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Common Roof Valley Problems & Repair Tips

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:26:07 +0000

The valley of your home’s roof is the angle at which two roof slopes meet. For example, multiple wings in your home that are perpendicular to one another will form a valley to allow for efficient water run-off.

Common Roof Valley Problems & Repair Tips

Leaking valleys can be some of the most common and frustrating roof leaks a homeowner will encounter. Older roofs or sub-par installation of materials can create roof valley problems, and should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible to help you avoid larger and more expensive roofing issues.

Common roofing problems relating to the valley include:

Leaks
Improperly cut materials
Aging shingles

Roof Valley Leaks

Leaking is perhaps the most probable issue that you’ll have with your roof valley. Leaks occur when the metal flashing that surrounds the valley does not adequately protect your roofing materials. Water damage is most prevalent during or after a particularly wet or snowy winter.

Semi-annual roof inspections by an experienced roofing contractor can help you avoid major water damage. Your roofer should insulate the roof valley with felt paper and replace faulty sections of flashing. This may help you avoid more costly repairs, such as a full roof replacement.

Improperly cut materials

Roofing materials that are not cut and installed properly can also contribute to roof valley damage and leaking. Shingles that intersect at the angled valley must be cut at an angle to ensure a tight fit and prevent water from entering empty spaces between the shingles and flashing. Proper placement of nails near the valley is of utmost importance, as well. Nails should be placed at least six inches away from the seamed intersection of roofing slopes to prevent shingle damage and subsequent leaking. Tension in the shingles or roofing tiles results when nails are located very close to the seam.

Aging shingles

A third cause of roof valley problems is simply age. Most roofs are built to last an average of between 15 and 30 years, depending on the type of materials used. Older homes that retain their original roofs are often fraught with chips, bruises and even missing shingles. An experienced roofing contractor knows what to look for in an aging roof, and can give you an accurate and affordable estimate on repairs that won’t break the bank and may even increase your home value.

Contact LGC Roofing today to learn more about our services, inquire about flashing repairs, or schedule your spring roof inspection!

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Top 3 Winter Roof Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:39:34 +0000

The wet, cold weather that characterizes New Jersey winters can cause significant damage to your roof. Like other professional residential roofers, we recommend you take certain winter roof maintenance steps to help your home’s structures remain safe and sound throughout the year.

The below roofing maintenance calls for vigilance, some elbow grease and a bit of patience. Your efforts will pay off in the end.

Top 3 Winter Roof Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

The three most important winter roof maintenance tips for homeowners include snow removal, protection and ventilation. Contact your local NJ residential roofing company to learn more about keeping your roof healthy during the winter.

Snow Removal

Snow and ice are your winter roof’s worst enemies, mainly due to the weight of the precipitation. Ice dams form when snow is not removed efficiently after a storm and later begins to melt. When the melted snow re-freezes at night or during a sub-freezing day, a dam forms in or near your gutters, and impedes the run-off of snow and water behind the dam. Ice dams and excess moisture can weaken the shingles and cause roof leaks.

Remember that snowy roofs can be very slippery; work slowly and carefully to avoid injury.

Protective Measures

Residential roofing inspections throughout the year can alert you to potential problems and may help you prevent leaking during the coldest months.

Mislaid or faulty flashing is a possible source for leaking, and should be repaired prior to the first snow to prevent wetness from seeping into your house. Similarly, broken and chipped shingles can allow moisture to transfer from the roof to your ceilings after a storm.

Call your New Jersey roofer to perform a bi-annual inspection in fall and spring, and to repair any faulty structures on your roof. The application of heat tape is another protective measure that may reduce ice dam-induced roof damage. Apply heat tape in a zig-zag pattern to promote proper drainage, even through ice dams.

Ventilation

Winter roofing maintenance should include a brief assessment of your ventilation system. Inadequate ventilation and insulation from your attic can not only cause your home to remain cool in the frosty weather, but also can encourage the formation of ice dams. Your New Jersey roofing professionals can inspect your roof and determine if your ventilation system & insulation is efficient enough to keep your home toasty warm and your roof protected from the elements.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

LGC Roofing serves a wide service area in New Jersey, including Middlesex, Monmouth, Burlington, Somerset, Hunterdon and Mercer counties. Contact us today to learn more about winter roof maintenance or to schedule a repair.

