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Milltown Roofers – Your Roof’s Antigonists

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Milltown RoofersThere are many things that are constantly causing wear and tear on your Milltown roof. Some of which you may not even realize. Between different extreme weather elements that occur throughout the year, and just natural roof erosion overtime, your roof is always under attack. Here is a list of things that are slowly eating away at your roof.

Milltown, NJ Roof Threats

  • The sun – Though it isn’t apparent, the heat and ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun deteriorate your roof overtime.
  • Rain – After excess rain, water can get under roofing materials and into the roof deck. This can cause mildew and rot your roof, ceiling, walls, insulation, and electrical systems.
  • Wind – Strong winds can raise shingles’ edges causing debris and water to get underneath them. Sometimes shingles can even totally blow off. This can cause some serious damage to a roof if not quickly repaired by a Milltown Roofer.
  • Snow and Ice – These are some of the most damaging things for your roof. Snow that melts will run down your roof and then refreeze at a lower point, creating ice dams that can block your drainage system. Water will collect and eventually seep beneath your roof’s exterior. Ice inside or your gutters and downspouts can get so heavy that it can cause them to collapse.
  • Missing or Broken Shingles – Having broken or missing shingles exposes your roof to water which will rot and damage your roof. Not only that, the surrounding shingles will begin to get damaged as well. Any missing or torn shingles should be replaced by a Milltown roofer as soon as possible to prevent serious damage.

Biondo Contracting is a group of Milltown roofers that does excellent roof repairs and installations all over Central NJ. They serve towns such as East Brunswick, Dayton, South Brunswick, Monmouth Junction, North Brunswick, Hillsborough, Edison, Piscataway, Aberdeen, and many more! Call today for a Milltown free roofing estimate.

Choosing a Roofing Contractor

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So you’re in the market for a great roofing contractor.  Where do you begin?

There are a few essential things to consider when choosing a roofing contractor.

5 Steps to Choosing a Roofing Contractor:

1.  Find a local roofing specialist

First, it’s important to find a local roofing contractor who sticks by their warranty, and their reputation!  There would be nothing worse than to choose a cheap roofing contractor to do the job, just for it to be in need of a re-do a few years down the road.  Make sure that you are choosing a contractor who has a great reputation in the community you are roofing in, and has established themselves as a reputable company.

2.  Communication is key!

Second, it’s important to know the professionalism and communication of the roofing contractor.  How promptly does the company return your inquiries?  Are you able to understand the representative or roofing contractor you are working with?  Does the company follow through with documentation and communication that they said they would?  All of these communicative points are a must for a great working relationship and a satisfactory roofing experience!

3.  Consider the time, consider the money.

When choosing your roofing contractor, it’s important to keep in mind how much time the entire project will take, from start to finish, and how much time you are willing to let it take.  Are they able to start when is most convenient for you, or are you on a waiting list?  Are they a cheap pick-up truck company or a couple of brothers roofing as a side job?  Be mindful of the time expectations of all bidders and note any huge discrepancies.  Also note that you want the job done right, the first time!  If you have selected a reputable company that has a great local reputation and communicates well with you, their work will be worth the money!

4.  INSURE you’ve done your homework!

It is essential that a roofing contractor has both liability insurance and worker’s compensation.  You are allowed to see their certificates, or at least see if they would be willing to share that information.  There is no shame in calling the insurance companies to be sure that the certificates are valid.  And if the roofer in question isn’t prepared to discuss this type of information with you, move on.

5.  Be wary of roofers who come to you.

A roofing contractor who comes knocking on your door exclaiming that you have roof damage from a recent storm is probably not your first choice is a roofing contractor.  Satisfied customers are a better bet than a door-to-door salesman when it comes to choosing a great roofing contractor!  Don’t hesitate to contact a family who has had a roof done by the contractor in mind, call a home with a contracting sign out and see if they are satisfied.  It’s also ok to ask your contractor for client references!

 

Be sure to consider all of the above mentioned points when choosing a roofing contractor.  If you have any further questions or would like to know more about Biondo Contracting, we would love to hear from you!  Call us today at 732-257-2926, or visit our contact page!

Interested in a free estimate?

