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 & PV Solar Panels – Easy, Green, Affordable

If you’ve thought about adding energy-saving, eco-friendly solar panels to your metal roof, consider the advantages of thin film photovoltaic (PV) laminates. This new-generation solar option replaces bulky, heavy panels of the past, and does not require drilling into your home’s attic rafters.

Thin-film photovoltaic (PV) laminates can be bonded directly onto metal roofing panels. Unlike crystalline PV material, there’s no need for obtrusive racks and heavy, expensive glass. Instead, unbreakable thin-film PV is produced using amorphous silicon, encapsulated in Teflon and other polymers.

These photovoltaic laminates can be attached to standing seam metal roofing panels using a peel and stick method, eliminating your chances of expensive roof leaks due to invasive hardware installation.

Benefits of PV Laminate Panels

PV laminate panels are embedded with wired cells that absorb solar rays, saving you money while making your home more energy efficient.

Other solar laminate advantages include:

• Attractive, bulk-free look that blends with your metal roof
• Lightweight, simplistic design
• Extreme durability and dependability, with little maintenance required
• Low-cost installation
• Advanced protection of your home’s structure
• Leak-proof when installed by a professional
• Easily expandable
• Potential cash savings from tax rebates and energy credits

Why Standing Seam Metal Roofing?

Combining solar roofing panels with standing seam roofing panels offers the answer to the question of permanency of solar roofing systems. The secret to a long lasting solar roofing system lies in the very roof that’s underneath the solar roofing panels. The problem of the past with solar roofing was that asphalt shingle roofs that had solar roofing panels installed on them would often times fail prematurely due to its age or the fact that solar panels required roof penetrations that eventually could cause a roof leak.

Standing seam metal roof is made with metal, which is a long lasting and environmentally safe green building material that keeps your roof cooler in a summer, helps to prevent ice dam problems in the winter, and is fully recyclable at the end of its service life. Thus, a metal roof is essentially a long lasting and energy efficient roof that is good for the building owner and the environment.

Also most metal roofs come with around 35 years warranty and that’s precisely why metal roofing is the best choice when it comes to PV laminates installation. After all, you don’t want to incur the cost of removing the panels and then putting them back on, as you tend to costly roof leak repairs.

Hire a Professional Roofer!

While PV panels are fairly easy to install over your existing metal roof and can last up to 30 years or more, it’s important to enlist the services of a qualified New Jersey roofer to install the laminates and ensure proper connection of your inverter, cables and switches.

Remember, also, that high-quality solar panels are LEED certified, making it easy and budget-friendly to increase your home’s renewable power. Call LGC Roofing today to schedule your solar consultation, obtain PV laminate pricing or discuss other green roofing options with our company’s roofing experts.

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.

Barrel Tile Roof Restoration – NJ Roofing Project

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 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!

5 Tips on How to Choose Slate Tile Roofing

If you caught our last blog about the ins-and-outs of slate roofing, you probably know that slate is a high-end material option that enhances a variety of architectural styles. And while all slate options are fireproof, water repellent and especially durable, there are several other things to consider before settling on a specific tile type.

How to Choose Slate Tile

Slate roofing has been used for over 150 years because homeowners realize that it’s low-maintenance, long-lasting and naturally beautiful. But what type of slate is best for your home? The following questions can help you make an educated decision about your new roof.

• Will my home bear the weight of a slate tile roof? If you’re not sure, it’s best to have a roofing professional assess your home’s structural integrity before you confirm your plans to use slate.
• What slate color will blend with my home’s paint? Since slate comes in naturally occurring colors, the most common pigments are black, gray, tan, red, green and eggplant Color varies, depending on the mineral composition of the tiles.
• What’s the best warranty I can get for my money? Since slate tiles are quite sturdy, warranties range from 50- to 100-years. That’s why slate roofs are an excellent investment for homeowners who aren’t planning on a move.
• What if I can’t afford a slate roof? While it’s one of the world’s most durable roofing materials, slate is costly to purchase and install. If slate tile doesn’t fit your budget, there are a variety of synthetic slate options. Ask an LGC Roofing professional about affordable alternatives to natural stone.
• Am I looking for an eco-friendly roofing material? When you select a slate roof guaranteed to last 100+ years, you’re reducing the waste stream and keeping your roofing materials out of the landfills for a century or more. That’s good news for Green homeowners.