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5 Easy Shingle Roofing Repairs That Will Extend the Life of Your Roof

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:42:13 +0000

Despite the rising interest in materials like copper and tile, most roofs are still made of shingles.

Replacing a shingle roof can be a pricey proposition, so it’s beneficial to understand simple fixes and preventive measures that extend roof life and protect your roofing investment.

5 Easy Shingle Roofing Repairs

Here are five easy repair tasks that can prevent premature aging and decay of your roof shingles:

Apply a liquid polymer coating. These coatings can help stave off water and weather damage and keep your shingles looking newer for longer. They are widely available through home improvement retailers, and can be applied in just a few hours. These coatings work best when used on new shingle roofs.
Replace worn shingles promptly. If your shingles wear out or fall off, your naked roof is exposed to wind, sleet, snow, hail and rain, which will eventually cause it to rot or leak – and that will be an even more expensive fix.
Cut overhanging branches. If you have tall trees around your house, prevent roof damage by trimming back branches that are hanging over your home. Consult local guidelines to see if you are allowed to cut branches that hang over your roof even if the tree is located on a neighboring property.
Be vigilant about your gutters. Leaves and debris in your gutters can prevent rainwater from properly draining through your downspouts, which in turn can cause damage to both your shingles and your roof. It’s recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice annually—in spring and fall.
Make regular inspections. Inspect both your roof and your attic ceilings (and any other ceilings in direct contact with your roof) for signs of exterior or interior damage, wear, leaks, rot or structural problems. If you find any, repair them right away; the longer you leave them, the more expensive the fixes will become.

If you need professional advice, or if you’ve encountered a roofing problem that’s beyond your ability to repair, you can trust LGC Roofing to provide reliable and affordable services for home roofing repair in NJ. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for both residential and commercial roofing repair services throughout New Jersey. We’re ready to make your home or business roof last decades to come.

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6 Steps to Handling Shingle Roofing Replacement

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:02:35 +0000

If you have asphalt shingles on your roof, it’s inevitable that they’ll need eventual replacement.

Signs that your roof shingles are nearing the end of their life include interior and exterior water marks, algae growth, and missing, warped, blistered or cracked shingles.

6 Steps to Handling Shingle Roofing Replacement

Choosing professional NJ shingle roofing installation contractor ensures your new roof will withstand the punishing, year-round Garden State elements.

With that in mind, here is a six-step process to follow when shingle replacement time comes:

Check for underlying structural damage. If your shingles have become so worn that your roof has suffered structural weather-related damage, you will have to repair this before you replace your shingles. Otherwise, you’ll simply mask the problem, rather than solving it.
Set your project budget. It is very important that you avoid exceeding your maximum budget, as home repairs are notorious for growing and growing and growing until you wind up spending thousands more than you initially intended. Decide on a budget and stick to it, though you should keep in mind that some contractors offer flexible payment terms. If cash is a concern, consider working with your roofing contractor or bank to finance your project over a period of time.
Choose your roofing material. Your budget will, to a large extent, determine which options in roofing materials are available to you, but in broad terms, you can choose from tile, asphalt shingles, slate shingles—or eco-friendly, energy-saving metal roofing options.
Find a reputable contractor. Choosing an experienced roofing contractor who happily provides references and offers a high degree of transparency throughout the process is essential to getting your money’s worth.
Get an estimate in writing. Your contractor should never quote a price before coming to view your home in person. Get the estimate in writing as a means of protecting yourself against surprises down the road.
Maintain your new roofing. Now that you’ve invested in a new roof, be sure to maintain it properly according to your manufacturer’s recommended guidelines for the roofing material you’ve selected. If you’re unsure of what type of maintenance is involved, talk with a qualified roofing contractor about service and repairs.

Need Shingle Roofing Replacement?

