Summer Storm Prep: Is Your Roof Ready for Garfield’s Hurricane Season?

When you live in Garfield, you know that winter isn’t the only time your roof takes a beating. While we worry about ice dams in January, July, and August bring a different threat to Bergen County: Hurricane Season.

Between the heavy “pop-up” thunderstorms that flood River Drive and the high winds that rattle windows on Midland Ave, summer in Garfield can be brutal on your home’s exterior. As your local roofing contractor serving Clifton and Garfield, we want to help you get ready before the clouds turn dark.

Here is your 2026 Hurricane Prep Checklist, specifically for Garfield homeowners.

1. The “Passaic River” Rule: Check Your Gutters

In Garfield, we know how quickly water rises. If you live in the lower elevations near the Passaic River or Dahnert’s Lake, managing water runoff is critical.

During a summer downpour, your roof sheds thousands of gallons of water. If your gutters are clogged with “helicopters” (maple seeds) or debris from spring, that water will overflow. Instead of moving away from your house, it pours directly onto your foundation or backs up under your shingles.

• The Fix: Clean your gutters now. Ensure downspouts extend at least 5 feet away from your foundation to prevent basement flooding.

2. Secure Your “Wind Catchers” (Loose Shingles)

High winds don’t lift your whole roof at once; they pick at the weak spots. A single loose shingle acting as a “flap” can lead to a zipper effect, peeling off large sections of your roof during a 60mph gust.

• What to look for: Grab a pair of binoculars and scan your roof from the street. Look for shingles that are curling, cracked, or flapping in the breeze.
• The Fix: If you see damage, call our roof repair specialists in 07026 for a quick “tune-up” to seal those tabs down.

3. The Tree Threat on Lanza & Jewell St

One of Garfield’s charms is our tree-lined streets. However, old branches hanging over your roof are a major liability during a hurricane.

• The Scrape Effect: Even without falling, wind can whip branches back and forth, scraping the granules off your asphalt shingles like sandpaper.
• The Impact: A falling limb can puncture your roof deck instantly, leading to massive interior water damage.
• The Fix: Trim any branches that hang within 6 feet of your roof.

4. Check the Flashing (The #1 Leak Zone)

In our inspections across Garfield, 80% of summer leaks we find aren’t from holes in the roof—they are from failed flashing around the chimney.

• The heat of a Garfield summer causes metal flashing to expand, while the sudden cool rain causes it to contract. Over time, this pulls the flashing away from the brick.

What to Do If the Storm Hits

If a tree falls or you see water pouring in during a storm:

1. Stay Inside: Do not climb a ladder during high winds. It is not worth your life.
2. Contain the Water: Use buckets and poke a small hole in the ceiling drywall to let the water drain (preventing a ceiling collapse).
3. Call the Local Pros: We offer 24/7 emergency roofing response near MacArthur Ave. We can arrive as soon as it is safe to install emergency tarping and stop the damage.

Don’t Wait for the Warning Siren

The most expensive roof repair is the one you make after the water is already in your living room. A simple inspection now can save you thousands in drywall and flooring repairs later.

Get Your Roof Storm-Ready Today We are right around the corner. Trust Grayson Roofing & Chimney’s Garfield team to secure your home.

Call (201) 310-7147 for a Pre-Storm Inspection. Located at 436 MacArthur Ave, Garfield, NJ | Licensed & Insured