Call LGC Roofing at 609-712-8157 or fill out our contact form to schedule a slate roofing estimate and a home structure assessment today. This no-obligation appointment is an excellent opportunity to explore this timeless roofing solution or ask questions about stone colors, tile designs and installment costs.

Selecting a Metal Roof – 5 Buyer Tips

It’s important to consider both function and aesthetics when selecting a roof for your home, and many homeowners choose metal roofing because of its durability and stylish design. In addition, metal roofing adds value to homes through its insulative benefits—which can lead to reduced utility costs, lower insurance premiums, home appreciation and tax credits.

Buyer Tips

Most types of metal roofing require little upkeep once installed, so the selection process is based upon

• personal taste, and
• cost of materials and installation.

Keep the following tips in mind as you choose your new roof:

1. Look at metal roofing options from 20+ feet away before purchasing. When viewed from a distance, you may not like the color or sheen—or you may determine that the selection doesn’t complement your home’s architectural style.
2. When shopping for a metal roof, bring a swatch or piece of wood that represents your home’s paint color. Make sure the roofing color you select is an attractive match for your siding.
3. Determine what look you’re trying to achieve with your new roof. Do you prefer a rustic, corrugated design or something more modern? Today’s metal roofs come in styles that emulate cedar shake, slate and tile designs, and they last longer and require less maintenance.
4. Consider your budget. Steel roofing is typically the cheapest option, while stainless steel, aluminum and copper are more expensive (read more about the specifics of metal roofing materials including advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing).
5. Decide whether you prefer a straight, metal sheen, a painted style or a textured look. Many of the new metal roofing materials are coated in ceramic granules (to look like stone) or painted and then coated with epoxy.

While many homeowners are concerned that a metal roof would be too heavy for their home’s structure, many metal roofs are up to 50-percent lighter than traditional roofing materials. The downside is that metal roofing is difficult to install on your own, however, so you’ll definitely need the assistance of a qualified New Jersey roofing specialist, instead. Call LGC Roofing today at 609-712-8157 to discuss metal roofing options or schedule a no-obligation metal roof consultation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

The National Roofing Contractors Association reports that metal roofs have become significantly more popular over the last ten years. If you tuned in for our September blog on metal roofing, you know that there are several materials options to choose from—depending on your personal taste and roofing requirements. But is a metal roof for you? Let’s examine the pros and cons.

Benefits of Metal Roofing

Home and business owners can still purchase corrugated, barn-style metal roofs, but today’s roofing has evolved significantly. It has become high-tech, with a clean look that suits the architectural style of many homes and businesses. Consider the other benefits of upgrading your roof to metal.

• Durability: Despite being surprisingly lightweight, metal roofing is extremely sturdy. It’s non-combustible, offering the highest fire-retardant rating available. In addition, it stands up to hail, wind and severe storms—and often comes with a 30-year+ warranty.
• Attractive Design: If you’re not looking for a basic, contemporary metal design, new metal roofing styles are covered in colorful topcoats or granulated finishes to mimic Spanish tiles, slate tiles and even wood shakes. These new designs allow you to enjoy the durability of metal while improving your home’s curb appeal.
• Installation Speed: Metal roofs cost more than other styles, but they are often installed over existing shingle layers—which can save homeowners labor expenses in the long run.
• Energy Efficiency: Excellent for reflecting the sun, a metal roof can protect your home from the sun’s heat and damaging rays. In addition, metal roofing helps to shed snow buildup in cold climates.

Drawbacks to Metal Roofing

While there are few disadvantages to metal roofs, remember that they come with a premium initial price tag. However, if you plan to live in your home for 10 years or more, you’ll reap the benefits of your investment with low maintenance costs, high durability and a lasting look.