Biondo Contracting services all of Middlesex County, NJ, including Colts Neck, Rumson, Manalapan, Marlboro, Spring Lake, Manasquan, Point Pleasant, Bay Head, Mantolloking, Lavalette, Sea Girt, West Orange, Livingston, the beautiful Short Hills, Bedminister, Bernardsville, Hillsborough, and more!

 

Benefits of Skylights

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Skylights can be an excellent addition to the roofs in New Jersey, whether you are using them to look at the brilliant blue skies of autumn, the vibrant colors of spring, or simply using them to brighten up your home during the winter and summer. But apart from just beautifying your home, there are some other benefits associated with skylights.

Decreased Energy Consumption

The most important financial benefit associated with skylights is the reduction of electrical consumption, especially during summer. Lots of skylight installations come with shades so you won’t have to worry about running up a high electrical bill. Even better, when the sun sets and the temperature drops, you can open your skylight to let in the cool summer air while basking under the New Jersey moonlight. This can save you a fortune in electrical bills.

Increased Property Value

Another benefit that skylights provide is an increase in your property value. Because these installations often times are very elegantly and expertly done, especially if you hire a competent New Jersey roofing contractor, your property value can grow by several thousand dollars – easily making skylights one of the best additions you can make to your house. Plus, skylights are considered eco-friendly, and simply attaching this moniker to your home can help you further increase your property value.

Perfect for Artists

If you’re an artist in New Jersey, then you should definitely consider getting skylights for your home. Many times, artists become frustrated when their paintings turn out completely differently once they place it in natural light. With skylights, you can rest assured that what you see is what you get. In fact, some of the great artists like Giorgio de Chirico used skylights to help provide constant natural light. Installing your own skylight within your house may just be the first step to starting your very own gallery!

 

Installing Skylights

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Last month, I wrote an entry about the Benefits of Skylights. Now, with summer rolling towards the final months before the cool autumn weather comes, it’s the perfect time to install skylights. This blog will give you a basic idea of how to install skylights.

Before we start

Before we go ahead and start putting holes in your roof, you should pick out which kind of skylights you want to install. There are two types of skylights available: curb-mounted and frame-in-place.

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An example of the curb-mounted skylight about to be glazed with a
transparent dome made from plastic. A glass dome can also be used to glaze
over the skylight. This kind of skylight sits on an elevated frame.		 An example of a frame-in-place
skylight. This kind of skylight can only be glazed over with glass

The main difference between these two types of skylights lies in the flashing system.

  • In a curb-mounted skylight, we will want to use a solid head flashing at the top, a sill flashing at the bottom, and the middle sections are sealed off with solid side flashing.
  • In a frame-in-place skylight, the solid side flashing is replaced with incremental step shingles that are woven into the roof itself.

In both skylight installations, we want to put the head flashing underneath the shingles and have the sill flashing running underneath both layers to allow for proper drainage of water. This will prevent water accumulation underneath your shingles—increasing the longevity of your shingles and staving off damage to your skylight. At Biondo Contracting, we offer both heavy gauge aluminum and copper flashings.

Making and Framing the Opening

This is probably the scariest part for any homeowner: watching the roofing contractors breach a hole in your beloved roof. I’m going to walk you through the steps so that you know exactly what we’ll be doing. Now, the skylight framing is made up of three separate parts:

  • Roof opening—this is framed with the headers and run across the newly cut hole on the rafters in a horizontal fashion. We measure the rafters beforehand to properly cut the lumber for the headers so that they’re equal in size
  • Light shaft—this is built in your roof by us and will connect the two openings in the roof and your ceiling. In most cases, we use 2x4s and insulate it with drywall. There are two types: vertical or flared (wider at the base). The flared light shafts let in more light while the vertical light shaft is generally easier to install.
  • Ceiling opening—this will be cut from your ceiling joists separating your ceiling from your attic space. We put down a piece of plywood on the joists prior to entering to avoid accidentally stepping through the drywall while we work.

When we start the process of actually cutting into your roof, we begin by drilling into your ceiling where you want the ceiling opening to be and inserting something to help us see where the location will be.

After that, we use a plumb bob to find the spots on the underside of the roof that are right over the bottom corners of the ceiling opening. After we’ve done that, we will put four nails all the way through the roof so that we know exactly where to cut the roof opening.

