6 Critical Steps to Winterize Your NJ Roof This November
Protect your Essex County home before the first snow. Complete winter roof preparation guide with checklist, timing, and cost breakdown.
In 4-6 weeks, Essex County will see its first snowfall. Is your roof ready? Winter roof failures cost an average of $5,000 in emergency repairs, but preventive maintenance costs just $400-800.
Follow this 6-step checklist this week, and you'll avoid ice dams, leaks, and emergency calls all winter long. The window for dry-weather prep is closing fast—by December, you'll be competing with 50 other panicked homeowners for the same contractors at premium rates.
Why November matters: This is your last chance for moderate temperatures (50s-60s during the day), dry conditions, and contractor availability. First snow typically arrives mid-to-late December in Essex County, and repairs done in wet, icy conditions are difficult, dangerous, and expensive.
Not Sure If Your Roof Is Winter-Ready?
Get a FREE professional drone inspection this week. No obligation. Detailed report within 24 hours showing exactly what needs attention before winter.
Why Winter Roof Preparation Matters in New Jersey
North Jersey experiences some of the harshest winter conditions on the East Coast. Your roof isn't just dealing with snow—it's battling:
- Nor'easters with 60+ mph winds that can rip off poorly-secured shingles
- Freeze-thaw cycles that occur 40+ times per season in Essex County, causing sealants to crack and flashing to fail
- 20-30 inches of snow annually, adding significant weight to your roof structure
- Ice dams from inadequate insulation, causing water to back up under shingles and leak into your home
💰 Cost Comparison: Prevention vs. Emergency
Preventive Maintenance (Nov-Dec):
- Gutter cleaning: $150-$400
- Minor shingle repair: $200-$500
- Flashing repair: $150-$400
- Professional inspection: FREE
- Total: $500-$1,300 typical
Emergency Winter Repairs (Jan-Mar):
- Ice dam removal: $500-$1,500
- Emergency roof repair: $1,500-$5,000
- Interior water damage: $2,000-$10,000
- Premium rates (2-3x normal): +50-200%
- Total: $4,000-$16,500 typical
Bottom line: Spend $500 now to avoid $5,000+ later.
Last winter, we responded to 50+ emergency calls during the January Nor'easter. Most were preventable issues—shingles that could have been replaced in November, flashing that showed warning signs in October, gutters that were clogged with fall leaves. Average emergency repair cost: $3,200. Average preventive cost if done in fall: $450.
6-Step Winter Roof Prep Checklist
Some of these steps you can do yourself. Others require professional expertise. We'll tell you which is which—and when to call for help.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Why this matters: Clogged gutters are the #1 preventable cause of ice dams. When leaves and debris block water flow, melted snow has nowhere to go—it refreezes at the roof edge, creating a dam that forces water under shingles and into your home.
When to do it: Twice in fall—once in early October, then again in late November after all leaves have dropped. This is your last chance before winter.
What to do:
- Remove all leaves, pine needles, and debris by hand or with a scoop
- Flush gutters with a garden hose to check for proper flow
- Check that downspouts drain at least 5-10 feet from your foundation
- Look for sagging sections, loose brackets, or rust holes
Essex County note: Oak and maple trees (common in Montclair, Maplewood, and South Orange) drop heavy leaf loads. If you have mature trees near your home, expect to remove 2-3 contractor bags of debris per cleaning.
DIY or Pro?
- ✅ DIY-friendly: Single-story homes with stable ladder access, dry conditions, comfortable working at height
- ❌ Call a pro: Multi-story homes, steep roofs, wet/icy conditions, gutter damage that needs repair, not comfortable on ladders
⚠️ Safety first: Falls from ladders cause thousands of injuries every year. If you're uncertain or uncomfortable, call a professional. A $300 gutter cleaning is far cheaper than a hospital bill.
Inspect and Replace Damaged Shingles
Why this matters: Even a few missing or damaged shingles can allow water intrusion during winter storms. Once water gets under your roofing material, it can freeze, expand, and cause exponentially more damage.
