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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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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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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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Slate Roofing Repair: Cost-Effective Alternatives to Replacement

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:11:43 +0000

Dubbed “100 year roofs” for their durability, slate roofs actually have service lives of 60 to 200 years. Chosen for their aesthetically pleasing patterns and details, among other benefits, slate roofs have been around for centuries and are prominently found on homes, churches, institutions and government buildings.

Because of the unique craftsmanship of slate roofs on New Jersey buildings and residences, many owners choose to repair or restore these roofs, rather than replace them, to preserve their beauty and historical value.

There are three main reasons why slate roofing requires repair:

Cracked, broken, misaligned or missing slates
Deteriorated metal flashing
Improper workmanship during previous repairs

Given the high cost of slate materials, homeowners should only hire a certified, experienced NJ roofing contractor to ensure that slate roof restoration is done right.

Regular maintenance and annual inspections can also extend the life of your roof.

Slate Roofing Repair: Cost-Effective Alternatives to Replacement

If you’re wondering whether to repair or replace, ask yourself:

When was the roof installed? Find records of the roof’s age and type. Not all slates are the same. Where the rocks were quarried may help to determine the lifespan of the slate.
Are the slates misaligned or sliding out of position? If yes, the metal fasteners used to hold the slates in place may have corroded and may need to be replaced.
Are there active leaks? Most roof leaks occur because of problems with gutters, valleys and flashings. Even the smallest hole can allow a large amount of water to accumulate. These leaks can often be fixed while salvaging the slates.
How many slates are damaged or missing? If 20- to 30-percent of the slates on the roof are damaged, it would less expensive for a slate roof replacement than a repair.
Are the slates delaminating (flaking or crumbling), or is there powder on the underside? If so, your roof needs to be replaced.

Need Slate Repairs? Hire Professional Roofing Contractors

Working with slate roofing requires advanced skills, so don’t trust just anybody to restore or replace your slate roof. Trust the knowledge and expertise of LGC Roofing: a family-owned company that has been installing and repairing slate roofs for over 20 years.

Our work is guaranteed and our slate roofing expertise is unrivaled. Call us today for a free slate roofing restoration estimate, and learn how we can help you preserve your investment!

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Common Post-Winter Slate Roof Repairs

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:04:34 +0000

When New Jersey goes through a tough winter, weather-related roof damage is almost sure to follow. Slate roofing, in particular, can be put under a lot of stress due to snow, ice and hail, requiring slate roofing repairs in the warmth of spring.

NJ roofing contractors are aware that many homeowners are do-it-yourselfers, and are comfortable making their own slate roofing repairs. Learning how to take care of winter roof problems properly can save you a lot of time and money.

Common Winter Slate Roof Damage?

Slate roofing repairs are needed when the roofing materials are cracked, broken or indented due to the external force of hail or ice, or if you experience leakage into your home. The slates can also become damaged from abnormalities in the wood decking beneath the slates—or from faulty nails.

If you are not sure if your roof is, in fact, damaged from inclement weather, call LGC Roofing, your local NJ roofing contractor to schedule your post winter roof inspection.

Do-It-Yourself Slate Roofing Repairs

Slate roofing repairs can be performed tile by tile without replacing the entire roof. The best-case scenario is using leftover slate that you’ve been storing in your garage; the materials blend in nicely without making an eyesore out of your roof.

If this is not an option, order slate that presents as close a match in color, shape and age as possible. Gently lift up the slate above the one to be replaced to allow easy access. Remove the nail and the damaged slate, and re-hang the new slate before returning the higher slate to its previous position.

Slate is secured to the roof with nails, but the each individual piece hangs, rather than sits, snugly against the surface. When replacing slates, avoid driving the nails into the slate too deeply or you may incur cracks or stress that is not yet visible to the eye—but may develop later. It’s also important to hammer the nail enough so that the slate that rests on top of the tile you’re replacing doesn’t chip or crack. Galvanized nails do the job, but may not last as long as your slate, requiring premature replacement of both components.

