Storm Damage Roof Repair in Rahway, NJ

Rahway and big storms

People in Rahway remember the storms by name. Floyd in 1999 and Irene in 2011 sent the Rahway River over its banks, and Ida in 2021 brought another round of flooding and wind damage across the city. Between those, there's the regular run of nor'easters every fall and winter and short, violent summer thunderstorms. Our guide to Rahway's big storms and your roof covers that history and how to prepare. Flooding is a ground-level problem, but the wind and rain that come with these storms are hard on roofs.

Damage you might not see from the driveway

Missing shingles are easy to spot. These are easier to miss:

• Broken seals. Wind lifts a shingle, cracks the adhesive strip, and it settles back down looking normal. The next storm lifts it again - this time letting water in.
• Creased tabs. A faint line across a shingle where it folded back in the wind.
• Loose flashing at the chimney or where a lower roof meets a wall.
• Branch strikes that cracked a few shingles or the boards underneath without leaving a hole.
• Gutters pulled loose, which then dump water against the fascia and siding.

A sensible order of things after a storm

1. Safety first. Downed wires are a 911 and PSE&G call, not a DIY job. Keep clear of any tree touching a line.
2. Walk the yard. Pieces of shingle, flashing or gutter on the ground tell you which side of the house took the hit. Photograph them where they lie.
3. Check upstairs and the attic for new stains or wet spots.
4. Get the roof secured. A tarp over an open area stops a small problem from turning into a ceiling, insulation and drywall problem.

Be careful who you let on the roof

After a big storm, crews from out of the area go door to door. Before you sign anything, ask for a New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor registration number and a written contract. Walk away from anyone who wants most of the money upfront or pushes you to sign the same day.