What to look for (from the ground):
- Missing shingles: Obvious dark patches where underlayment is exposed
- Curling edges: Shingles lifting up at corners or edges
- Cracked shingles: Visible splits or breaks
- Granule loss: Bare spots where protective granules have worn away (roof looks "bald")
- Algae or moss growth: Black streaks or green patches (more common on north-facing slopes)
Pro tip: Use binoculars to inspect your roof from the ground. Look for uneven texture, color changes, or areas that don't match the rest of the roof. Check your gutters for excessive granules (looks like coarse sand)—this indicates your shingles are nearing end of life.
NJ-specific concerns:
- Nor'easter winds gust to 60+ mph—wind damage is common on ridge caps and roof edges
- Freeze-thaw cycles cause shingles to become brittle and crack
- Ice dams can lift shingles from underneath, breaking the seal
DIY or Pro?
- ✅ DIY-friendly: Visual inspection from ground with binoculars
- ❌ Always call a pro for: Any actual shingle replacement (warranty issues, proper sealing techniques, safety, steep roofs, multi-story homes)
Spotted damaged shingles? Get a FREE drone inspection this week
Check Attic Insulation and Ventilation (Ice Dam Prevention)
Why this is THE most important step: Ice dams are the #1 winter roof problem in New Jersey, and they're caused by one thing—heat escaping through inadequate attic insulation.
How Ice Dams Form (The Root Cause)
- Heat escapes from your living space into the attic through inadequate insulation
- Snow melts on the warm upper roof (over heated attic)
- Water runs down to the cold eaves (no heat below)
- Water refreezes at the roof edge, forming a dam of ice
- More water backs up behind the ice dam with nowhere to go
- Water seeps under shingles and leaks into your home, causing ceiling stains, insulation damage, mold, and structural issues
What you need:
- R-49 insulation minimum for North NJ (Department of Energy recommendation)
- This equals 16-19 inches of fiberglass or 13-14 inches of cellulose
- Even coverage—no gaps, compressed areas, or spots where you can see joists
- Proper ventilation—ridge vents + soffit vents for airflow
- Air sealing—gaps around light fixtures, pipes, chimneys sealed with fire-rated materials
DIY inspection:
- Go into your attic (on a cold day if possible) with a flashlight and tape measure
- Measure insulation depth at multiple spots—should be 16-19" minimum
- Look for gaps, compressed areas, or wet/damaged insulation
- Check for daylight around vents, fixtures, or roof penetrations (indicates air leaks)
- Feel for airflow at soffit vents and ridge vents (proper ventilation)
Essex County homes built before 2000 typically have R-19 to R-30 insulation—well below the R-49 needed to prevent ice dams in our climate. If your home was built before modern energy codes, insulation upgrade is likely your single best winter prep investment.
DIY or Pro?
- ✅ DIY-friendly: Visual inspection, measuring depth, checking for obvious gaps
- ❌ Call a pro for: Insulation installation or upgrades (requires knowledge of proper ventilation, vapor barriers, fire safety), homes with history of ice dams, uncertain about what you're seeing
Not sure if your attic is properly insulated?
We'll check insulation depth, ventilation, air leaks, and identify ice dam risk factors. Detailed report with recommendations and cost estimates.
Inspect Flashing Around Chimneys, Vents, and Skylights
Why this matters: Flashing is the waterproof seal around roof penetrations—chimneys, plumbing vents, skylights, roof valleys. When flashing fails, water goes straight into your walls and attic. Flashing leaks are responsible for 95% of roof leaks (not shingles).
Common problem areas:
- Chimney flashing: Metal flashing around brick chimneys corrodes over time, especially at sealant joints
- Plumbing vent boots: Rubber seals crack and split (typical lifespan: 10-15 years)
- Skylight flashing: Sealants dry out and crack, especially on south/west-facing skylights
- Roof valleys: Where two roof planes meet, debris accumulates and causes rust/corrosion
- Dormer intersections: Complex flashing details are prone to separation
What to look for:
- Rust or corrosion on metal flashing
- Cracked, dried, or missing sealant
- Lifted or bent flashing edges
- Gaps between flashing and roof/wall
- Water stains on ceilings near penetrations (interior check)
- Daylight visible around flashing from attic (interior check)
NJ freeze-thaw cycles accelerate failure: Sealants expand and contract 40+ times per winter in Essex County, causing cracks to develop faster than in milder climates. Flashing that would last 20 years in Georgia might only last 12-15 years here.