LGC Roofing is proud of the statewide reputation we’ve built as a reliable company that does excellent roofing replacement in NJ for a fair price. You can visit our project gallery to view samples of our work, or call to arrange a no-obligation roofing replacement estimate for your next roofing project!

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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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Best Commercial Roofing Materials on the Market Today

Lukasz Sobczuk — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:57:23 +0000

Choosing the right roofing material for a commercial or industrial application is critically important.

While aesthetic appeal is important to commercial building owners and property managers, safety, affordability and durability are primary concerns when it comes to commercial roofing today.

Understanding the advantages as well as the limitations of commercial roofing materials is the first step toward making the best, most cost-effective choice for your facility.

Best Commercial Roofing Materials on the Market Today

Hot Mop Roofing

This type of asphalt roofing is a relatively inexpensive option and is a good choice for roofs with flat slopes, so long as they are designed to promote proper drainage. Hot mop roofing is created by applying melted asphalt to a roof surface, then using specialized equipment to spread it evenly and flatten it so that it seals correctly.

Hot mop roofing must be applied properly in order to maximize its lifespan, so it’s essential to work with an experienced commercial roofing contractor if you’re interested in this type of roof.

There are some drawbacks to hot mop roofing, though. First, it’s not particularly aesthetic—but it can be treated to improve its appearance. In addition, the application process releases moderate levels of air pollutants, which is undesirable for Green builders.

Metal Roofing

While it tends to range more toward the expensive end of the commercial roofing material spectrum, metal roofing is an outstanding choice for numerous reasons. Metal roofs are extremely durable and long-lasting, and require very little in the way of maintenance.

Metal roofing also offers outstanding fire and weather resistance, characteristics that make it a popular and safe choice for commercial and industrial buildings. Today’s metal roof suppliers offer a range of colors, textures and types, as well—so you can choose a metal roof that suits your building’s architectural appearance.

Concrete Tile Roofing

Like metal roofing, concrete tile roofing is inflammable, and naturally resists corrosion, pests and weather. Concrete tile roofing is available in an increasingly wide range of styles, textures and colors, giving you plenty of options if you prefer a certain look. However, unlike metal roofing, it is not recyclable, and therefore comes at a higher environmental cost.

Slate Roofing

The many advantages of slate roofing include excellent fire resistance; slate is also resistant to insects and corrosion, and has a very long life expectancy that’s relatively maintenance free. However, if you choose slate roofing for a commercial project, you will need to perform a careful structural assessment, since slate is heavy and adds a significant amount of weight to the building.

Whish Material is Right For Your Project?

To select the most economical, functional commercial roofing material for your business, contact LGC Roofing. Our commercial roofers are experts in hot mop, metal, concrete and slate roofing, and are happy to explain the pros and cons of commercial roofing material options—so you can make an educated choice for your facility.

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Tips for Finding a Quality Roofing Contractor Online

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:24:20 +0000

While consumers were once limited to recommendations from family or friends—or to the roofing contractors listed in their local Yellow Pages—they can now go online to broaden their options, find a reliable NJ roofing contractor, and optimize the value of their roofing investment.

Tips for Finding a Quality Roofing Contractor Online

If you’re searching for a roofing contractor online, there are a few key indicators of a reputable company:

Comprehensive information: Reputable roofing contractors won’t just put up a slapdash website that offers basic, generalized information about the company and what it does. Instead, a good roofing contractor will offer customers a complete online storehouse of information: not just about the company itself, but also about its products, services and past projects. You should look for roofing contractors who have put effort into informing and educating consumers about the options available to them—without requiring them to contact a salesperson to find out what the company does and does not do.
Customer testimonials: Contractors with high rates of customer satisfaction are proud of their work—and they should be. Look for contractors that offer a varied range of verifiable testimonials from satisfied past customers. This is a strong indicator that the contractor has a history of providing fair value and doing good work. Yelp, Yahoo! and Google are also good sources for online roofing reviews.
Licensing information: All roofing contractors have to be licensed and insured, but some roofing contractor websites only tell visitors that they have their licenses and insurance—without giving the consumer any means of digging deeper. Dependable roofing contractors will display state license numbers directly on their website, so visitors can check with industry regulators and watchdogs for complaints and verify the company’s reputability.

