New Jersey Shingle Roof Repair in 5 Easy Steps

While it’s best to inspect your roof at least once a year to keep shingle problems from leading to major structural repairs, your asphalt or composite shingles may begin leaking or showing signs of localized damage at any time.

The good news is that composite roofing should last for 15 to 20 years, and shingle repair is relatively simple.

Once you’ve located a trouble spot, check the integrity of the surrounding shingles. Look for visible cracks or damage. Test damaged or curling shingles by gently bending the shingle corner. Serviceable shingles should flex nicely. If they are old or weather damaged, the corner may break, instead.

If this occurs—and the roofing material seems to be losing its color and shape, it’s time to replace the affected shingles entirely. If not, you can often repair them in a few, basic steps.

Shingle Roof Repair in 5 Easy Steps

1. Choose a sunny day to make your repairs, since the sun’s warmth makes shingles easier to work with.
2. If a corner is pulling away or a shingle is torn, lift the damaged piece and apply a layer of roofing cement to the bottom of it. You may need to use a pry bar to raise the shingle piece high enough to apply the cement. A putty knife works well for sealant application, but you can use any dull, flat-edged tool.
3. Tack down the cement-treated piece with roofing nails so the adhesive has time to seal properly. The nails will also help the shingle piece stay in place permanently.
4. After tacking down curled corners, broken pieces or torn shingles, spread a layer of plastic roofing adhesive or tar over the cracked area. You should also apply the sealant directly over the nail heads to ensure that water does not seep in through the nail holes.
5. As you begin to repair compromised asphalt pieces, take note of the roof’s overall state. If you find yourself repairing or replacing dozens of shingles due to hail, storms or basic wear-and-tear, it may be time to contact a qualifying New Jersey roofer to handle more extensive repairs—or replace your entire roof.

Hire a Roofing Professional

While many do-it-yourselfers repair their own composite shingles, it’s often best to leave entire roof makeovers to the experts. Call LGC Roofing to schedule a thorough inspection of your home’s roof and attic space. We’ll recommend cost-effective repairs, and if you have to replace your shingle roof, our prices are competitive and our craftsmanship is second-to-none.

Remember, putting off shingle roof repairs can lead to costly attic and roof sheathing damage. Call today to address roof problems before it’s too late.

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 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.

NJ Roofing Blog Featured on “50 Sites To Help You Remodel Your Home”

NJ Roofing Blog has been featured in an article at ConstructionManagementSchools.net as one of the “50 Sites To Help You Remodel Your Home”.

We are very honored to have been recognized as a top useful resource. We love sharing our knowledge and experience to help you!

Here is an excerpt from “50 Sites To Help You Remodel Your Home”:

“If you are thinking of, in the middle of, or have finished remodeling your home, here are 50 sites that will help you or allow you to use your knowledge to help others. Through these sites you will find everything from architects and designers to real people going through the same process. If you have a question or in need of ideas, this list will help you get there.”

Continue reading: 50 Sites To Help You Remodel Your Home

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.

Repair and Restoration of Tile Roof

While tile is an attractive, durable roofing option, time and weathering can take their toll—resulting in chipping, discoloration and algae/lichen buildup.

If you’re concerned about the structure and appearance of your home’s roof, talk to a roofing repair expert about restoring the tile. Restoration is often simple and affordable, extending your roof’s life and saving you thousands in replacement expenses.

Restoration of Tile Roof: The Process

Whether you’ve neglected seasonal roof maintenance or are purchasing a home with a decrepit tile roof, you may be concerned about attic leaks, cracked tiles or unsightly fading. Proper concrete, ceramic and terracotta restoration typically includes the following procedures:

1. Careful removal of tiles from entire roof
2. Inspection/replacement of wood decking
3. Installation of waterproof roof underlayment
4. Replacement of all flashings and valleys
5. Re-installation of old tiles with replacing damaged ones

Tile roof restoration is a cost-effective way to extend the life of your roof to over 50 years, while improving your home’s value and curb appeal. At LGC Roofing, we’ll provide you with a no-obligation quote that includes comprehensive pricing, detailed warranty information and completion timetables.

Considering full roof replacement instead of restoration? We have over two decades of roof installation experience and will manage your job from the initial consultation to the final inspection. Call today to schedule an on-site estimate with one of New Jersey’s best roofing specialists.

Avoiding Leaky Gutters: Fall Maintenance Tips

While you may take your seamless gutters for granted, they’re a critical line of defense for your home. Even if your gutters are covered with leaf guards, they can still become clogged with debris buildup from rain and snow storms, birds’ nests and shingle remnants. Roofing experts recommend cleaning and performing general maintenance on your home’s downspouts during spring and fall to prevent warped gutters and leaky gutters.

Seamless Gutter Cleaning Tips

If you’re tackling the gutter cleaning process on your own, always wear heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands—and remember these helpful hints as you prepare your seamless gutters for fall.

• Examine your gutters and leaf guards by individual sections. Using a small trowel, leaf scoop or your hand, remove pine needles, rocks, and rotting leaves.
• Scrape or scrub the gutter’s sides and bottom, if necessary. Small pieces of asphalt shingles can become caked on your seamless gutter’s interior, and it will probably take some elbow grease to remove it.
• Use a high-power hose or pressure washer to clear remaining goop from seamless gutters, downspouts and leaf guards.

Seamless Gutter Maintenance Tips

After conducting a thorough gutter cleaning, it’s time to assess your downspout system for maintenance needs.

• Evaluate the gutter angle, making sloping adjustments as necessary. If you have warped gutters or sagging portions, it can quickly lead to debris buildup and improper drainage.
• Check the gutter hangers, and install new ones if needed. Over time, gutter hangers can become loose. This may lead to warped or leaky gutters if the straps are not replaced.
• Look for leaks. If you don’t have seamless gutters, your system may begin to leak at aging seams. Use a silicon sealant to repair leaks, if possible—or consider replacing the leaky section altogether.

If the process of spring and fall gutter maintenance seems daunting, contact LGC Roofing. We’ll assist you with general maintenance, warped gutter replacement and leaky gutter repairs so you can protect your home’s structure from water damage.