When Hiring a Professional Roofer is the Right Move

Winter roof problems can seem overwhelming if home repair is not your strong suit. LGC Roofing is more than happy to help, from offering a no-obligation free slate repair estimate to handling your slate roof restoration or complete replacements.

Call LGC Roofing today at (609) 712-8157 with questions about your NJ slate roof.

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Slate Roofing Restoration: Saving Tile & Money

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 07:15:09 +0000

If you are the proud owner of a home with a slate roof, you enjoy exceptional advantages that other roofing types just can’t match. Slate is incomparably beautiful, lending your home an air of classic elegance and dignity (just look at our recent slate installation project photos).

You can also rest in the knowledge that the slate tile on your roof will never burn, and that it’s one of the most low-maintenance roofing options on the market. Its superior resistance to mold and mildew makes it exceptionally long-lasting, as well—often serving for a century or more.

Slate Roofing Restoration: Saving Tile & Money

Even the most durable roofs need repair at some point, though. If you need restoration or repair of your slate roof, contact the LGC Roofing experts. A family-owned business for more than 25 years, we specialize in the proper installation of all types of slate roofing.

What causes slate roofs to deteriorate?

There are a number of considerations that must be taken into account when inspecting a slate roof for repair, including flashing quality, nail and fastener type—and quality of the tiles, themselves. Often, the slate tiles have simply outlasted the other components. That’s not surprising when you consider that a galvanized nail can rust in 30 years, while slate can last for 150 years.

Instead of complete replacement consider slate restoration

A slate roof is not inexpensive, so you’ll want to avoid unnecessary costs. Any roofing contractor you choose to hire should do everything they can to reclaim slates that are in good condition and only replace those that cannot be reused.

Here’s the process LGC Roofing follows (and your roofing contractor should to):

carefully remove each slate in the work area,
inspect it for damage,
reinstall each tile that is in good condition , and
replace broken or missing tiles.

When it comes to slate roofing, material & labor costs are higher than with most other roofing materials out there. Why add to the cost by replacing the roof entirely. Our restoration process will save you considerable replacement expense, and reduces material waste.

Our highly skilled and conscientious craftsmen understand that slate roofing is an art as much as it is a science, and will treat your investment with the respect it deserves. You should be also be aware that the most common reasons for slate roofing problems are poor repair jobs.

Trust your slate roof to us to prevent costly future issues.

Contact LGC Roofing via a form, or call 609-712-8157 for a free slate repair estimate. We also offer coupons and specials, which can save you up to 15 percent off a repair job of $250 or more.

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Clay Tile Repair Tips

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 07:41:13 +0000

Once used to protect ancient Chinese, Greek and Babylonian buildings, clay tile was brought to the U.S. by European craftsman. Today, clay tile remains a beautiful, durable roofing option for many structures, especially Mediterranean styles.

As with virtually any roofing material, tile roofing will require occasional repairs due to:

Frost damage
Corrosion of iron nails and fasteners
Water damage due to failing gutters or metal flashing
Manufacturing defects or tile porosity
Walking damage (incurred during inspection or maintenance)

Repairing Your Own Clay Tile Roof

While a damaged clay roof may require the expertise of a Spanish tile roofing expert, you can make small repairs to extend your roof’s lifespan.

First, conduct regular roof inspections — or hire a qualified NJ contractor to inspect the roof for you. If you choose the do-it-yourself route, use an extension ladder to look at the roof’s surface. When you must climb onto the roof, remember to avoid placing all of your weight on one tile. Distribute weight evenly, stepping on the bottom of the tiles where they attach to the row below. Always avoid tile edges, which are particularly fragile. (If you have the option, you may even wish to attach a 2”X4” board to the roof so you can walk on that, instead.)

While you’re on the roof, look for broken or crumbling tiles. These should be promptly repaired or replaced, since water can seep underneath them and damage the underlay or drip into your attic. If tiles have only small cracks, seal the cracks with roofing mortar and allow mortar to cure. It’s best to make this repair when you’re not expecting rain.