LGC Roofing has been providing residents and businesses in New Jersey with impeccable service quality and guaranteed customer satisfaction for decades. We specialize in all types of residential and commercial roofing, offering services that include roof replacement, roof repair, safety inspections, gutter installation and maintenance, and more.

If you are looking for a reliable contractor for your next home or business roofing project, look no further. We are a leading NJ providers of affordable and reliable roofing services. For no-obligation quotes and consultations, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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5 Metal Roofing Installation Mistakes Your Roofer Must Avoid

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:20:22 +0000

There is no denying that metal roofing has become a popular option home and business owners opt for these days.

Durability, energy efficiency and fire resistance are just a few of the reasons that more and more homeowners are choosing metal roofing for their homes and businesses.

Although metal roofs can outlast all other kinds of roofing materials, the smallest mistake during installation will result in frustration and costly repairs. That’s why it’s crucial to hire an experienced New Jersey roofing contractor who is attentive to critical installation details.

5 Metal Roofing Installation Mistakes Your Roofer Must Avoid

Save yourself time and money by making sure your NJ roofer avoids these five mistakes:

Improper flashing: Flashing is a transitional material to connect the metal roof to “non-roof” items such as skylights, chimneys and vents. Flashing seams should be properly sealed to allow water to flow on top of the roofing material and prevent moisture from creeping into crevices or under the metal roofing.
Wrong underlayment or vapor barrier material: Underlayment is considered the second line of defense against seepage if roofing material or flashing is compromised. To protect the underside of metal roofing panels, your roofing contractor should use underlayment with a smooth, non-granulated surface.
Damaged roof structure: The installer must check for dry rot and other signs of water damage on the roof deck before the metal roofing installation. Metal expands and contracts. Without a solid base and proper installation, metal roofing will break loose or create gaps for moisture to seep in.
Uninsured roof: Metal roof panels can easily be installed over existing shingles. However, some insurance companies will not accept this method of installation, so check with your insurer before choosing this option. Also, solicit the help of a structural engineer or professional roof consultant to determine whether your building or home can handle the extra weight.
Voiding the warranty: Be sure you and your NJ roofing contractor read the manufacturer’s instructions and install accordingly. Improper installation may void the warranty—which could cost you thousands in repair or replacement costs if something goes wrong.

Hire Professional Metal Roofing Contractors, Not a Rookie

If you’re considering steel, aluminum or copper as a long-term, sustainable investment for your home or business, ask for the skilled professionals at LGC Roofing—the trusted name in roofing for more than 20 years. Our premium metal roofing products come with a 35-year warranty and include a palette of 16 colors. Call (609) 712-8157 today for a free metal roofing installation estimate.

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Do-It-Yourself Roofing Repair Safety Tips

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:45:58 +0000

No matter how simple your roofing repair, completing do-it-yourself roofing work can be dangerous if you don’t observe basic safety measures.