DIY or Pro?
- ✅ DIY-friendly: Visual inspection from ground (binoculars), attic inspection for water stains or daylight
- ❌ Always call a pro for: Any flashing repairs (requires specialized materials, proper installation techniques, understanding of waterproofing principles, roof access safety)
⚠️ Don't DIY flashing repairs: Improperly installed flashing can cause worse leaks than you started with. This is one area where professional expertise pays for itself—a $300 flashing repair now prevents $3,000 in water damage later.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Why this matters: Tree branches pose multiple winter threats—they scrape shingles in wind, drop debris that clogs gutters, fall during ice storms and puncture roofs, and provide a "snow bridge" that allows snow to pile up on your roof edge.
Target zones:
- 6-10 feet minimum clearance from roofline to nearest branch tips
- Remove dead branches (most likely to fall in storms)
- Trim branches overhanging gutters (constant debris source)
- Remove branches that touch or scrape roof when wind blows
- Cut back branches providing shade that promotes moss/algae growth
Essex County tree density: Mature trees are common in Montclair, Maplewood, South Orange, Millburn, and the Caldwells. Oaks and maples (the most common species) have heavy branches that can cause significant damage when they fall during ice storms.
DIY or Pro?
- ✅ DIY-friendly: Small branches (under 3 inches diameter), ground-level work with pole saw, well away from power lines
- ❌ Always call a pro for: Large branches (over 3 inches), high branches requiring ladder/climbing, branches near power lines (call utility company or licensed arborist), dead trees (unpredictable fall direction)
🚨 NEVER trim near power lines yourself: Contact your utility company (PSE&G, JCP&L) for free tree trimming near power lines, or hire a licensed arborist with proper equipment and insurance. Electrocution risk is real and deadly.
Schedule a Professional Pre-Winter Roof Inspection
Why even DIY-savvy homeowners need this: Professionals see what you can't—structural issues, hidden damage, code compliance problems, and early warning signs of failure. We inspect 200+ roofs every fall in Essex County, and we consistently find issues that homeowners miss.
What our FREE inspection includes:
- Drone footage of your entire roof (safer and more thorough than ladder-only inspection)
- Attic assessment for insulation depth, ventilation, moisture, and air leaks
- Moisture detection with thermal imaging (finds hidden leaks before they cause visible damage)
- Structural evaluation of decking, trusses, and support (especially important for older homes)
- Detailed written report within 24 hours with photos, findings, and recommendations
- Prioritized action plan—what needs to be done NOW (safety-critical) vs. what can wait until spring
- Cost estimates for recommended repairs (no-pressure, itemized pricing)
✅ What Makes R&E Roofing Inspections Different
- Truly FREE—no hidden fees, no obligation to hire us
- Honest recommendations—we'll tell you what can wait, not just what we'd like to sell
- Drone technology—safer for us, better documentation for you
- 25+ years Essex County experience—we know local climate, common issues, building codes
- Licensed & insured—NJ license, full liability and workers' comp coverage
- Fast turnaround—report within 24 hours, repairs scheduled within days
When to schedule: This week. We're currently scheduling 2-3 days out for inspections. By early December, we'll be booked 2-3 weeks out. First major storm forecast? We'll be booked solid for months.
What happens after inspection:
- You receive detailed written report with photos and drone footage
- We review findings with you (phone or in-person, your choice)
- You get itemized pricing for recommended work (no pressure, transparent costs)
- You decide what to address now vs. later (we respect your budget and timeline)
- If you proceed, we schedule repairs within days (while weather permits)
Schedule Your FREE Inspection This Week
Limited November availability. First snow arrives in 4-6 weeks. By early December, we'll be booked 2-3 weeks out. Don't wait for the first storm forecast—by then, every contractor in Essex County is booked solid.
When Should You Complete Winter Roof Prep? (Timeline)
The ideal window: Late October through mid-November. Right now is the sweet spot.