To replace a more severely damaged tile, slide a flat, metal bar underneath the tile and gently pry it away from the roof’s surface. To avoid damaging the surrounding tiles, you may wish to use a ball-peen hammer to break the tile into smaller, more manageable pieces. Once it’s removed, apply mortar to the underlay and slide a new tile into place. If you choose to secure the tile with small nails, be careful not to crack it (or the nearby tiles) by applying too much hammer pressure. After 24 hours, check replacement tiles to determine whether additional mortar is required.

Trust the LGC Roofing Professionals for Tile Repairs

Did you know that LGC Roofing specializes in the installation and maintenance of Ludowici fine clay roofing? It’s a strong, naturally green and climate-friendly roofing material that’s ideal for commercial and residential structures. To inquire about installing this timeless roofing option—or to request repairs to your existing clay tile roof, contact us today.

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Slate Roofing Maintenance, Repair and Restoration Tips

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 07:54:28 +0000

Homeowners across the state are realizing the indisputable value of slate when selecting their home’s new roof. Slate is a beautiful, natural and eco-friendly way to cover any structure—lasting between 50 and 125 years or more. Because of slate’s unique color blends and timeless style, the roofing material is seen not only on New Jersey’s historic buildings, but on a variety of more contemporary structures, as well.

Maintaining Your Slate Roof

One of the reasons that homeowners choose slate roofing is because it withstands weathering and requires little maintenance. However, it’s not uncommon for older slate roofs to deteriorate and require repairs or even total restoration—and here’s why.

Your slate’s life depends largely on its style and mineral makeup. Some slate roofing materials are prone to softening and crumbling after years of weather exposure, while others remain hard for 100 years or more. A slate roofing expert should be able to tell you which types of slate material will last longest and resist cracking or leaking.
It’s natural for slate pieces on aging homes to occasionally break or fall off. The sooner you notice these missing slate pieces, the greater chance you have of simply repairing your roof rather than replacing it. Missing or cracked slates may damage your roof’s infrastructure and lead to costly interior leaks. If you take time to replace these failing pieces quickly, you’ll extend the life of your roof and protect your flooring, drywall and furnishings.
Many slate roofs fail because they were not installed with high-quality decking and sheathing materials. The best roof deck is made of lumber and battens that are planed or rough-sawn, and measure at least .75 to 1.5 inches in thickness. Plywood, particle board or cheaply laminated wood should not be used, since your roof will last the longest when solid (rather than synthetic or glued) boards are used. If your existing roof was installed with a substandard decking material, contact a New Jersey slate roof specialist to inquire about the most affordable repair or replacement option.
Good quality flashing and proper installment is also a key to ensuring that your slate roofing enjoys a lengthy lifespan. If you’re experiencing frequent leaks, your flashing may not be the correct gauge—or it may have been improperly aligned, secured or sealed. Single pieces of flashing are usually easily replaced, but multiple pieces may require the expertise of a roofing contractor so the slate is not compromised during repair.

Slate Roofing Repair and Restoration Tidbits

It’s important to remember that walking on your slate roof requires extreme care, and should only be done when absolutely necessary. If you—or a negligent roofing contractor—does not take the time to protect your slate, individual pieces may crack, become dislodged or even break off entirely.

Before anyone climbs on your roof to inspect it, make sure they (A) use a padded ladder, (B) utilize roof scaffolds, roof jacks and planks, and (C) avoid placing your full weight on delicate planes of slate.

Finally, while slate roofs are a beautiful, enduring way to protect your home, you should still have them inspected by an experienced slate expert at least once a year.

Slate roofs that are properly maintained are likely to last for fifty years or more—and to improve the curb appeal and architectural value of your New Jersey Home for decades to come. For more information about scheduling your slate roof repair or annual inspection call LGC Roofing today at 609-712-8157.

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Barrel Tile Roof Restoration – NJ Roofing Project

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:55:30 +0000

Barrel Tile restoration 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 roof 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!