Do-It-Yourself Roofing Repair Safety Tips

Select proper footwear. Don’t risk slipping off of your shingle or metal roof in that old pair of tennis shoes. Instead, choose a pair of rubber-soled work shoes or boots with good tread.
Watch the weather. Do-it-yourself roofing repairs are best made on a warm, clear day when roofing materials are dry and there’s no chance of moisture, wind or icy conditions. Watch the forecast, and avoid climbing onto the roof until morning dew has evaporated. If you’re facing a roofing emergency during wet weather, it’s best to call your New Jersey roofing contractor to complete your repair.
Observe ladder safety. If the ground below your ladder is uneven, level it with plywood or something similar. You may even want to secure it with stakes. Once it is fully extended and leaning against the roof, fasten the ladder’s top to a rafter using roof anchors or large nails. If your roof is more than one story high, you may wish to consider purchasing or renting a roof harness system, as well.
Prepare supplies in advance. There’s nothing worse than reaching the rooftop—just to realize that a critical tool or repair material is sitting on the ground, below. Make a list of the materials and tools you’ll need to complete the DIY repair, and be careful when hoisting them onto the roof. Once you’ve gathered your supplies, a rope pulley or roof harness system makes tool transport easier and safer.
Take your time, and work carefully. Most rooftop injuries occur when home or business owners are frustrated or in a hurry to complete a repair. Be patient during roofing repairs, and take breaks when you’re tired—especially when it’s hot outside.
Clean your work area before you begin a repair. It’s important to sweep off debris and dirt that could cause you to slip, as well as remove nails, screws or other fasteners that could hurt you when you kneel on the metal, shingle or wood shake roof. Wearing knee pads is also a helpful way to prevent knee fatigue or injury from sharp objects.
Install toe holds. When working on a steep roof, consider installing 2” by 4” wood toe holds. Simply nail the pieces of wood to the roof’s decking, and remove the toe holds when your repairs are complete. Adjustable roof jacks are another DIY option, if you’d prefer not to install handmade toe holds.

Perhaps the most important roof safety guideline of all is to let someone know when you’ll be climbing on the roof. If your family members are not home, contact a neighbor to let them know of your plans—and remember to clip your cell phone to your belt or harness while you’re working.

Safety First

When your roof is beyond repair—and requires total replacement—contact LGC Roofing for a comprehensive estimate. Our team of licensed experts has decades of experience with all roofing types, and can help you select the material that is best suited to your home. Call 609-712-8157 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation with NJ’s best roofing contractor.

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Skylight Leak Repairs: Finding the Source

Lukasz Sobczuk — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:49:07 +0000

Getting the most out of your skylight demands proper installation and maintenance. Even if you take good care of your roof, though, skylight leaks may develop as a result of normal wear and tear.

Fortunately, many skylight leak repairs can be done quickly and inexpensively. Knowing what to look for can make any necessary repairs easier and more cost effective.

Finding the Source of a Skylight Leak

When you notice water leaking from your skylight, the first step you must take is to locate the leak’s source. Water stains on the ceiling or puddles on the floor may be the first indicators of a problem. These can actually be great tools for identifying the source of the leak.

If the stain’s highest point is located at or near the top of your skylight, you may want to have your NJ roofing contractor start by looking at the outside flashing of the skylight. During bad weather, water rushing down the side of the roof at high speeds may run between the roof’s shingles and the skylight, creating leaks.

It’s important to make sure your roof’s flashing and seal are satisfactory; proper installation by a professional roofer is key.

If you notice a stain at the bottom of your skylight, the problem may be due to excess condensation. Too much condensation in or around the inside of your skylight is another common cause of leaks. Condensation is a natural result of humidity, and often builds up during rain storms. When too much condensation gets trapped in part of a skylight, it may create leaks.

Closely inspect the condensation channel – the part of the skylight that is designed to catch any excess condensation and allow it to evaporate back into the air. If this channel becomes damaged or clogged, the resulting build-up of condensation may cause your skylight to leak. Ask your New Jersey roof repair contractor to check your condensation channels to make sure they’re not overflowing if you notice water stains at the base of your skylight.

Problems related to excess condensation may be worsened by skylight tunnels. Skylight tunnels reduce air flow, which increases humidity. Making sure your skylight tunnel is well-insulated can dramatically reduce the amount of condensation that builds up in this area, which can help you avoid skylight leaks.

Skylight Leak Repairs Done The Right Way

When it comes to repairing leaks in your skylight, the sooner you act, the better so make sure to address any leaks as soon as you notice them. Knowing where to start and what to look for can help you save time, effort, and money on your skylight leak repairs.

Some skylight leaks are simple and are easily handled by do-it-yourself homeowners, but if you’re experiencing severe interior effects, such as ceiling staining or flooring damage, call LGC Roofing contractors to inquire about our skylight leak repair services. Family-owned and operated, LGC Roofing is a reputable roofer known for our honesty, integrity and cost-effective pricing. Dial 609-712-8157 today to experience the LGC difference.