A nor’easter rolls through overnight. By morning, there are shingles in the yard and a brown spot on the bedroom ceiling. If that sounds like your week, take a breath. A quick temporary fix can protect your home. That fix also buys you time to choose the right roofer.
This guide covers what to do first and how to spot a bad contractor. It also explains what a proper storm repair looks like from start to finish.
First, Stop the Water
Water does more harm every hour it gets inside. Soaked insulation, stained drywall, and wet roof decking all add to the final bill. So the first job is keeping more rain out.
That usually means emergency patching or a heavy tarp secured over the damaged section. We offer both, and we move quickly when a customer calls with an active leak. You can learn more on our roof leak repair page, or call us at (732) 840-9494.
Keep any receipts for temporary repairs. Your insurance company will likely ask for them later.
Watch Out for Storm Chasers
Big storms bring more than wind. After one hits Ocean County, out-of-town crews often follow the weather here. These outfits knock on doors right after a storm. They promise fast work and low prices. Then many of them disappear before the first warranty question comes up.
Be cautious if a contractor does any of the following:
- Shows up at your door uninvited the morning after a storm
- Can’t give you a local business address or a New Jersey registration number
- Pushes you to sign today or asks for a large cash deposit up front
- Offers to “take care of” your insurance deductible for you
- Gives a price without climbing onto the roof or into the attic
A roof is a big investment. You deserve a contractor who will still answer the phone next year.
What to Check Before You Sign
A few simple checks will weed out most problem contractors. None of them take long.
State registration
New Jersey’s Contractors’ Registration Act requires home improvement contractors to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Ask for the registration number and write it down. Ours is NJHIC #13VH04820700. Keep in mind that registration is not an endorsement. Your county Consumer Affairs office can tell you about complaints on file.
Proof of insurance
A registered contractor must give you a copy of their commercial general liability insurance policy. Ask for it before work starts. If a worker gets hurt or your property is damaged, that policy matters.
A written contract
State rules require a written contract for home improvement work of $500 or more. It should list the contractor’s legal name and address, the start and finish dates, the work, and the total price. You can also cancel before midnight of the third business day after you receive a copy. Cancellations must be made in writing.
Local roots and real reviews
Look for a company with a local address and a track record you can check. We have worked from our shop in Bayville since 2008. We also carry an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Our customer testimonials tell the rest of the story.
How a Storm Damage Repair Usually Goes
Every roof is different. Still, most storm jobs follow the same basic path.
The temporary fix
A tarp or patch goes on first to stop active leaks. This step protects the inside of your home while the full repair is planned.
The inspection
Next comes a careful look at the whole roof, not just the obvious damage. Wind can lift shingles and break their seal without tearing them off. Flashing around chimneys and vents can bend or pull loose. Gutters often take a beating too, so we check those as well. Our owner, Derek, is on site for our roofing jobs and looks at the damage himself. You get a straight answer about what needs fixing and what doesn’t.
Repair or replace
Some storm damage is a simple repair. Other times, the damage covers enough of the roof that replacement makes more sense. Our article on the 25% roof rule explains how that decision often works in New Jersey. If gutters came down too, our gutter repair team can handle them on the same visit.
The permanent fix
Once you approve the work, we schedule it and get it done. Many full roof replacements are finished in a single day. The crew cleans up before leaving, right down to loose nails in the yard. If the cost of a new roof is a worry, ask about our financing options.
A Few Words About Insurance
Many homeowner policies cover sudden storm damage. However, coverage varies a lot from one policy to the next. This is general guidance, not insurance or legal advice.
Call your insurance company early and ask how they want the claim handled. Take clear photos of the damage from the ground and inside the house. Save every receipt, including the one for your tarp. A contractor’s written estimate and photos can also help the adjuster see the full picture. If you have questions about your coverage, your agent is the best person to ask.
For a closer look at the first hours after a storm, read our nor’easter storm damage guide.
Talk to a Local Roofer Before You Sign Anything
Storm damage is stressful. Choosing the wrong contractor can make it worse. All Around Construction Contractors, LLC is fully licensed, insured, and locally owned. We handle everything from emergency tarping to complete roof replacements.
Call us at 732-840-9494 or request a free estimate. We’ll tell you exactly what your roof needs.