NJ Roofing Blog » roofing estimate

8 Steps to Roofing Replacement

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:25:18 +0000

When an existing roof has degraded due to weather, age, or substandard materials and workmanship, roofing replacement becomes necessary. Since re-roofing is a major investment, homeowners should keep these 8 important steps in mind when discussing their options with a qualified roofing contractor.

8 Steps to Roofing Replacement

When selecting the type of roofing material best suited for your area, home architectural style and budget, look for top quality materials that you can afford. Damage resulting from inferior materials often goes unseen for years, but can lead to serious structural problems in the home.
Be sure that plans include stripping the old roof down to the decking and inspecting for any repairs that must be made to bolster the integrity of the new roof.
Once repairs have been made, drip edge should be installed to prevent water from backing up under the roofing surface.
Ice and water shield installed over the roof decking will prevent moisture build-up, and is essential to a lasting roofing replacement job.
Next, a quality underlayment should be installed over the entire roofing surface.
Metal flashings and diverters should be placed at critical points such as in channels and near chimneys. These must be well-secured with sealant to eliminate the possibility of water seeping under the edges.
The installation of ridge vents help to ensure continuous attic ventilation while protecting the re-roofing job. In addition, rib caps will finish the look of the new roof and protect the ridge vents.
Finally, the homeowner should make sure that the roofing contractor will, clean-up the job site, leaving landscaping intact and surrounding areas free of nails and other debris.

A little knowledge about the re-roofing process enables homeowners to make the best investment possible. Roofing estimates you receive for your roofing replacement project should address these 8 steps in order to achieve the maximum life for a new shingle, metal or slate roof.

LGC Roofing is an experienced New Jersey contractor, in business for over two decades. If you suspect that your home needs a new roof, give us a call at 609-712-8157. Our experts will provide a free estimate, and will detail the materials and procedures covered by our bid.

With LGC Roofing, you can have confidence in your replacement roof investment—for years to come!

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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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Understanding Your Roofing Installation Estimate

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:02:26 +0000

When it’s time to repair or replace your roof, do some digging and request detailed information from reliable New Jersey roofing contractors. Conducting due diligence upfront will save you time, money and trouble in the long run.

Begin by getting a variety of roofing estimates from a broad range of companies—large firms to mom-and-pop operations—to get a better idea on pricing and the work involved. But, before you tackle the task of comparing the cost and qualifications of NJ roofers, make sure you understand the repair or replacement specifics.

Some roofing contractors may give you a roofing estimate over the phone, but it’s a good idea to ask for a written copy of the proposal. In the event that something goes wrong, it’s essential to have contractual details spelled out. This also ensures that both parties understand the nitty-gritty contents of the document, and what’s included/not included in your quoted price.

Understanding Your Roofing Installation Estimate

Your choice of roofing material will make up the bulk of the roofing installation cost. To avoid surprises, get a detailed list of materials that will be used to complete the roof. This typically includes type/color of roofing material, protection membrane, flashings and vents.
Remember that the cost of roofing installation may also depend on the time of year it’s installed, so ask your contractor if there’s a discount for winter or spring projects.
Know the installation methods and breakdown of labor costs. This includes man hours for removal of old materials, potential overtime or holiday hours.
Make sure the roofing estimate includes a timeline of start and completion dates without interruptions or delays. The last thing you want is an open roof that exposes your home to the elements while your contractor disappears to another job site.
Require the NJ roofing contractor to outline the condition of your property and what steps would be taken to protect your landscape. In addition, make sure you agree upon cleanup expectations after completion.
When obtaining a roofing estimate, inquire about the types and lengths of warranties or guarantees for materials and workmanship. These warranties should be detailed in writing within your final contract.

Selecting the Right Roofer

Your budget may dictate your final choice of your residential NJ roofer, but don’t let the lowest bid be the sole factor that guides your decision.

Other factors you may also want to consider while choosing your roofing contractor:

A Proven Record—Ask for references of satisfied clients and check with the Better Business Bureau to properly investigate a company before hiring them.
Skill and Experience—Not all roofers are the same. Each will come with different training and installation methods—and some may have more expertise with your material of choice.
Certifications—Only hire NJ roofers who are bonded and licensed. A reputable contractor will have proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation for their laborers, as well as documented industry certifications.

Some NJ roofers may ask up to 50 percent in down payment upfront, but never pay the full price until you’re satisfied with the completed project. A roof is an investment that will improve your home’s appeal and value, so only trust NJ roofing contractors with a proven record like LGC Roofing.

Whether your roof needs a little patchwork or an overhaul, our insured and licensed professionals are trained to get the job done right—and our work is always guaranteed! Call today for a no-obligation roofing installation estimate at (609) 712-8157.

