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Vol. LXIII, No. 19
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
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Vol. LXIII, No. 19
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
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 SPLENDID SERVICE: “We offer complete roofing services, including roof restoration for historic buildings, which are typically slate, wood, copper, and tin roofs. Not everyone does this.” Dan Alte, manager of Jeff Alte Roofing Inc., is proud of his company’s long experience and respected reputation in the roofing industry. |
You probably don’t want the neighbor’s son to do it — or the handy man — or your husband!
In these tough economic times, the tendency is to save wherever you can. When it comes to a roof over your head, however, you need a professional. There are too many risks involved; engaging an experienced, insured roofing company for the job is one of the best investments you can make.
“We offer a complete roofing service for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as water removal design (gutters) and a roof maintenance program designed to keep you off the roof and your roof watertight as economically as possible,” says Jeff Alte, owner of Jeff Alte Roofing Inc.
“Roofing is our full-time business. We are not a general home improvement contractor doing your roof because we haven’t any other work. We will also notify you every five years for a free roof inspection.”
Family-Owned
A family-owned and operated business, headquartered in Manville, Jeff Alte Roofing has been in business for 30 years, serving central and northern New Jersey.
“We cover Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon, and parts of Mercer and Union Counties, and we do a lot in Princeton,” notes manager Dan Alter, who has been with the company full-time for eight years. The son of Jeff Alte, he grew up in the business, and started helping out as a boy on weekends and in the summer.
He reports that the company works on all types of roofs, in all kinds of disrepair. “The first roof I ever worked on, I fell through! Well, actually, just my legs — not all the way. But this is something you learn to be very careful about.”
Having professionals do the work is so important, he points out. “We are licensed, certified, and insured. We have great quality control, and our crew size is smaller than the average.”
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofs for houses and the most cost effective. Depending on the quality, a shingle roof can last 30 to 50 years. “We have 20 different shingle styles, including shapes, sizes, designs, and colors,” says Dan Alte. “There are so many choices.”
In addition, wood, slate, copper, and tin roofs are available, with slate and copper lasting 100 years or more, if properly installed.
Maintenance Program
“We always recommend a yearly roof maintenance program, including having it checked to see that nothing is loose or open,” he adds. “We have to get up there and inspect it to determine if there is any damage. We also offer a cleaning process for discoloration caused by roof algae.”
Proper ventilation is another important aspect to be considered when installing a roof, and Jeff Alte Roofing offers skilled ventilation service.
“Improper ventilation can create major structural problems, and proper ventilation is a necessity to keep one’s home in good condition,” notes a Jeff Alte Roofing report. “Attic ventilation is the key to guaranteeing you the most return on your heating/cooling/insulation dollar.”
It is estimated that nine out of 10 houses in North America do not have proper attic ventilation. In the summer, improper ventilation can cause attic heat to build in excess of 160 degrees F. This super-heated air eventually penetrates the ceiling insulation into the living area below. Types of damage that can result include:
• Premature aging of the roof (“fried”) shingles.
• Warping, cracking, or breaking down of wood framing.
• Damage to siding, exterior or interior paint, and wallpaper.
• Higher energy costs.
Gutter Products
Installation and maintenance of gutters is another Jeff Alte Roofing service. A full line of gutter and leader products, including aluminum and copper, is available. Gutters that are damaged, sagging, have missing parts, or are improperly installed, may cause exterior damage to the house.
“We offer a yearly gutter cleaning and roof maintenance package,” says Mr. Alte. “An experienced roofer will clean out, renail, and reattach, as needed, all leaders and gutters. We will install ‘baskets’ in each drain. On future visits, we will check and do minor repair to all vent pipes, walls, and chimney flashings, and also check over the entire roof itself.”
He points out that if water overflows over the back of a clogged gutter, damage to exterior and interior walls can occur, and dampness can result. If water overflows over the front of a clogged gutter, the overflow can create damage to landscaping, walkways, or foundations.
The gutters should be checked for debris and blockages at least on a yearly basis, or more often, if there are many overhanging trees.
Jeff Alte Roofing is a member of the Better Business Bureau of Central New Jersey, and has numerous references from satisfied customers, including residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional. In addition to private residences, roofing has been provided for churches, synagogues, municipal buildings, fire departments, business offices, stores, and restaurants.
“I get a lot of satisfaction seeing how a new roof looks after the job is done,” says Dan Alte. “We are proud of our work and reputation, and we hope to have even more customers in the future.”
(908) 526-2111. Website: www.JeffAlteRoofing.com.