You may find the sound of rain on a metal roof to be relaxing, but it’s also important to point out that metal roofs can be noisy. Your professional installer can minimize noise with insulation and solid wood sheathing, but you cannot completely deaden the sound.

Finally, if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you’ll likely find metal roofing trickier to modify than asphalt, composite or shake shingles. In fact, professional installation, repair and modification is always recommended to optimize the life of metal roofing products.

At LGC Roofing, we offer homeowners a variety of premium metal roofing products—from painted aluminum to steel and copper styles. Call 609-712-8157 today for a product estimate, or to schedule a free, one-on-one roofing consultation.

Durability and Longevity of Clay Tile Roofing

While clay tile costs more than composite or shake shingles, many home and business owners are attracted to its timeless look. When evaluating expense, remember that most clay tile roofs are warranted for 50+ years and can last up to 100—making them a sound investment and practical property improvement.

Advantages of Clay Tile Roofs

In addition to their proven longevity, clay tiles are wind, hail and fire resistant, so they’re especially attractive for those living with shifting weather extremes. New Jersey residents will find that clay tile stands up well to the state’s highly variable wet, dry, hot and cold airstreams. Clay tile also creates a thermal barrier, which prevents both interior and exterior energy escape. As an added bonus to utility savings, tile roof owners may qualify for tax deductions and utility rebates.

Green consumers appreciate the natural, biodegradable composition of clay tile. Created from clay and water baked at ultra-high temperatures, the tiles emit no environmental toxins, produce clean water runoff, and can eventually be recycled for use in construction and transportation projects.

No matter what the architectural style of your home or business, clay tile adds a charming touch. Commercial and residential property owners can choose from hundreds of tile colors to complement the hue and style of their home, and the baked-in pigment and weather-proof glaze prevents fading—even over decades of use.

Clay Tile Roof Tips

Clay roofs are heavy. Your qualified roofing specialist should assess your home or business before installing the tile to ensure your structure is sound enough to manage the product’s weight. Remember, also, that proper color blending requires careful tile placement—so multi-colored tile roofs may cost more to install and take longer to complete.

Selecting a Metal Roof Material

If the thought of a metal roof conjures up images of industrial facilities and aging barns, it’s time to adjust your thinking.

Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular among home and business owners, and their profiles are far more stylish than you might think. And while you’ll probably pay more upfront for a metal roof, its durability, energy efficiency and ease of installation make it a cost-effective investment for many consumers.

Metal Roofing Options

The most common metal roofing options include steel, stainless steel, copper and aluminum. Pricing varies based upon the property of the metal—such as its longevity, appearance and installation requirements.

1. Steel: A strong, safe roofing option, steel roofs are durable enough to withstand most severe rain, snow, hail and windstorms. Steel resists fire damage, reflects heat and offers insulation from cold. To prevent corrosion, steel roofs are typically coated in zinc and sealed for extra protection. 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.
2. Stainless steel: Markedly more expensive than steel, stainless steel roofs are a beautiful, modern option for homes and businesses. Stainless steel resists corrosion, and can be terne-coated with an alloy mixture to reduce its sheen and give it a more natural appearance.
3. Copper: Offering unmatched aesthetic appeal, copper is a lightweight architectural choice. As copper ages, it begins to take on a “patina” finish—which, to many homeowners, is even more desirable than its initial look. One of the lightest, least corrosive metal roofing options, copper has few disadvantages aside from its high cost.
4. Aluminum: The cost for aluminum roofing varies, depending on the local roofing market, but it typically costs more than the installation of standard steel roofing. It is, however, very lightweight, noncorrosive and easy to manipulate—making it a popular option for complex roofing designs. Aluminum is also a sustainable choice, since it can be crafted from recycled materials. Most homeowners prefer to paint or epoxy-coat aluminum, though, since it is not as attractive in its “raw” state.

New Jersey’s Metal Roofing Experts

If it’s time to replace your roof, contact the metal roofing experts at LGC Roofing. Ask our professional installers about metal roofing options, or call today to schedule a home or business roofing estimate.

Cedar Shake Roofs Offer Sustainable, Enduring Value

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

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

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

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