📅 Your November Action Timeline
Schedule inspection and gutter cleaning
Book now while contractors have availability. Weather is still moderate (50s-60s), dry conditions likely.
Complete all identified repairs (shingles, flashing, insulation)
Get repairs done before Thanksgiving. After the holiday, temperatures drop and weather becomes unpredictable.
Final inspection, ensure everything is winterized
Confirm all work is complete before December. Test gutters one more time after final leaf drop.
❌ Too late for preventive work
Weather turns: freezing temps, snow, ice. Repairs are difficult, dangerous, expensive. Contractors booked solid for emergency calls.
Why not earlier?
- September-early October is still mild—winter isn't on most homeowners' radar yet
- Trees are still dropping leaves—gutter cleaning done too early needs to be repeated
Why not later?
- Weather: December brings freezing temps, rain, and potentially early snow. Roofing materials don't seal properly below 40°F.
- Contractor availability: By early December, reputable contractors are booked 2-3 weeks out. After first storm forecast? Booked for months.
- Holiday schedules: Thanksgiving through New Year's = limited crew availability, premium rates.
- Emergency situations: Wait until December and you're competing with emergency calls (actual failures) for contractor time.
Essex County first snow timing: Based on 30 years of NOAA data, first measurable snowfall (1"+ accumulation) typically arrives December 10-20 in Essex County. First hard freeze (below 28°F) typically occurs late November. You have 4-6 weeks to get this done.
Bottom line: Don't wait for the first storm forecast. By then, you'll be caller #47 on every contractor's list, waiting 3-4 weeks for service at 2x normal rates.
DIY vs Professional: What You Can (and Can't) Do Yourself
We believe in empowering homeowners with knowledge. Some winter prep tasks are genuinely DIY-friendly. Others? You're risking your safety, your warranty, and potentially making problems worse.
✅ Safe for DIY
- Gutter cleaning (single-story, stable ladder, dry conditions)
- Ground-level visual inspection with binoculars
- Attic insulation depth check (measure with tape measure)
- Small tree branch trimming (under 3 inches diameter, far from power lines)
- Debris removal from roof with ground-level roof rake
- Checking for water stains in attic or on ceilings
❌ Requires Professional
- Any roof work over 1 story (safety, insurance, liability)
- Steep roofs (over 6/12 pitch—too dangerous without safety equipment)
- Shingle replacement (warranty issues, proper sealing critical)
- Flashing repair (specialized materials, waterproofing expertise)
- Insulation installation (requires ventilation knowledge, fire safety)
- Structural assessments (hidden damage, load-bearing issues)
- Work in wet, icy, or windy conditions (falls are the #1 home improvement injury)
⚠️ The Real Cost of DIY Gone Wrong
Every fall, we're called to fix DIY attempts that made problems worse:
- Improperly sealed shingles that allow leaks (repair cost: $800-2,000)
- Damaged flashing from incorrect installation (repair cost: $500-1,500)
- Insulation installed without proper ventilation, causing moisture buildup and mold (remediation cost: $3,000-10,000)
- Voided manufacturer warranties from non-certified installer (replacement cost: $8,000-18,000)
Plus hospital bills and lost work time if you fall from a ladder or roof. Is saving $300 worth risking $30,000+ in costs?
Our recommendation: Do the inspection work (visual checks, measurements, observations). Call us for the actual repairs. You'll save money, avoid risk, and ensure warranty coverage.
Why Essex County Homeowners Trust R&E Roofing for Winter Prep
Licensed & insured NJ contractor. 25+ years serving Essex County. FREE drone inspections with thermal imaging. Honest recommendations prioritized by urgency—we'll tell you what can wait, not just what we'd like to sell. Same-week availability while weather permits.
How Much Does Winter Roof Prep Cost in Essex County?
