5 Important Roofing Tips for Your New Jersey Home

It’s easy to take the health of your home’s roof for granted. When your roof is in good condition and functioning properly, you don’t have much reason to think about it. However, even if your home in Alpha, NJ isn’t having roofing problems, there are things you should do to take proper care of it to keep it in good condition. If you allow your roofing to become damaged or worn down, it could have severe implications for the overall comfort, efficiency, and safety of your home.

1. Clean the Gutters Regularly

Cleaning your gutters is not only a relatively simple task, but it’s also one of the most beneficial things you can do for the health of your roof. When moisture accumulates on your home’s roof due to rain or snowfall, the gutters have the integral role of transporting that water away from your roof and the foundation of your house.

However, it’s common for leaves, dirt, and random debris to build up inside gutters. This can create a blockage and prevent moisture from escaping. Blockages can generate several serious problems. For one, extreme gunk buildup can cause the gutters to collapse, potentially causing damage to your siding. Standing water in your gutters can also create the potential for pest infestations. Mosquitoes and other insects thrive and breed in moist environments.

Clogged gutters can also cause excess moisture to linger on your roof, which can lead to water penetrating your shingles. Moisture under this protective layer may lead to damaged decking, which is the wooden base layer under your roof. Finally, water that is not being diverted away from the base of your home can lead to leaks in your basement and even deteriorate your foundation over time.

As a general rule, you should clean your home’s gutters at least twice yearly. If you aren’t able to complete the job yourself, you can hire a local professional to complete this service. In addition, if you find yourself needing gutter repairs or replacement, our roofing professionals at Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding will be able to handle the project for you.

2. Periodically Check Your Attic

If you want to ensure that your home’s roof remains in great condition, it’s essential to monitor your attic closely. Often, when a roof is damaged, the first signs of the problem will appear at the top of the house. For instance, it’s wise to periodically check your attic for any signs of moisture or water damage. If you find any damp insulation or pools of water, it’s a pretty clear indicator that your roof is leaking, in which case you’ll need to have it inspected by a roofing professional. In addition, mold growth and musty odors emanating from your attic are other indicators that your roof has an issue that needs to be addressed.

While checking your attic, you should also inspect the roof vents. Vents allow proper airflow through your attic and under your roof. This allows the area to stay dry and prevents the base layer of your roof from rotting. Vents usually have screens to prevent insects from entering your home, which can become clogged with dirt or debris over time. These screens need to be cleaned or replaced periodically to ensure proper airflow.

3. Inspect Your Roof Every Year

Regularly inspecting your roof may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s perhaps the most important thing you can do to maintain the efficiency of your home’s roof. Ideally, your house’s roof should be thoroughly inspected at least once per year and after any serious weather events. You should have this service performed by a professional roofer because they have the experience and equipment to do the job thoroughly and safely.

During a roof inspection, a reputable roofer will meticulously examine your home’s roof to check for any signs of damage. This will include checking the shingles, gutters, flashing, and all of the other important components. If they encounter anything concerning, they’ll let you know immediately and talk to you about the best way to proceed with the necessary repairs. During the inspection process, they can often spot small problems that you may overlook. Having these minor issues taken care of before they develop into a major repair project can save you money in the long run.

4. Remove Ice and Snow Immediately

During the winter months, the Alpha area tends to experience cold temperatures and quite a bit of snowfall. When a snowstorm rolls through your neighborhood, it’s worth taking the time to ensure that your roof is fully cleared of any snow and ice that has accumulated. Although most New Jersey roofs are equipped to handle an average amount of snow, it can become problematic when there is a significant snowstorm or a lot of snow accumulates over time. If you allow a large amount of snow to linger, it can put quite a bit of pressure on your roof, leading to damage. When the snow and ice eventually melt, the moisture can potentially leak through your weakened roof, causing water damage and mold growth in your attic.

Although there are tools available for cleaning heavy snow off your roof, it’s best to hire roofing professionals for the job if you want it to be done thoroughly and properly. They also have the experience to do the work safely.

5. Look for Ice Dams

Ice dams can be one of the most problematic hazards for a home’s roof. These ridges of ice form on the edges of the roof and keep moisture from draining correctly and can lead to leaks. Ice buildup can also damage shingles, flashing, and gutters. Dams usually form because too much heat is escaping from the top of your house. This heat melts the snow sitting on your roof, which later freezes at night when the temperature drops.

You can prevent ice dams by ensuring that your roof and attic are properly insulated and have good airflow. In northeastern climates like New Jersey, attic insulation should have an R-value of at least R-38, which is sufficient to prevent heat loss from the interior of the home.

In addition, proper airflow under the roof and out through the vents is essential. It allows the attic air to stay cold enough to prevent or minimize the freezing and thawing cycle on the roof. If your roof develops ice dams, it is an indication that you need to contact a professional. They will address any airflow issues and can ensure your attic is adequately insulated. In addition, an insulation upgrade performed by a professional will reduce your monthly energy bills by preventing heat loss.

Trusted Alpha Roofing Professionals

When you need reliable roofing services in the Alpha area, you can always count on our expert team at Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding. Our skilled and experienced roofing professionals have been proudly serving homeowners since 1973. We offer various top-tier services, including roofing repair, roofing replacement, and storm damage repair. Contact us at Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding today if you’d like to learn more or schedule a free consultation for your roofing project.