Once we’re on the roof, we remove the shingles and cut away the roofing felt with a knife. After that, we can cut through the roof sheathing itself.

Now, this is the part where things can get slightly tricky. When we install the headers in those cases, we will put temporary supports in the nearby rafters to ensure roof integrity and prevent sagging.

Most skylights will fit the rafters in modern houses. Thus, after we’ve placed in the supports, we can add in the header very easily. However, if your roof is older or if the skylight you want doesn’t quite fit in the rafters, then we will have to cut the rafters. In those cases, we will put a double header and fill the openings with trimmer rafters to maintain the strength of your roof.

Installing the skylight

Finally, the moment of truth! Skylight installation starts by assembling the exterior skylight first before moving downward.

Preparing the skylight

  • For Curb-Mounted skylights, we first build the curb by assembling four 2×6 in a box and then nailing them together in a square. Once that’s done, we toenail it over the roof opening with galvanized nails, put the skylight in, and then re-shingle the area around it while leaving enough room for us to install the flashing underneath the shingles.
  • For framed-in-place skylights, the brackets on the side of the skylight is mounted in first, then the entire thing is set into the roof opening and fastened into place. We never twist it into the hole but rather lay it in to ensure that it’s a snug fit.

Installing the flashing

  • The sill flashing is installed first. Generally, this is nailed into the curb or cemented to the roof with plastic roof cement. We never nail this to the roof because that can present a weak point as well as area for moisture to penetrate the roof.
  • The side flashing comes next. For both the solid side flashing and the step shingles, we will fasten them into place with the step shingles being slipped under each row of shingles from the bottom up.
  • After that, we will remove any and all temporary supports we may have put into the ceiling.
  • We’re now ready to move onto building the ceiling opening and the light shaft.

Installing the Ceiling Opening and Light Shaft

We’re almost there. This is the last step before we finish up your skylight installation. This is a relatively simple process.

We first go into the attic and find where we’ve marked the ceiling opening to be. Once we’ve made sure that it’s a square or rectangle, we will cut through the ceiling drywall.

Like with the rafters, if ceiling joists are cut, we will put supports across the opening to prevent sagging. In the cases of flared joists, we will cut the joists at the angle of the flare. Otherwise, the joists will be cut perpendicularly.

Headers will be installed on the joists. Just like rafters, if the joists are cut, a double header will be placed to provide additionally support. After that, we will place studs along the opening to nail the backing for the drywall to.

Once we’ve completed that, we will nail rigid foam insulation on the attic side of the light shaft and cover the inside of the light shaft (the part that you see) with a layer of drywall.

And there you have it! A perfectly installed skylight that you can use immediately. As per our clean-up policy, we will promptly remove any garbage we generated so that you don’t have to spend all your time cleaning up after us.

Questions? Concerns?

Installing skylights is a huge undertaking, made even more so because the contractor are making a hole in your roof and ceiling. It’s understandable to be somewhat nervous about the whole process. That’s why here at Biondo Contracting, one of the premier NJ roofing contractors, I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding skylight installations. Just give us a call at (732) 257-2926 or send us an email at info@biondoroofing.com

How to Know When it’s Time to Replace your Roof

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The question of whether a damaged roof needs replacement or just a repair job is a befuddling question for many homeowners.  Should you fix that leak with a simple patch job, or are there underlying structural issues that can only truly be addressed by a full renovation?  The roof is one of the most important parts of any home and it is imperative that it is well maintained.  This post should provide you with all the information you need to make the right decision and avoid further problems down the road.

Let’s get some of the more obvious things out there first.  If there is a leak or you notice external damage to your roof, action must be taken as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of your home and your family.  The first sign that the problem may be more than just a simple fix is visible external holes or consistent and frequent leakage.  Another obvious sign that you may have a serious problem is a large area of missing shingles.  These unprotected areas could have been allowing water in for a long time causing structural beams in the roof to rot.

