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Introduction to Residential Metal Roofing

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:10:26 +0000

The next time you need a new roof installed, ask your roofing contractor about metal roofing.

Metal roofing carries a wide variety of benefits over conventional roofing materials such as asphalt, slate or wood shingles. Metal roofing is an ideal choice for families that intend to live in their home over the long-term.

Benefits of Metal Roofing

Crafted from top-of-the-line aluminum, steel or copper, metal roofing protects your home more effectively than other materials. A metal roof is resistant to all types of inclement weather and natural disasters, including rain, mildew, fire, wind and even hail. The benefits of choosing a metal roof for your home include:

• Longevity: A metal roof lasts from 20 to an astonishing 50 years.
• Durability: Metal roof sheeting is lightweight, yet durable enough to protect the structure of your home.
• Low maintenance: The minimal pitch of a metal roof reduces the likelihood of leakage.
• Energy savings: Heat conduction reduces heating and cooling costs.
• Aesthetics: Metal roofing is available in a number of attractive color options. An aesthetically pleasing home can increase its market value.

Installation of Your Metal Roof

The installation of metal roofing materials is another benefit to homeowners. Some metal materials may be placed directly on top of existing roofing, saving you time and money. Metal roofing does cost more than some conventional materials, including asphalt, but the investment in the future health of your home pays for itself with its long-lasting protection.

Going Green

Environmentally conscious homeowners can feel good about their choice to go green with their new metal roof. Metal roofing materials are recyclable, reducing your family’s carbon footprint.

Contact LGC Roofing, your leading NJ roofing contractor, to schedule a metal roofing consultation, or to inquire about professional roofing services. We have over 25 years of experience in roofing replacement & repair, gutter installation, siding & windows replacement and more! Call (609) 712-8157 or request your Free Estimate online.

NJ Top Green Roofing Option: Metal Roofing

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:47:17 +0000

To many families, going green means recycling materials in the home, limiting the amount of waste produced, and buying food and other consumer goods locally. You can also protect the environment and save your family money by participating in green roofing.

Green roofing simply means choosing eco-friendly roofing materials when it’s time to replace your home’s roof. Metal, particularly steel, is a sustainable, recycled and recyclable roofing material that is friendly to the environment and your pocketbook.

Metal Roofing is Less Wasteful

Installing a recycled metal roof in your home can create less waste both at the time of installation and down the road, when you are in need of roof repairs and possible shingle replacement.

Coated steel is just one example of a green roofing material that can be fitted directly over the existing roof of your home. This unique installation process eliminates the need for removing the damaged, weather-beaten shingles or tiles from your roof. Keeping the old roofing intact while installing a new roof prevents a significant amount of non-decomposing materials from entering local landfills. Less waste equals a cleaner world for future generations.

Ask your experienced New Jersey roofing professional about the drainage and gutter systems on recyclable, green roofing as well. Certain materials are coated with substances that make rainwater safe for drinking and gardening purposes.

Metal Roofing is Energy Efficient

Green roofing can save you lots of green in the form of your monthly cooling bills. The reflective surface of metal roofing shingles and sheets reduces the amount of heat the attic or upper level of your home absorbs, which translates into lower electricity bills and energy conservation throughout hot New Jersey summers.

The heat reduction on the roof’s surface also reduces the risk of heat-induced damage to the roofing material, itself. And—you’ll save money on roof replacement costs over the long term, since your roof will likely require only minor maintenance in the years to come. Don’t forget to check with your tax professional about energy efficiency tax credits too; you may be able to deduct a portion of your roof’s cost because you chose to go green.

Metal Roofs Are Low Maintenance

Green metal roofing is easily maintained to preserve the beauty and function of your home. The outer coating of the roofing materials renders the structure rust-free and highly resistant to the elements.

Even with minimal maintenance requirements, it’s still a good idea to schedule periodic roof inspections to ensure your green roof is in tip-top shape. For seasonal inspections and unexpected repairs, contact LCG Roofing. We offer free metal roof estimates, specialize in all types of metal roofing, and are ready to schedule your appointment. Call (609) 712-8157 today!

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Metal Roofing Options for Residential Roofing

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:27:04 +0000

Metal roofing has always been a popular option for commercial facilities, warehouses and agricultural buildings, and it continues to grow more popular in residential roofing, as well.

Enjoyed for its look, versatility and durability, metal roofing is available in a wide range of colors, materials and styles. In fact, it is considered one of the most sought-after roofing choices on today’s market.

Metal roofing offers many benefits to those interested in alternatives to shingle. It is particularly cost effective for New Jersey homes, since it is made to endure both ends of the weather spectrum. During spring and summer, metal reflects the sun’s rays, lowering your utility bills. It also protects your NJ residential roof from high wind and hail damage. Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who install metal roofs, since some metal roofing has been known to endure the impact of golf-ball-sized hail.

During NJ winter months, metal roofs are designed to insulate your home and withstand heavy snow loads. When installed with a proper slope, these roofs also shed snow efficiently—so there is little chance of ice damming or structural damage due to snow buildup.

Popular Metal Roofing Materials

Three common metal roofing options include copper, steel and aluminum. Each comes with many advantages, including energy efficiency, sustainability and improved home value. Depending upon your personal choice, they are an attractive, durable option for NJ residential roofs.

Copper Roofing: Copper roofing is a popular option for homeowners who appreciate the color change as their roof ages. Tarnishing from a yellow-brown sheen to a greenish gray “patina” over time, copper roofs are recyclable, lightweight and can last up to 100 years when installed by a qualified NJ roofing contractor.

Steel Roofing: New Jersey steel roofs come in a range of colors and textures, and are more affordable than copper styles. Like copper, steel roofs are lightweight—and rarely require your NJ roofer to reinforce the roof’s structure during installation. Steel roofs also have the highest fireproof rating (Class A), making them an attractive option that reduces insurance premiums.