Price transparency matters. Here's what you can expect to pay for preventive maintenance vs. waiting for emergency repairs:
💰 Preventive Maintenance Costs (November-December)
Professional Gutter Cleaning
Includes debris removal, downspout clearing, minor adjustments
Minor Shingle Repair (5-10 shingles)
Replacement of damaged/missing shingles, proper sealing
Flashing Repair (per area)
Chimney, vent, or skylight flashing replacement/resealing
Professional Roof Inspection
Drone footage, attic check, thermal imaging, detailed report
Attic Insulation Upgrade (R-30 to R-49)
Prevents ice dams, reduces heating costs 15-20%
Typical Preventive Package Total
💸 Emergency Winter Repair Costs (December-March)
Ice Dam Removal + Damage Repair
Steam removal, shingle repair, interior water damage
Emergency Roof Repair (storm damage)
Temporary tarping + permanent repairs, premium rates
Interior Water Damage Repair
Ceiling, insulation, drywall, mold remediation
Premium Emergency Rates
After-hours, weekends, storm response, limited availability
Typical Emergency Situation Total
💡 The Math: Spend $500 Now or $5,000+ Later
A typical preventive maintenance package costs $500-$1,500 and prevents:
- Ice dam damage: $3,000-$8,000
- Emergency repairs: $2,000-$7,000
- Interior water damage: $2,000-$10,000
- Premium emergency rates: +50-200% surcharge
ROI: Spend $1 now to avoid $10-$15 later. That's a 1,000% return on investment.
Financing available: We offer 0% APR financing for larger projects (insulation upgrades, major repairs). Ask about payment plans when you schedule your free inspection.
What Happens If You Don't Winterize Your Roof?
We're not trying to scare you—we're trying to help you avoid expensive, stressful winter emergencies. Here's what we see every winter when homeowners skip fall prep:
1. Ice Dams → Interior Water Damage
What happens: Inadequate attic insulation causes snow to melt and refreeze at roof edges. Water backs up under shingles and leaks into walls, ceilings, and insulation.
Consequences:
- Ceiling stains and drywall damage ($800-2,000)
- Soaked insulation requiring replacement ($1,500-4,000)
- Mold growth from moisture ($3,000-10,000 remediation)
- Structural wood rot if undetected ($5,000-15,000 repairs)
Real example: Montclair homeowner ignored ice dam warnings in November. January Nor'easter created massive ice dam. Water leaked into master bedroom, dining room, and kitchen. Total damage: $12,400. Preventive insulation upgrade would have cost $2,800.
2. Blown Shingles → Exposed Roof Deck
What happens: Damaged or improperly-sealed shingles blow off during 60+ mph Nor'easter winds, exposing underlayment or roof deck to snow and rain.
Consequences:
- Immediate water intrusion during storm (emergency tarping: $500-1,500)
- Plywood decking damage from moisture ($1,000-3,000)
- Larger shingle replacement area than original damage ($800-2,500)
- Interior damage if not caught quickly ($2,000-8,000)
Real example: West Orange homeowner noticed 3 damaged shingles in October, planned to "deal with it in spring." December wind storm blew off 15 shingles in that area. Emergency repair during storm: $3,200. October repair would have been $350.
3. Clogged Gutters → Gutter Rip-Off & Foundation Issues
What happens: Gutters full of leaves trap water, which freezes and expands. Weight of ice rips gutters off the house. Meltwater flows directly down foundation walls.
Consequences:
- Gutter replacement + fascia board repair ($1,200-3,500)
- Foundation water infiltration ($2,000-8,000 waterproofing)
- Basement flooding during spring melt ($3,000-12,000)
- Landscaping erosion and damage ($500-2,000 restoration)
Real example: Bloomfield homeowner skipped fall gutter cleaning. Ice-filled gutters ripped 40 feet of gutter system off the house in January, damaging fascia boards. Water poured onto foundation, causing basement seep. Total: $6,800. Gutter cleaning would have cost $200.
4. Failed Flashing → Wall Leaks & Electrical Hazards
What happens: Cracked chimney flashing or failed vent boots allow water into walls during freeze-thaw cycles. Water runs down inside walls, soaking insulation and potentially reaching electrical boxes.
