Storm & Tree Damage Roof Repair in Hackettstown, NJ

Storms hit differently up here

Hackettstown sits in a valley surrounded by wooded ridges, and most neighborhoods are full of tall oaks, maples and evergreens. That's a big part of what makes the area beautiful, and it's also why storm damage here so often comes from above. The 2011 Halloween nor'easter is a good example: heavy, wet snow fell on trees that still had their leaves, the highest totals landed in the higher parts of Warren and Morris counties, and branches and whole trees came down across the region. Our blog post on the 2011 Halloween snowstorm looks back at what it taught local homeowners.

The storms that cause the most roof damage here:

• Heavy, wet snow - especially early or late in the season when trees are in leaf
• Ice storms that coat branches until they snap
• Nor'easters with strong, gusty winds
• Summer thunderstorms with sudden downbursts
• The remnants of tropical storms bringing hours of wind and rain

Damage to look for

• Branch strikes that cracked shingles or punched through the roof
• Missing shingles, often along ridges and edges
• Lifted shingles - wind bends them back, breaks the seal, and they settle down looking normal but no longer keep water out
• Damaged gutters pulled down by ice or branches
• Bent or loose flashing at the chimney
• Sagging areas after heavy snow, which need checking quickly
• New stains on top-floor ceilings

If a tree or limb is on the roof

1. Get everyone out of any room where the tree has come through, or where the ceiling is cracked or bulging.
2. Stay well away from any wires. Treat downed lines as live and call JCP&L, the utility for much of this area, and 911.
3. Don't try to cut or pull the tree off the roof yourself. Trees under load can shift without warning.
4. Photograph the damage inside and out.
5. Arrange tree removal first, then get the roof covered.

Getting the roof secured

The first priority after storm damage is stopping more water - or more snowmelt - from getting in. That usually means a heavy tarp secured over the damaged area with wood strips so the wind can't take it. In winter, tarps can be tricky under snow and ice, so a roofer may combine a tarp with a temporary patch. Once the weather allows, they'll assess the boards, rafters and flashing and plan a permanent repair. Damaged rafters or replaced roof boards are structural work, which in New Jersey generally needs a permit - the roofer should handle that.

Repair or replace after a storm?

If the damage is limited to one area, a repair is usually all that's needed. If the roof was already old, or shingles are lifted across whole slopes, replacing it may make more sense than patching. See roof replacement.

Keep an eye on the trees

Most storm damage here starts with a tree. A few steps help:

• Have an arborist look at big trees close to the house, especially ones leaning toward it
• Remove dead branches hanging over the roof
• Watch for fungus at the base, cracks in the trunk or roots lifting the soil
• Clear branches touching the roof - they scrape shingles in every wind

Watch out for door-knockers

After a major storm, crews from out of the area often appear. Ask for a New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor registration number and a written contract, and be wary of anyone who wants most of the money upfront or pressures you to sign that day.