Storm Damage Roof Repair in Essex County NJ: What to Do After the January 2026 Winter Storm

Types of Storm Damage to Your Roof

Winter storms can damage your roof in several different ways. Understanding the type of damage helps you communicate with your roofer and your insurance company.

How to Assess Roof Storm Damage (Safely)

From the Ground (Do This First)

• Walk around your home and look up — binoculars help you see details without climbing. Look for missing or displaced shingles, bare patches, and sagging areas.
• Check for debris on or near the roof — fallen tree limbs, broken branches, and scattered shingle pieces are all signs of impact damage.
• Inspect your gutters — look for dents, sections pulling away from the house, and granule buildup in the gutters and downspouts. Excessive granules indicate shingle deterioration.
• Look for damaged flashing — the metal strips around chimneys, vents, and skylights can be bent or dislodged by wind and debris.

Inside Your Home

• Check the attic — look for daylight coming through the roof deck, water stains on the underside of the sheathing, and damp or compressed insulation.
• Inspect ceilings and walls — water stains, bubbling or peeling paint, and damp spots are all signs of active leaks.
• Listen for dripping — after rain or snowmelt, quiet your home and listen for the sound of water dripping inside walls or ceilings.

Emergency Steps After Storm Damage (Do This First)

If your roof has been damaged, take these steps immediately to protect your home, your family, and your insurance claim.

1. Ensure safety first. Stay away from downed power lines, unstable structures, and any area where the roof appears to be sagging. If you suspect structural damage, do not enter the home until it has been inspected.
2. Document everything. Take photos and video of all damage, both interior and exterior, before you move anything or start cleanup. Include wide shots for context and close-ups for detail. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim.
3. Prevent further damage. Place tarps over holes or exposed areas, put buckets under active leaks, and move furniture and valuables away from water. Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to mitigate further damage.
4. Save all receipts. Emergency supplies, tarps, buckets, and temporary repair materials are typically reimbursable under your insurance policy. Keep every receipt.
5. Call your insurance company. File your claim as soon as possible. Check your specific policy for filing deadlines, as they vary by insurer. The sooner you file, the sooner the process begins. See our step-by-step insurance claim guide for detailed instructions.
6. Schedule a professional inspection. A licensed roofer can find hidden damage that is not visible from the ground. Their inspection report will also support your insurance claim with professional documentation.

Storm Damage Roof Repair Costs in Essex County NJ (2026)

Repair costs depend on the type and extent of damage, your roof material, and accessibility. Here are the typical ranges for Essex County in 2026:

Note: These are typical ranges and your actual costs may vary based on roof type, extent of damage, materials, and contractor availability. After a major storm, demand surges and pricing can increase. Most storm damage is covered by homeowner's insurance — see our insurance claim guide for help navigating the process. For a broader look at roofing costs, see our roof replacement cost guide.

Wind Damage vs. Wear and Tear: Why It Matters for Insurance

This distinction is critical because insurance covers sudden storm damage but does not cover gradual wear and tear. Understanding the difference helps you set the right expectations for your claim.

How Long Do You Have to Repair Storm Damage?

• Temporary repairs: 24-48 hours. Tarping holes, containing leaks, and preventing further water intrusion should happen as soon as it is safe to do so. Your insurance policy requires you to mitigate further damage.
• Insurance notification: as soon as possible. Notify your insurance company promptly after discovering damage. Filing deadlines vary by policy (typically 30 to 90 days), so check your specific policy and do not delay.
• Permanent repairs: schedule as soon as possible. While permanent repairs may take days to weeks depending on the scope of work and contractor availability, you should schedule them promptly to avoid further deterioration.
• After a major storm, demand surges. Every roofer in the area gets busy after a widespread storm event. Homeowners who book early get faster service. Those who wait may face months-long backlogs.

Not sure whether your roof needs repair or full replacement? Our repair vs. replacement guide can help you decide, and our signs you need a new roof article covers the key indicators.

Choosing a Storm Damage Repair Contractor in Essex County

After a major storm, out-of-state contractors flood into affected areas looking for quick work. These "storm chasers" often do subpar work, charge inflated prices, and disappear when problems arise. Here is how to choose a reputable contractor:

• Verify their NJ Home Improvement Contractor license — this is required by law for any roofing work in New Jersey. Ask for their registration number and verify it with the state.
• Check for proper insurance — both general liability and workers compensation. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you could be liable.
• Get multiple estimates in writing — a legitimate contractor will provide a detailed written estimate at no charge. Be wary of anyone who pressures you to sign immediately.
• Beware of storm chasers — out-of-state crews who follow storms, knock on doors unsolicited, offer "deals" that expire today, or ask for large upfront payments. These are red flags.
• Ask for local references — a reputable contractor can provide names and numbers of recent customers in your area.
• Check reviews — Google, BBB, and Angi reviews from verified customers tell you what to expect. For a complete vetting checklist, see our guide on questions to ask your roofer before hiring.

How R&E Roofing Handles Storm Damage Repairs

We have been repairing storm-damaged roofs across Essex County since 2000. Here is what you can expect when you call us:

• FREE storm damage inspection with detailed photo documentation that your insurance company will accept.
• We work directly with your insurance company — we know the documentation adjusters need and can communicate directly with them to keep your claim moving.
• Licensed and insured NJ contractor since 2000 — over 26 years of experience with NJ roofing and NJ insurance companies.
• Available 24/7 for emergency repairs — when a tree hits your roof at 2 AM, we answer the phone.
• Serving all 22 Essex County towns — Newark, West Orange, Montclair, Bloomfield, Nutley, Livingston, Caldwell, and every town in between.

Essex County Towns Affected by the January 2026 Storm

The January 2026 winter storm affected all 22 Essex County towns. Here is what we are seeing across the county and how to get help in your area:

No matter which Essex County town you are in, if your home was affected by the January 2026 winter storm, do not wait to get your roof inspected. Hidden damage only gets worse with time, and the next storm will compound the problem. For guidance on your roof's remaining lifespan, see how long roofs last in NJ.