Consequences:
- Hidden wall damage ($2,000-6,000 to open walls and repair)
- Electrical system damage/fire hazard ($1,000-5,000 rewiring)
- Mold growth in wall cavities ($3,000-10,000)
- Chimney structural damage if water freezes in masonry ($2,000-8,000)
Real example: Maplewood homeowner saw cracked chimney flashing in fall, didn't think it was urgent. Winter water intrusion caused mold in adjacent wall cavity (discovered in spring). Remediation required opening walls, mold treatment, insulation replacement, electrical inspection. Total: $8,400. Flashing repair in November: $400.
5. Undetected Structural Issues → Major Failures
What happens: Small problems (minor rot, loose decking, weakened trusses) go unnoticed in fall, worsen under winter stress (snow load, ice, freeze-thaw), and cause catastrophic failure.
Consequences:
- Partial roof collapse ($10,000-30,000+ emergency repair)
- Total loss of belongings in affected rooms (insurance claim, deductible, hassle)
- Temporary housing during repairs ($3,000-10,000 for 2-4 weeks)
- Increased insurance premiums or policy cancellation (long- term financial impact)
Real example: Nutley homeowner's roof had hidden water damage to decking (from old leak that seemed "fixed"). Professional inspection would have caught it. 20 inches of heavy wet snow in February caused 8x8 section of roof to sag dangerously. Emergency structural repair: $18,000. Fall inspection + preemptive decking replacement: $2,400.
📊 The Pattern We See Every Winter
From our 25+ years serving Essex County, here's the typical timeline when homeowners skip fall prep:
- October-November: Small issues are visible but ignored ("I'll deal with it later")
- December: First snow arrives, problems worsen but remain hidden
- January-February: Major storm event + ice dam formation + freeze-thaw damage = catastrophic failure
- March-April: Discover extensive damage when snow melts, face massive repair bills
We're not trying to sell you services you don't need. We're trying to help you avoid the 2 AM phone call in January when water is pouring into your bedroom during a Nor'easter and every contractor in Essex County is booked solid for weeks.
A little prevention now = peace of mind all winter.
Ready to Winterize Your Roof?
Call (667) 204-1609 or fill out our contact form to schedule your FREE inspection. Same-week availability while weather permits. Serving all 22 Essex County towns with 25+ years of local expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare my roof for winter in NJ?
Follow a 6-step checklist: (1) Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams, (2) Inspect and replace damaged shingles to avoid water intrusion, (3) Check attic insulation (R-49 minimum for North NJ) and ventilation to prevent ice dam formation, (4) Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights, (5) Trim tree branches 6-10 feet from roofline, and (6) Schedule a professional inspection to catch issues you might miss.
The most critical step is ensuring adequate attic insulation—this prevents ice dams, which are the #1 winter roof problem in New Jersey. Some tasks (gutter cleaning, ground-level inspection) you can do yourself. Others (shingle replacement, flashing repair, insulation installation) require professional expertise.
If you're unsure where to start, schedule a free professional inspection. A qualified roofer can identify issues you might miss and prioritize repairs by urgency and cost.
When should I winterize my roof in New Jersey?
The ideal window is late October through mid-November. Right now (mid-November) is the sweet spot. This gives you dry weather, moderate temperatures (50s-60s during the day), and contractor availability before the holiday rush.
Why not earlier? September-early October is still mild, and trees are still dropping leaves (gutter cleaning done too early needs to be repeated).
Why not later? December weather in New Jersey is unpredictable—freezing temps, rain, potentially early snow. Roofing materials don't seal properly below 40°F. Plus, contractors get booked solid once the first storm forecast hits, and you'll pay premium emergency rates.
Bottom line: Schedule your inspection and repairs THIS WEEK (mid-November) to ensure completion before Thanksgiving. First measurable snow in Essex County typically arrives December 10-20—you have 4-6 weeks.
Can I winterize my roof myself, or do I need a professional?
Some tasks are safe for DIY, others require professional expertise:
DIY-friendly:
- Gutter cleaning (single-story homes, stable ladder, dry conditions)
- Ground-level visual inspection with binoculars
- Measuring attic insulation depth
- Small tree branch trimming (away from power lines, under 3 inches diameter)
Requires professional:
- Shingle replacement (warranty issues, proper sealing critical, safety concerns)
- Flashing repair (specialized materials and waterproofing techniques required)
- Insulation installation (proper ventilation knowledge required to prevent moisture issues)
- Multi-story or steep roof work (falls are the #1 home improvement injury)
- Any work in wet, icy, or windy conditions
Safety first: Falls from roofs cause thousands of injuries every year. If you're uncertain, uncomfortable, or dealing with a steep/high roof, call a professional. The cost of a professional service ($300-800) is far less than a hospital bill or botched repair that causes worse problems.