Aluminum Roofing: Available in corrugated or smooth styles, aluminum is a lightweight, durable roofing choice. While steel is often painted to achieve the finished look, aluminum roofs are typically left unpainted. Aluminum usually costs more than steel because of its ability to naturally withstand corrosion.

To learn more about NJ metal roofing options, contact LGC Roofing today. Serving residential clients with NJ roofing replacement, repair and maintenance, we supply free estimates, unmatched service and high-performance roofing solutions for all homes and budgets.

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Metal Roof Installation Tips for Do-It-Yourselfers

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:34:43 +0000

Appreciated for its ease of installation, superior fire resistance and lightweight design, metal roofing is a durable, attractive roofing choice for homes and businesses.

With a few essential tools, a safe ladder and heavy-duty work boots, metal roof installation is fairly straightforward. However, copper, aluminum and steel roofing sheets can be unwieldy and hard to manage, so it’s helpful to have someone assist with the job.

Metal Roof Installation Tips

When constructed properly, your metal roof is designed to last a lifetime.

Remember to keep the following things in mind before beginning metal roof installation. Improper installation could void the warranty on your new roofing materials.

When measuring for your roofing materials, include three to six inches of layer overlap and three to six inches of overhang along the roof’s perimeter. When finalizing your material purchase, keep in mind that a metal roofing square is 100 square feet—since you’ll be purchasing materials by number of roofing squares.
Make sure that your roof’s underlayment is solid and leak-free before beginning installation. If you notice soft spots on the roof sheeting—or areas of mildew and dry rot—it’s time to replace your underlayment. Consider investing extra money in breathable underlayment materials. While they’re more expensive, they’ll prevent vapor buildup that leads to costly roof deck rot.
If you’re installing corrugated metal sheets or flat-lock metal roofs, ensure that seams are properly pressed together to prevent leaks and warping. If your roof is not properly sealed along the seams, you could develop unwanted water damage during blowing storms and heavy snowfall.
After installing your metal roof, walk carefully across it. Walking around on the roof surface can cause punctures, or may force one layer away from another—exposing the underlayment to future water damage.

When properly installed, your metal roof comes with a laundry list of benefits that includes:

Long life
Significantly lower energy costs
Environmentally friendly options (recycled metal roofing)
Wide range of colors and styles
30- to 50-year warranties

Considering a new copper, aluminum or steel roof? Metal roofs are perfect for New Jersey homes and businesses.

If you’re not comfortable installing metal roofing yourself, contact the NJ metal roof experts to request an installation estimate or materials consultation. Perfect for extreme weather, heavy precipitation and forested areas, metal roofs are a beautiful, enduring way to protect your home and increase its value.

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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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Gutter Maintenance: From Inspection to Leak Repair

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 07:26:23 +0000

Gutter systems protect your New Jersey home from leaks and moisture damage, so it’s critical that you maintain them properly. When gutters leak or downspouts back up, water may accumulate around your foundation. As moisture continues to seep into the foundation’s surrounding soil, walls and floors may settle or crack and eventually cause costly damage to your home.

Maintaining gutter integrity begins with regular inspections. Twice each year, during spring and fall, carefully climb onto your roof and examine all portions of your New Jersey home’s downspout system.

5 Gutter Inspection Tips

Conduct the following chores during each inspection to keep all gutters optimally functional during rain, wind and snow.

While wearing protective work gloves, remove all debris, sticks, dead leaves and pine needles from each gutter section. You may need a small trowel to empty all debris.
Using your trowel or a caulking knife, carefully scrape off stuck-on roofing granules and remaining dirt film. Use a garden hose to run water through your gutters for a final cleanout. To fully flush downspouts, increase the pressure of your hose.
After properly cleaning and flushing gutters, look for areas where water has pooled. This indicates that they’re not sloped properly, so you may need to adjust their position.
Gutter hangers occasionally break, and may wear out over time. Take a handful of new gutter hooks onto the roof with you so you’re prepared to replace aging attachments. If your gutters are hung by straps, it’s difficult to remove the straps since they’re inserted underneath roofing materials. Instead, just add gutter hangers with self-tapping gutter screws to simplify repairs.
Look for cracks in the gutters, themselves, and fill them in with exterior silicone caulking. You may need to replace entire sections of your gutter if it has rusted through.

Hire Roofing Professional

If your home is older, consider contacting a New Jersey professional roofer to handle your gutter inspection and possible repairs. LGC Roofing has been handling such projects for the past 25 years.

We specialize in replacing aging gutters with new aluminum, vinyl or steel models, the best gutter solution available on the market today. An additional benefit of many steel gutter replacement systems is a baked-on enamel coating which allows the gutter material to lasts for 30 to 40 years without requiring much maintenance—and you can choose enamel that matches your NJ home’s trim.

Call LGC Roofing to schedule a thorough inspection of your home’s gutter and downspout system, or to inquire about gutter repair pricing.

Don’t wait until you’ve developed foundation problems to start thinking about gutter replacement or economical fixes. We’re experts in gutter and roofing maintenance, offer competitive pricing and comprehensive guarantees.

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4 Steps to Diagnosing a Leaky Metal Roof

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:15:39 +0000

image credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kikisdad/ / CC BY 2.0

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

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.
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.
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.
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.

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Selecting a Metal Roof – 5 Buyer Tips

Lukasz Sobczuk — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:53:17 +0000

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:

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.
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.
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.
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).
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.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:44:59 +0000

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.

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Selecting a Metal Roof Material

Lukasz Sobczuk — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:59:15 +0000

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 material 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.

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.
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.
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.
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 material options, or call today to schedule a home or business roofing estimate.