Severe weather is no stranger to New Jersey. Whether it’s heavy rain, hail, high winds, or snowstorms, each storm poses a serious threat to your roof. In many cases, damage goes unnoticed until it causes interior leaks or structural issues.
Knowing exactly what to do after a storm hits your roof can save you time, money, and stress. At American Roofing Pros New Jersey, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners recover quickly and safely after weather-related damage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take, what to watch out for, and how to protect your home and investment.
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Step 1: Check for Visible Signs of Roof Damage
After the storm passes and it’s safe to go outside, inspect your home’s exterior. Walk around the perimeter and look for the following signs:
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Missing or lifted shingles
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Pieces of roofing material on the ground
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Cracked or curled shingles
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Debris on the roof (tree limbs, branches)
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Loose flashing around chimneys or vents
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Gutter damage or overflow
From ground level, use binoculars if necessary—never climb onto a storm-damaged roof yourself. It may be unstable or slippery.
Step 2: Check the Interior of Your Home
Roof damage doesn’t always show up outside. Go into your attic or top-floor rooms and check for:
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Water stains or leaks on ceilings and walls
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Damp insulation or wood
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Musty smells or visible mold
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Daylight shining through the roof boards
These signs often mean water is seeping through a compromised roof, and immediate repairs are essential to avoid further damage.
Step 3: Document the Damage
For insurance purposes, it’s critical to document everything:
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Take clear, dated photos of all visible exterior and interior damage
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Include close-ups and wide shots
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Keep any damaged materials or fallen debris (like shingles) if safe to do so
This visual proof will help when filing an insurance claim and communicating with your roofing contractor.
Step 4: Avoid Temporary Fixes (and Scams)
It’s tempting to patch things up yourself or hire the first person who knocks on your door—but beware of storm-chasing roofing scams. These are unlicensed contractors who take advantage of homeowners in distress.
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Avoid cash-only or “one-day-only” offers
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Don’t sign anything before a full inspection
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Check for licensing, insurance, and local experience
At American Roofing Pros New Jersey, we’re a local, licensed, and insured roofing company that offers transparent estimates and honest recommendations—not high-pressure tactics.
Step 5: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Some storm damage is obvious—like missing shingles. But other issues, like soft spots or minor tears in the underlayment, may only be detected by a roofing expert.
When you call American Roofing Pros, we’ll:
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Conduct a thorough roof and attic inspection
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Identify both visible and hidden damage
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Help you determine if repairs or a full replacement are needed
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Provide a detailed, written estimate for your records and insurance
📞 Call (877) 228-1042 to book your inspection
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Step 6: File an Insurance Claim (If Needed)
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover storm-related roof damage, but the process can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to do:
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Review your policy to understand what’s covered
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Contact your insurance company to report the damage
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Provide photos, inspection reports, and contractor estimates
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Schedule an adjuster visit—your roofer can be present to ensure accuracy
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Don’t make permanent repairs before the adjuster sees the damage
American Roofing Pros can assist you with the documentation and help ensure your claim reflects the full scope of the damage.
Step 7: Repair or Replace the Roof Promptly
Once your insurance claim is approved (if applicable), schedule your repair or replacement promptly to prevent further damage.
Common storm-related repairs include:
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Replacing missing or cracked shingles
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Repairing flashing and underlayment
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Re-sealing vents and chimney collars
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Fixing damaged fascia or gutters
If the damage is extensive, a full roof replacement may be the best long-term solution. We’ll help you choose the right materials, color, and warranty to suit your home and budget.
Common Types of Storm Damage in New Jersey
New Jersey homes face a variety of severe weather risks throughout the year:
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Wind Damage: Uplifts shingles, exposes decking, and loosens flashing
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Hail Damage: Causes bruising, dents, or punctures in shingles
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Heavy Rain: Worsens existing leaks or weak spots
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Snow and Ice: Leads to ice dams, which push water under shingles
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Fallen Trees: Breaks shingles, gutters, and roof decking
Regular inspections after each major weather event can help you catch issues early—before they require costly repairs.
Why Choose American Roofing Pros New Jersey?
We’re more than just a roofing company—we’re your storm damage restoration partner. With years of experience helping New Jersey homeowners recover from storms, we offer:
Free inspections and detailed reports
Insurance claim assistance
Fast emergency repairs
Full replacements using top-rated materials
Local service from licensed professionals
Lifetime warranties on many roofing systems
📞 Call today: (877) 228-1042
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Final Thoughts
After a storm, your first priority should be safety—your second should be your roof. Even if your home looks fine from the ground, hidden roof damage can lead to serious, long-term problems. That’s why every homeowner in New Jersey should schedule a professional roof inspection after a major storm.
With American Roofing Pros New Jersey, you’ll get honest advice, fast service, and dependable repairs or replacements that will protect your home for years to come.