How much does a winter roof inspection cost in Essex County?
Professional roof inspections typically range from $150-300 in Essex County. However, R&E Roofing offers FREE winter roof inspections with no obligation.
What's included in our FREE inspection:
- Drone footage of your entire roof (safer and more thorough than ladder-only inspection)
- Attic insulation and ventilation assessment (critical for ice dam prevention)
- Moisture detection with thermal imaging (finds hidden leaks before they cause visible damage)
- Structural evaluation of decking, trusses, and support
- Detailed written report within 24 hours with photos, findings, and recommendations
- Prioritized recommendations (what's urgent vs. what can wait until spring)
- No-pressure cost estimates for recommended repairs
If repairs are needed, we'll provide a transparent, itemized quote. You're free to get competing bids or do the work yourself—we just want to help Essex County homeowners avoid winter roof emergencies.
Schedule your FREE inspection: Call (667) 204-1609 or visit our contact page. Same-week availability while weather permits.
What causes ice dams, and how can I prevent them in New Jersey?
Ice dams form when heat escapes through your roof, melts snow on the upper roof, and the melted water refreezes at the cold eaves (where there's no heat below). This creates a "dam" of ice that blocks drainage, causing water to back up under shingles and leak into your home.
Root cause: Inadequate attic insulation + poor ventilation. Heat from your living space leaks into the attic, warming the roof deck and melting snow from underneath.
Prevention:
- Insulate to R-49 (Department of Energy recommendation for North NJ = 16-19 inches of insulation)
- Ensure proper ventilation (ridge vents + soffit vents for continuous airflow that keeps attic cold)
- Seal air leaks (around light fixtures, pipes, chimneys, attic hatches)
- Clean gutters (clogs worsen ice dam formation and water backup)
- Remove snow from roof after heavy snowfall (use roof rake from ground level)
Professional solution: R&E Roofing offers attic insulation assessments and upgrades specifically designed to prevent ice dams in North Jersey's climate. We can evaluate your current insulation, identify gaps and air leaks, and recommend cost-effective upgrades.
Don't wait for an ice dam to form—prevention is 3-5x cheaper than damage repair. A $2,500 insulation upgrade prevents $8,000 in ice dam damage repair.
Do I really need to do roof prep every year?
Yes—annual pre-winter prep is essential in New Jersey's harsh climate. Even if your roof is new or recently inspected, conditions change:
- Summer/fall wind storms can loosen or damage shingles (even on newer roofs)
- Trees grow and drop branches closer to your roofline each year
- Gutters accumulate debris every fall (leaves, pine needles, acorns)
- Flashing sealants degrade over time—NJ's freeze-thaw cycles accelerate this process (40+ cycles per winter)
- Small issues (minor cracks, loose shingles) worsen rapidly under winter stress (snow load, ice, wind)
Think of it like car maintenance: You wouldn't skip oil changes just because your car is new or recently serviced. Similarly, annual roof prep prevents small issues from becoming big, expensive problems.
Good news: Once you establish a routine (clean gutters each fall, annual inspection), it becomes quick and inexpensive—usually $300-500 for preventive maintenance vs. $3,000-8,000 for emergency winter repairs.
Our recommendation: Schedule a free inspection every October-November. We'll tell you honestly what needs attention now vs. what can wait. Many years, you'll only need gutter cleaning and maybe a few minor repairs. But that one year when we catch a problem early—before it causes thousands in damage—you'll be glad you made it an annual habit.
About R&E Roofing
Licensed NJ roofing contractor serving Essex County for 25+ years. Specializing in residential and commercial roofing, emergency repairs, and winter preparation. Our team has winterized 500+ Essex County roofs and responds to 50+ emergency calls every winter season.