Large areas of missing shingles as pictured could result in extensive structural damage. The above picture is an example of water damage on structural beams of the house

The average lifetime of a roof can range from 15 to 25 years depending on the climate and the building materials, so if your roof is more than ten years old, it is more likely to need replacement.  In sum, the major problems to look for are:

  • Areas of missing shingles
  • Frequent leaks
  • Visible external holes
  • Cracked or deteriorating shingles

What to do if you notice any of the signs mentioned above:

If you have an attic with exposed framing and beams, damage may be visible.  Go up in the attic and look around for any beams or boards with dark water stains on them, check for soft spots in the wood, and rap on these boards with your knuckles to see if they make a hollow or muffled sound.  Any of these could be signs of water damage or rot.  If you notice any of these call a professional right away and have the roof examined.  If during your examination you notice any insect activity that appears to be affecting the wood, call an exterminator and a roofing contractor immediately.  Insects can cause irreparable damage to a home if left unchecked.

If your house does not have an attic or your attic does not have exposed framing and beams, finding signs of damage can be more challenging.  One sign you can check for is water spotting on interior walls, or visible drips inside your house.  If you notice these signs, or if you still feel your roof may be damaged, get a professional opinion.

What does a full replacement entail?

A full roof replacement is a difficult task with many potential problems.  As such, it is inadvisable for an inexperienced homeowner to attempt such a gargantuan job.   In the hands of skilled professionals, however, a roof replacement can be completed relatively quickly (usually in less than a week).  Modern roofing materials are more reliable and durable than ever before, so a roof replacement now could last for the rest of your lifetime.  After removal of the old shingles, the more challenging job of replacing any rotted or damaged wood may take little to no time or could take as long as 3 or 4 days depending on roof size and the extent of the damage.

Ultimately, if your roof does not show signs of serious damage, you can just opt for a cheaper patch job or replace the missing shingles.  If your roof does need to be replaced, however, don’t put it off.  Delaying the job will only be dangerous and more costly in the long run.  One important thing to remember is that no fix is permanent, roofs take a lot of punishment and on a long enough timeline all roofs will eventually require a full replacement.

How to Choose the Best Roofing Material for You

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No doubt anyone designing their own home or considering a roof replacement job (check out the previous post “How to Know When it’s Time to Replace Your Roof”) has come upon the question of what material to use on their new roof. In modern times, there are many options to choose between and it can be confusing if you don’t have all the facts. This article is designed to give homeowners the information they need to make the right decision on roofing material based on cost, aesthetics, and durability. Each different roofing material has pros and cons that makes each better suited for particular climates and building styles.

The first concern on the minds of many homeowners or builders is cost. As such an important sheltering component of any home, the roof is an area where it is important to be careful not to spring for something cheap that won’t last, but also to avoid pushing the edges of your budget. The most economical roofing material is probably the basic asphalt shingle. Asphalt shingles provide good protection from rain and sun, but are unfortunately highly susceptible to wind damage. Another advantage they offer is that a partial replacement of sections of damaged or missing shingles is relatively easy and cheap. Asphalt shingles are a common choice and have a very standard aesthetic appeal. For a little more money, but still in the relatively low cost-range, you can opt for thicker, stronger architectural shingles. In sum, asphalt shingles are:

  • Low Cost
  • Fire Resistant
  • Relatively Aesthetically Appealing
  • Available in Multiple Colors
  • Fairly Durable (14-30) Years

Still, shingles are not without their weaknesses:

  • Vulnerable to Mold
  • Prone to Wind Damage
  • Require Ventilation
  • Can Rack up Repair Cost Over Time
  • Less Resilient than Other Options

Asphalt shingles are well suited for areas with less extreme climates and gentle or moderate winds.

Wood shakes are another relatively inexpensive roofing option, although they are more pricy than shingles. Many people opt for wood shakes because of their earthy, natural appearance. Wood shakes add an extra layer of insulation and allow the house to ventilate better than shingles, which can save money on heating and cooling bills. Unfortunately, wood shakes are very susceptible to insect damage, water damage and rot. Thus, they often require more maintenance than other types of materials. With proper maintenance, however, shakes can last about the same amount of time as asphalt shingles. Another problem with wood shakes is that they often lack the fire protection of many synthetic roofing materials. However, modern shakes are generally pressure treated in such a way that they are saturated with fire retardant making them relatively more resistant to fire. Wood shakes are best suited for areas that don’t get lots of snow and ice, but also are not prone to fires.

