When winter storms hit New Jersey, your roof becomes the first line of defense against snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures. But is your roof truly ready for the challenge?
At All State Roofing & Chimney, we’ve helped hundreds of NJ homeowners prepare their roofs for winter—and avoid costly damage when temperatures drop. In this blog, we’ll walk you through 10 essential winter roof preparation tips, so you can protect your home, stay warm, and save money on emergency repairs.
Need help? Call (862) 295-7864
Or get a free winter roof inspection: https://allstateroofingandchimneynj.com/free-estimate/
Inspect Your Roof Before the First Snowfall
Start with a visual inspection of your roof. Look for:
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Missing or broken shingles
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Rusted or damaged flashing
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Signs of sagging or soft spots
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Debris build-up in roof valleys
If you’re unsure what to look for, schedule a professional inspection with All State Roofing & Chimney. We’ll catch small issues before they become big winter headaches.
2. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which cause melting snow to back up under your shingles and leak into your attic or walls.
Before winter hits:
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Remove leaves, sticks, and debris
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Flush downspouts with water
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Install gutter guards if needed
This simple step prevents major water damage when snow starts to melt.
3. Check for Signs of Ice Dam Damage
Ice dams form when heat escapes from your attic and melts rooftop snow, which refreezes at the edges. Over time, this causes:
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Leaks
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Damaged shingles
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Rotted fascia boards
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Mold and mildew
The best defense? Proper insulation and ventilation—which we’ll cover next.
4. Improve Attic Insulation and Ventilation
A warm attic may feel cozy—but it’s bad news for your roof. Heat rising from your home melts snow unevenly and increases ice dam risk.
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Add or upgrade attic insulation
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Ensure proper airflow from soffits to ridge vents
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Seal air leaks around lights, fans, and attic hatches
A well-insulated attic keeps your roof cold and your heating bill low.
5. Repair or Replace Roof Flashing
Flashing is the thin metal installed around chimneys, vents, and roof joints. If it’s cracked, loose, or missing, winter precipitation will seep in.
Common flashing problems include:
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Rust or corrosion
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Improper installation
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Bent or separated seams
Our team provides fast, professional flashing repairs to seal out winter moisture.
Call us at (862) 295-7864 for flashing inspections and repairs.
6. Inspect Your Chimney and Cap
A properly sealed chimney is crucial for keeping snow, water, and animals out. Winter winds can also damage poorly capped chimneys, allowing cold air and debris inside.
We recommend:
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Checking mortar joints and brickwork
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Installing or replacing a chimney cap
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Inspecting the chimney flashing
All State Roofing & Chimney provides full-service chimney inspections and repairs throughout New Jersey.
7. Reinforce Weak Areas of Your Roof
Older roofs or roofs with past storm damage may have soft spots or weakened decking. These areas are prone to collapse under heavy snow loads.
Signs of structural weakness include:
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Sagging
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Water stains in the attic
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Creaking sounds during storms
Let our team inspect your roof structure and reinforce weak points before winter strikes.
8. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Snow-laden branches can snap and crash down onto your roof, gutters, or even power lines.
Before winter:
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Trim back limbs hanging over your roof
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Remove any dead or diseased branches
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Watch out for trees close to the chimney or skylights
This improves safety and protects your roof during snowstorms.
9. Check for Proper Drainage
Poor drainage = trapped water = big problems.
Ensure:
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Your roof pitch allows water to flow freely
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Flat roofs have working scuppers and drains
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Downspouts direct water away from your foundation
We can assess your roof drainage system and make recommendations for winter safety.
10. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
There’s no substitute for an expert opinion. Our NJ roofing professionals know exactly what to look for when it comes to winter roof readiness.
We’ll check:
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Shingles
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Flashing
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Chimneys
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Gutters
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Skylights
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Attic insulation and ventilation
Call All State Roofing & Chimney now at (862) 295-7864
Or schedule your free winter prep inspection:
https://allstateroofingandchimneynj.com/free-estimate/
Be Ready Before the First Snowfall Hits
Don’t let winter catch you off guard. Whether you need a full inspection, emergency repairs, or simple gutter cleaning, All State Roofing & Chimney is here to help.
With years of experience serving homes across New Jersey, we know how to keep your roof safe, secure, and storm-ready.
Serving Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Union, Hudson, Morris, and more.
Call today: (862) 295-7864
Book online for a free estimate: Click Here
