A New Jersey Roof Maintenance Calendar
Four visits a year, each looking for something different. The late-fall one matters most.
By The Century Roofing Team — Roofing contractors, Carteret, New Jersey
Published February 5, 2026 · Reviewed February 5, 2026
Early spring — assess the winter
- Check eaves for ice-dam damage and lifted shingle courses
- Look for gutter separation caused by ice weight
- Inspect for wind-creased shingles after the nor'easter season
- Check attic decking for winter condensation staining
Late spring — verify and clear
- Confirm shingles installed in cold weather have sealed
- Clear pollen, seed pods, and debris from valleys and drains
- Check pipe boots, which show cracks first after winter
- Test that downspouts discharge away from the foundation
Late summer — UV and heat
- Inspect south and west slopes for accelerated granule loss
- Check exposed sealant at flashings, which dries out in heat
- On flat roofs, look for blistering and check ponding areas
- Verify attic temperature and airflow during peak heat
From the field
Late fall — the visit that matters most
Every valley, gutter, and drain should be clear before the first hard freeze. A blocked drainage path going into winter is how a manageable roof becomes an ice dam, and how a flat roof becomes a ceiling collapse under snow load.