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Pros and Cons of Choosing Wood Shake Roofing

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:33:06 +0000

Many homeowners opt to install wood shake roofs on their homes because of the material’s natural look and unique personality. And even if a homeowner chooses the same type of shake shingle as their neighbor, the roofs will look different from one another—because of the material’s innate variation in color, pattern, wood cut and thickness.

It’s important to remember, though, that wood shakes are not easy to install. That’s why it’s important to select a skilled New Jersey roofing contractor if you decide on this roof style for your residence or business.

Cost of Wood Shake Roofs

While wood shake roofs are undeniably beautiful, that beauty comes with a cost. You might have to pay three to five times as much for cedar shake roofing as you would for composite or asphalt shingles—in addition to paying a premium for installation.

Cedar shake roofing lasts longer than asphalt roofing, though, with a lifespan of five to 10 more years than standard shingles. When considering the lasting value of wood shakes, you may determine that the material’s longevity is worth the extra cost.

Ask the experts at LGC Roofing about the most economical, attractive wood shake options for your home.

Energy and Environmental Advantages of Wood Shake Roofs

According to the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau, wood shingles are an environmentally sound choice because they’re made from a natural, renewable resource. In addition, cedar shakes are biodegradable—so they won’t sit in landfills for decades (or even centuries) to come, unlike some of their synthetic counterparts.

Depending upon which wood shakes you select, many of them are completely recyclable and take little energy to manufacture in the first place.

Home and business owners with shake roofs also find that the material insulates their attic more efficiently than other roofing materials – while allowing the house to “breathe” and exchange toxins for fresh air.

Maintenance of Wood Shake Roofing

Cedar roofs are undoubtedly a beautiful addition to many structures, but home and business owners should be aware that they require more maintenance than composite shingles.

For example, you may encounter an insect infestation or a case of mold and mildew on your wood shake roof and have to spend money, time and frustration replacing old shakes. And, since previously installed shake shingles begin to fade with weather and time, the new ones will never properly match the older shakes on your roof.

Choosing Your Wood Shake New Jersey Roof

When you’ve finalized your decision to use 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 woodshake 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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Metal Roofing Material Options: Aluminum vs. Steel

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:26:16 +0000

Metal roofing has always been a popular choice for business and industrial applications, but with the development of new finishes, it is rapidly gaining popularity for home roofing, as well.

Today’s metal roofing can be coated with acrylic topcoats and finishes that allow a wide range of options, even mimicking other types of roofing such as slate or Spanish tile.

Metal roofing is extremely durable, generally lasting for 30 years or more, and can stand up to the severe weather homeowners face in New Jersey—including snow, hail and wind. Metal roofs are also non-combustible, offering the best possible fire-retardant rating. Quick to install and energy efficient, metal roofing is easily fitted with solar panels for consumers seeking an eco-friendly option.

While it’s lighter than other materials, metal can be hard to work with—so it’s best to use the services of a professional roofing contractor when it’s time for repairs and installation.

Aluminum vs. Steel: Which Metal Roofing Material Is Better?

The most common metal roofing options include steel and aluminum. Those materials can also be used to build standing-seam metal roofs. Pricing varies based upon the property of the metal such as its longevity, appearance and installation requirements.

There are several factors to take into account when deciding between steel and aluminum roofing material.

Steel is the more common choice, since it’s heavier and more durable than aluminum. In general, it also costs less. Steel can reflect the sun’s rays, keeping buildings cooler in summer and helping to prevent snow build-up in winter. Remember, though, that steel needs to be coated with zinc or a colorful acrylic top coating to prevent corrosion. If you’re hoping to match your roof color to that of your home, ask for a durable, baked-on acrylic top coat. Considering an eco-friendly roof replacement? Inquire about steel roofing created from 100-percent recycled materials.

Aluminum, while generally a bit more expensive, is lighter and easier to work with. These qualities make it a better option if the roofing design is more complex, as is often the case in residential applications. Aluminum will not corrode, but is generally painted or coated with epoxy for a more pleasing appearance.

Metal roofing can also be made from recycled aluminum, and when the roof eventually needs to be replaced, the material can be recycled again.

Ask your roofing professionals

Choosing the right roofing material for your home can be a daunting task but your local roofing contractor should be able to help.

If you live in NJ, contact LGC Roofing, your New Jersey roofing contractor. With over 25 years of experience working with all kinds of roofing materials, we will help make the right decision. Whether you’re considering steel, aluminum or any other roofing material, we’re here to offer our knowledge and expertise.

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Selecting a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:08:11 +0000

If your business, warehouse or facility requires a roofing facelift, it’s important to find a licensed roofer who understands the unique requirements of commercial roofing. While residential and commercial roofs serve the same, protective purpose, their design and installation are different—and therefore require a different repair and construction approach.

