp, Yahoo! and Google are also good sources for online roofing reviews.
Licensing information: All roofing contractors have to be licensed and insured, but some roofing contractor websites only tell visitors that they have their licenses and insurance—without giving the consumer any means of digging deeper. Dependable roofing contractors will display state license numbers directly on their website, so visitors can check with industry regulators and watchdogs for complaints and verify the company’s reputability.

LGC Roofing has been providing residents and businesses in New Jersey with impeccable service quality and guaranteed customer satisfaction for decades. We specialize in all types of residential and commercial roofing, offering services that include roof replacement, roof repair, safety inspections, gutter installation and maintenance, and more.

If you are looking for a reliable contractor for your next home or business roofing project, look no further. We are a leading NJ providers of affordable and reliable roofing services. For no-obligation quotes and consultations, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Pros and Cons of Popular Commercial Roofing Materials

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:14:37 +0000

In many cases, a commercial roof requires considerations that do not apply to residential roofing projects.

The majority of industrial buildings have roofs without the steep slopes found on many homes, and industrial roofs also require additional safety considerations.

While composition shingles, wooden shakes and clay-based tiles are often used for residential roofing projects, commercial roofers favor more durable materials that are uniquely suited to buildings with slight roof slopes or no slopes at all.

These include:

metal roofing
modified bitumen,
slate,
concrete tile and
flat asphalt.

Pros and Cons of Popular Commercial Roofing Materials

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is frequently used in NJ commercial roofing projects because it is naturally fire-resistant, very durable, recyclable and environmentally friendly—in addition to requiring relatively little maintenance. However, metal commercial roofs are expensive, prone to weather and wind damage, and can become dented and scratched if they’re not built from high-quality metal products.

Modified bitumen

Modified bitumen is a cost-effective alternative for industrial and commercial buildings. An asphalt-based compound, modified bitumen must be given multiple coatings to ensure that water does not leak through. It does, however, offer excellent uplift resistance when properly installed and can be treated to offer a high level of inflammability.

Slate roofing

Slate roofing products do come at a considerable up-front price, though because they have extremely long lives, they are often considered one of the most affordable options over the long run. A typical slate roof has an expected lifespan of 50 to 100 years, is both fireproof and waterproof, and inhibits the growth of moss and algae. Slate is also practically impervious to hail and wind damage, though it does have some drawbacks beyond its initial cost. It is heavy, and can break under the strain of heavy weight.

Concrete tile

Concrete tile lasts a long time, doesn’t require much in the way of maintenance, is attractive and durable, and is naturally rot-and insect-resistant. However, like most other commercial roofing materials with long lifespans, it tends to be expensive to install.

Flat asphalt

Flat asphalt commercial roofs can be a good choice with industrial buildings that have well-designed water drainage systems. While they offer a good balance of price and durability, large flat asphalt roofs can contribute to smog problems in larger cities and are not considered environmentally friendly.

Which Roofing Material is Best For You?

If you need the advice from an experience and reliable NJ commercial roofing contractor to determine which roofing material is best for your facility, call on the experts at LGC Roofing. We’ll help you understand the pros and cons of various commercial roof materials, and provide you with no-obligation quotes for our professional and affordable commercial roof repair or replacement services.