Storm Damage Roof Replacement - Paramus Colonial
Project Overview
A Paramus homeowner called us the morning after a severe nor'easter tore through Bergen County, leaving multiple missing shingle sections across the front slope of their 2,400-square-foot colonial. Several ridge caps had blown completely off, and step flashing at the chimney had been bent away from the masonry, letting water directly into the attic. The homeowner had already noted a water stain spreading on the master bedroom ceiling. Our emergency tarping crew arrived the same day to prevent further water intrusion, and a full scope inspection was completed the following morning. The assessment confirmed what the homeowner feared: the roof was 22 years old, the original asphalt shingles were at end of life, and the storm damage had accelerated the inevitable. Exterior Solutions LLC performed a complete tear-off and full replacement with GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles, new synthetic underlayment, ice and water shield, and a fully integrated leak barrier system.
Analysis
The inspection revealed the extent of damage went well beyond the visually obvious missing shingles. Probing the decking in several areas revealed soft spots at three rafter bays along the north eave where years of ice damming had driven water beneath the shingles. Two 4x8 sections of the OSB decking were saturated and delaminating and had to be replaced before any new roofing material could be installed. The existing drip edge was corroded and pulling away from the fascia in multiple spots. The valley flashing was an original open valley with exposed metal that had oxidized and been patched with roofing cement at least twice. We removed all valley metal and replaced with closed-cut woven valleys using ice-and-water shield as a fully adhered underlayment in all valley channels. The chimney flashing was in the worst condition: the counter-flashing had separated from the mortar joints, and the step flashing was bent storm-damaged aluminum. A full chimney re-flash was included in scope.
Process
Emergency tarp deployed day one. Full scope inspection and insurance documentation photo package completed day two. Material order placed same day, delivery scheduled for day four. Day four: tear-off began at 7am, crew of five stripping entire roof to deck by noon. Damaged OSB sections identified, marked, cut out, and replaced that afternoon. Ice and water shield installation began at eaves and valleys. Day five: synthetic underlayment on field, drip edge nailed. Shingle installation began at starter course and worked up. Chimney re-flash completed mid-day. Ridge vent cut and installed after ridge cap. Day five: complete. Final inspection, debris removal, magnetic driveway sweep. Insurance adjuster sign-off obtained on day seven.
Outcome
The homeowner submitted the project to their insurance carrier and received full replacement value coverage for the storm-damaged scope. The new GAF Timberline HDZ roof restored the home to better than pre-storm condition. The water stain on the master bedroom ceiling dried out and was repaired as a separate scope item. The closed-cut valley system replaced the patched open valley that had been a slow leak source for years before the storm. The new ridge vent system increased attic airflow, reducing summer heat buildup. The homeowner described the entire experience from emergency call to final sign-off as completely stress-free, noting our documentation package made the insurance claim process straightforward.
Project Details
Materials Used
Decking repair: 5/8-inch CDX plywood panels, construction adhesive and #10 screws. Leak barrier: GAF WeatherWatch ice and water shield, full coverage at all eaves (6 feet), all valleys, around chimney, and at all penetrations. Underlayment: GAF FeltBuster synthetic roofing felt, full coverage field. Drip edge: new 26-gauge galvanized drip edge, eaves and rakes. Shingles: GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles, Charcoal color, 130 mph wind rating, Lifetime limited warranty. Ridge cap: GAF TimberTex premium ridge cap shingles. Flashing: new lead-coated copper step flashing at chimney, 3-inch counter-flashing set in fresh mortar reglets. Valley: closed-cut woven valley system over ice-and-water shield. Ventilation: 4 new GAF Cobra ridge vent sections replacing the old static box vents.
Methods & Techniques
Emergency same-day tarping. Full tear-off to bare OSB deck. Damaged deck sections replaced. GAF WeatherWatch ice and water shield at all eaves, valleys, and penetrations. GAF FeltBuster synthetic underlayment on field. New galvanized drip edge at eaves and rakes. GAF Timberline HDZ shingle installation following GAF nailing pattern for 130 mph wind resistance. Closed-cut woven valley system. Full chimney re-flash with lead-coated copper step flashing and mortar-set counter-flashing. GAF TimberTex ridge cap. New GAF Cobra ridge vent for improved attic ventilation. All debris removed and driveway magnetically swept.
Key Highlights
Same-day emergency tarping after nor''easter storm damage. Full tear-off with replacement of two damaged OSB deck sections. GAF WeatherWatch ice and water shield at all eaves, valleys, and penetrations. GAF Timberline HDZ Charcoal architectural shingles, 130 mph wind rated. Full chimney re-flash with lead-coated copper step flashing and mortar-set counter-flashing. Closed-cut woven valley system throughout. GAF Cobra ridge vent installation. GAF TimberTex premium ridge cap. Full insurance documentation package. Project completed in 2 days of field work.