Before hiring your roofer, keep in mind the following fundamental differences between commercial and residential roofing jobs:

When installing a commercial roof, it’s important for your contractor to be flexible about working around scheduled business hours. Rather than disrupting clients or closing facilities during regular work periods, a qualified commercial roofing contractor may need to work off-hours or over weekends to complete the job.
Commercial roofers must take building use into account when they’re installing your company’s roof—especially if your business contains heat-generating machinery, processing equipment or volatile chemicals. Reputable roofing contractors should carefully consider all aspects of your facility’s design before recommending a roofing material and installation process.
For most commercial jobs, total roofing area is much larger than residential projects. Because of this, facility roofing should be industrial-strength, and should contain a heavy-duty underlay that will withstand weather extremes and regular inspection foot traffic. Make sure the roofer you select is well-versed in the installation of these heavy-duty materials—and that their crew is large enough to complete your project in a timely manner.
Many large warehouses and commercial facilities are designed with flat roofs, rather than the slanted, gabled roofs common to New Jersey residents. Talk with your NJ roofing contractor about their process for ensuring that your flat roof is strong and water-tight—since preventing leaks is critical to maintaining the integrity of your business equipment and product inventory. It’s likely that your company’s roof also contains many vents, drains and exposed pipelines, which commercial roofers have to work around (and seal properly) during roof installation.

Before you settle on a commercial roofing contractor, take time to contact their references, check their licensing and conduct online research to ensure that you’re hiring a qualified, budget-friendly roofer with your best interests in mind.

To schedule your no-obligation commercial roofing consultation, call the experts at LGC Roofing today. Our New Jersey team uses only the highest quality commercial building materials, and our large, experienced crew will complete your project on-time and on-budget.

At LGC, your satisfaction is our number-one concern. That’s why all workmanship is guaranteed—whether we’re replacing or simply repairing your facility’s roof. Call 609-712-8157 to inquire about pricing, schedule an estimate or discuss the best roofing material for your company’s facility.

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Which Roofing Company is Best for You?

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 07:05:16 +0000

If you’ve heard friends and family share horror stories about their roofing contractors, you’re probably a little nervous about choosing a contractor for your New Jersey home.

Since your roof is your family’s first line of defense against rain, wind and snow, it’s important to select a roofer that offers not only construction expertise, but exceptional service and follow-up, as well.

5 Tips to Choosing a Roofing Contractor

When tackling any home project, it’s important to educate yourself about the process. Spend some time online evaluating roofing materials—including their benefits and costs. It will save you time if you understand your product options before contacting local roofers for estimates. After conducting your own research, contact at least four roofing companies to inquire about their materials preferences. Ask them about differences in installation costs, installation time and manufacturer warranties, as well.
After you’ve narrowed down your roofing options, contact product manufacturers to request written installation instructions for each material. You may even be able to pull this information from company websites. According to builder and nationally syndicated columnist, Tim Carter, “Remember, whomever you hire must do all the things listed in the instructions to ensure you end up with a valid warranty. This may seem like a boring task, but it’s absolutely necessary. You must understand the system so that you can ask the right questions when you interview the different roofing contractors and possibly any salesmen that may come to your home.”
When you’ve narrowed your choices to two or three roofing companies, go online to check their user reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings. You should also call each roofer to request a list of references. Again, it takes time to contact these references by phone or email, but it’s an important step toward protecting your home investment.
Make sure that your roofing candidates are properly licensed and insured. They should be able to produce proof of their contractor license and liability insurance, but you can also contact your local building department to verify licensing information. A professional contractor should show you proof that their most recent insurance premium has been paid in full, and that the insurance is currently active.
Make sure that you obtain a detailed roofing contract that specifies (a) your roofing product choice, (b) the agreed upon start and completion dates, and (c) any other details you’ve requested in advance. Your contract should also state that installation of selected roofing materials will comply with the manufacturer’s written instructions, so your product warranty is guaranteed to be valid.

Don’t stress about your home’s new roof. When you’re looking for an industry-best residential roofer, contact the experts at LGC. We offer quality service, provide a comprehensive satisfaction guarantee, and we never subcontract our work. In addition, we ensure the safe removal and replacement of your roof using quality products that meet all current building codes. Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive roofing inspection or to request a free roof replacement estimate.

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Roof Replacement Estimate – What You Should Know

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:31:15 +0000

If weather and years have taken their toll on your New Jersey roofing structure, it’s time to invest in a new metal, slate or composite shingle roofing. A wise investment ensures that your new roof will withstand heat, wind and moisture for years to come—so it’s important to establish a budget, determine project pricing and compare several roofing contractors before beginning the project.

