After a Nor'easter: 7 Things to Check on Your NJ Roof

Nor'easters are the worst kind of NJ storm for roofs — sustained high winds combined with heavy precipitation creates conditions standard installs are barely rated for. The first 48 hours after the storm passes are when small problems can be caught before they become emergency repairs. Here's the checklist.

1. Walk the perimeter from the ground. Look for shingles in the yard, in the gutters, or against the foundation. Even a few shingles in unexpected places means the storm peeled them off somewhere — find where.

2. Look at the roof with binoculars or phone zoom. Don't climb up yet — wet shingles are slick and unstable. From ground level, scan every slope for missing shingles, lifted tabs, or scattered granule trails. Photograph anything that looks off.

3. Check the attic. Climb up with a flashlight. Look for new water entry — wet spots on insulation, drips on rafters, fresh stains on the underside of the deck. Catch active water entry before it migrates through ceiling drywall.

4. Check ceilings inside. Stain rings, peeling paint, or fresh discoloration near exterior walls or below the roof line all point to water entry that's been hidden by the ceiling. Time-stamped photos help with insurance documentation.

5. Inspect chimney and skylight flashings from the ground. These are the most common storm-damage failure points — wind lifts flashing edges and water finds the gap. Look for visible separations or lifted metal.

6. Check gutters and downspouts. Wind can rip gutters from fascia or dent them with airborne debris. Sagging or pulled-away gutters need re-hanging before the next storm; damaged gutters need replacement.

7. Call us for documentation. Within the first 48 hours we can come out, walk the roof safely with proper equipment, and document everything for an insurance claim. Even if you don't end up needing repair, the documentation creates a paper trail that protects you. Our inspections are free in NJ — call (862) 881-0028 and we'll be there.