The second worry of most homeowners is longevity. While shingles and wood shakes are decently durable, there are other options that can last a lifetime or longer. Unfortunately these are often more expensive. One such option is clay tile. Clay tile is long lasting and immune to insects, fire, and rot. Tiles are available in a variety of colors, but have a very distinctive Spanish or Italian style that does not match every home. The other drawbacks of clay tile are weight and relatively high cost. The roof of the house may require extra support if clay tile is going to be used. The tiles can also be quite fragile, and may be damaged by walking on them so any maintenance should be performed by a professional. Overall, clay tile is a great option for almost any climate if you can afford it and it matches the aesthetic style of your home. Slate is another option that shares all of the same pros and cons with clay tile. It is long lasting and has a very distinctive, powerful appearance.

To avoid the weight and fragility issues of clay tiles and slate, some homeowners choose to use metal. Metal roofs are available in a wide variety of colors and styles and can even be designed to mimic the appearance of another roofing material. Aside from their relatively high cost, metal roofs are long-lasting, extremely low-maintenance, fire retardant, safe from insects, and very energy efficient. Metal reflects heat and helps keep attic space cooler. For the environmentally friendly builder, metal has the added benefit of being largely recyclable. Metal roofs are well-suited for almost any climate and can be made to match almost any style.

There are other roofing materials out there, but these five are some of the most commonly used today. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses, and each is suited to a different set of wants and needs. Hopefully this has helped you make an informed decision about your home based on longevity, budget, and appearance.

 

Biondo Contracting Helping Homeowners With Insurance Claims

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NJ Insurance Companies are now teaming up with licensed NJ Roofing Contractors to help homeowners in need of emergency roof repairs to their homes. New Jersey’s weather has been relentless, leaving NJ residents fed up and wondering whats next.

When a homeowner first finds any sign of water leakage into their home, they should immediately contact a licensed NJ Roofing Contractor to come out and take a look. When the roofing contractor is there it is always a good idea to tell them about any previous problems or repairs that have been completed, this will help the roofing contractor better evaluate any of the problems. After the roofing contractor has completed their inspection, make sure they provide a detailed proposal, listing the repairs which are needed and how much it will cost to fix the the problem.

“I have always found that having the NJ roofing contractor itemize the cost of labor and materials be included on the proposal before submitting it to the insurance company – this will make it easier for the adjuster who has been assigned to the case, and in some instances they may not even need to come to your home to do an inspection, they may just issue a check to the homeowner, minus the deductible,” says Sam Biondo, Owner of Biondo Contractor.

After the homeowner contacts their insurance company to notify them of the roof repairs/roof installation, which needs to be completed, the insurance company will then need to see the itemized proposal. They may wish to send an adjuster out to the residence to do an evaluation of the damages to your home.

“Most homeowners don’t even realize that their insurance company will cover most insurance claims for roof repairs, new roof installations and damages to the interior of their home – despite what most people may think, NJ homeowners insurance companies are, for the most part very fair when making good on claims to the damages of your home”.

Once your claim has been reviewed and accepted by the NJ insurance company, plans for completing the work can now be discussed with your licensed NJ roofing contractor. After the roof repairs have been completed, make sure the roofing contractor has completed all of the work which was specified on the insurance claim, because filing another claim for the same work detail will likely not be accepted. Upon completion of the work order, the homeowner should contact the insurance company to let them know that the roof repairs have been completed, sometimes the adjuster may want to check to see that the repairs are finished, as described on the claim.

“Always remember, don’t be afraid to contact your NJ homeowners insurance co. when you have a problem with your roof, why should you get stuck paying a large bill when you are already paying your insurance company for assistance with these kinds of situations” .

About Biondo Contracting

At Biondo Contracting, we know that you have a choice in choosing a NJ roofing contractor and we want that choice to be us. We have the perfect roofing solution for your home and we’re committed to helping you figure out what best fits your needs and budget. We’re happy to answer all of your questions and present you with a free quote. Biondo Contracting specializes in residential roofing and have been in business for over 28 years, serving central New Jersey. We are licensed by The State of NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, license #13VH01287400.