After you’ve weighed pros and cons and settled on a roofing material, contact three to four area roofers to request a detailed estimate of service.

How to Find a Reliable Roofer

Hiring the right roofer is crucial to your project’s success so it’s important to do some legwork.
Start by asking your neighbors, coworkers and family members for a company referral. Then conduct your own research, looking up Better Business Bureau ratings, online customer reviews and licensing information.

Before scheduling your estimate appointments, consider creating a document that lists your preferred roofing material, available start date, timeline for completion and any other project expectations.

Roof Replacement Estimate – What You Should Know

In most cases, a roofing replacement estimate will take only 30 to 40 minutes.

Roof pricing varies based upon choice of material, roof pitch/steepness, the total replacement area and whether you opt to remove previous roofing materials yourself. However, all quality roofing estimates should include:

Project commencement date
Estimated project completion date
Detailed description of work, including roofing materials, flashing locations, underlayment type & thickness and size/type of nails and fasteners
Type of sealant used to weatherproof flashing and nail holes

In addition to these material and installation basics, your roofing estimate should discuss
workmanship guarantees, material guarantees and cleanup expectations. For example, many contractors will clean up your home’s exterior after your roofing project is complete, but leave you in charge of attic spaces and other interior areas. Make sure you know what your contractor’s policy is before hiring him.

If your estimate of cost does not include your roofer’s insurance information, be sure to inquire about it. Reputable roofing companies should supply general liability insurance while on the job, and should provide all employees and site managers with worker’s compensation coverage.

Finally, each estimate should break down pricing in detail. Thorough price lists include:

Building material costs (roofing material, fasteners, flashing)
Labor costs, broken down by man hours or listed as a project bid
Additional expenses, such as sheathing repairs, tear-out of old shingles, etc.

Most roofers require a downpayment of 25 to 50 percent on your roof’s total cost before beginning work, and will collect the remaining amount after the roof is completed and customer satisfaction is achieved.

Let LGC Roofing Provide You With Worry Free Roofing Installation You Deserve!

At LGC Roofing, we’ve been offering quality roofing replacement services to commercial and residential New Jersey customers for over two decades. Our work is always guaranteed, and we’re fully licensed and insured for all types of roof repairs and replacements that you may need.

Call us at (609) 712-8157 today or schedule your no-cost, no-obligation estimate online. We’ll be happy to discuss the benefits of metal, composite and slate roofing materials for your home or business so give us a shout!

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7 Tips for Choosing a NJ Roofing Contractor

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 07:05:09 +0000

Your roof is a valuable investment, so it’s important to conduct a thorough evaluation of roofing contractors in your area before hiring a roofer for repairs or replacement.

When entrusting your home to a New Jersey roofing contractor, exercise due diligence. It may take some time to shop around for a roofer, but your research will help to ensure a quality roofing job at a fair price.

7 Tips for Selecting a Great Roofer

Check with the Better Business Bureau and area Chamber of Commerce to get a list of roofing contractors who’ve been recommended by members of your community. Once you have a comprehensive list of contractor names, you can begin screening them online and over the phone.
Never hire a roofer who’s not licensed to do their job—no matter how great a deal they promise you. Stick with roofers who are licensed and insured so you’ll be covered if something happens to your home during the roofing process. If you’re unsure about a roofer’s credentials, don’t be afraid to ask them for proof of licensing, bonding, liability insurance, workers’ comp and industry certifications.
Request personal references when you talk with a roofing company representative. High-quality companies should provide you with a list of satisfied customers who are willing to be contacted. You may also be able to find reviews of roofing contractors online at search engines like Kudzu, Yahoo! Local, Insider Pages and Yelp.
Ask potential New Jersey roofers about the length and types of warranties they provide. Quality warranties should last three to five years, and cover defective materials and workmanship. In addition, the contractor you choose should provide you with a complete copy of the manufacturer’s warranty, and address any questions you have about the paperwork.
Find out how you can contact the roofing company, and who will be in charge of your repair or installation. Your job foreman should also be willing to provide contact information, such as a cell phone number, for emergencies.
Make sure that your New Jersey roofing contractor is an expert in installing or repairing your particular roofing material. For example, LGC Roofing specializes in a number of roofing materials, including metal, slate, tile, composite shingle roofing and more.
Finally, before you sign on the dotted line—ask for a written proposal that includes starting and completion dates, detailed costs, installation procedures and warranty information.

Top quality NJ roofing contractor.

When your NJ home requires a new or refurbished roof, rely on the professionals at LGC Roofing. We’re a family-owned business with over two decades of roofing experience, and our exceptional Better Business Bureau record speaks for itself. Call today to request a free estimate or schedule a no-obligation roofing consultation with a member of our professional team.

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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!