Here in New Jersey, a homes’ age can be directly affected by how well it is protected against the elements. Weather, storms, heavy rain and even the snowy winters all play an important factor on our homes age. So what can you do to protect your home and the resale value of the home as an asset? We will explore those topics and more and hopefully give you clear understanding of how to keep your home from prematurely aging itself.

How old is your home?

The average age of a home in Central New Jersey is 32 years old according to the association of realtors. The best age to buy a home is when you can comfortably afford the payments and tackle the repairs and maintenance. After the first 10-15 years, a home starts to age and show signs of wear and tear. From fading roofs to leaky doors and windows, eventually you will need to repair or replace all major components of a home between the 20-, 25- and 30-year mark including the roof, gutters, siding, doors and windows.

How well is the outside of your home protecting the inside?

Starting at the top, a roof in working order is the main line of defense against water intrusion. The gutters should also be in good working order. Roof leaks in the attic, ceilings areas showing signs of leaks, or even water in the basement means your house needs repair or maintenance as your roofing system is beginning to fail.

What about the age of my roof?

Heavy rain, winds and storm damage can wreak havoc on a roof. In New Jersey, Especially in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, we often find ourselves in the direct line of fire when it comes to storms. Keeping your roof maintained and checking for damage after storms is important. Always try to view damage from the ground level by walking around the home from a distance. Never go on the roof if it can be avoided. If you have damage, contact us and we can perform a thorough inspection for damage. 

What about the age of my gutters?

We have seen that gutters that are not well-maintained often do not work as they should. Gutters can become loose, preventing water from flowing freely through the downspouts. And many times, water is not properly directed away from the house and ends up traveling down into the basement or crawlspace. Water infiltration into the home can lead to mold and mildew. When black mold appears, it can have a direct impact on your health or those in your family.

What about Timing? When is the best time to repair your home?

The best time to repair your home is before storm season begins. In New Jersey, there is a swell of summertime roofing projects in anticipation of hurricane season which lasts from August and can extend through November. There is also plenty of time to replace your roof or gutter system in fall before the winter. If the winter is mild, roofing and gutter projects can be done throughout the winter. Springtime in New Jersey has long been the most popular time to get your roof and gutters repaired or replaced.

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About A-Top Roofing & Construction

As hurricane season approaches, homeowners must be aware that the high winds and heavy rain storms bring can do serious damage to your roof, especially here in the Northeast. When storms occur, homeowners should make it a habit to inspect their roof or call in a professional if they suspect storm damage.

Rain alone can damage a roof, but when you add high winds and flying debris or hail to the mix, your roof can sustain significant damage. Although it may be temping to climb up on your roof, A-Top recommends against this whenever possible. Always try to assess storm damage from the ground level if possible. You can even use sports binoculars to see more detail.

Most Frequent Signs of Storm Damage

1. Missing Shingles – Roof systems that already have cracked or peeling roof shingles are most susceptible to being lost during storms, especially if it brings high winds. If your roof is newer, the warranty may cover you in the event of damage.
2. Visible Water Inside the Home – Most visible leaks found inside the home are most likely due to the result of high winds during a storm. Both shingles and the roof underlayment may be compromised and are allowing water to penetrate into the attic areas and down into the home.
3. Granular Loss – Some granular loss is normal, especially in new roofs. During a storm, granular loss creates horizontal lines which indicates the shingle seal is broken. Granular loss is common as shingles flap in the wind and could also cause cracking.
4. Loose Debris – After a storm or hurricane, if there is loose debris in the yard, it could indicate that loose debris may have struck the roof and damaged it. If there is a large storm/hurricane that causes lots of debris, an inspection by the pros at A-Top Roofing and Construction is highly recommended.

PRO TIP! – Gutter maintenance is critical for the health of your roof, especially during storms and hurricanes. Regular maintenance of your gutters will help them last longer and do their job correctly. Keeping your gutters free of leaves and other debris is key.

A Word about Insurance…

Homeowners Insurance covers your home and personal property in the event of a covered loss, which includes damage from hurricane winds. All policies vary, but a roof replacement is typically covered if it is caused by a sudden act of nature or sudden accidental event. Most homeowners’ policies will not pay to replace or repair a roof that has gradually deteriorated over time. We recommend you contact your insurance company immediately once you learn you may have storm damage.

Why A-Top Roofing and Construction to Replace or Repair Your Roof?

A-Top Roofing and Construction has been replacing and repairing roofs for over 35 years. A family owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on providing affordable roofing services and some of the best warranties in the business. If you are looking to see some of the homes we have done in your neighborhood, click here! https://projectmapit.com/a-top-roofing or call (732) 446-6341.

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About A-Top Roofing and Construction

Located in Manalapan, NJ, A-Top Roofing and Construction has earned a reputation for beautifying homes throughout the Central Jersey area for almost four decades years. We service Monmouth County, parts of Middlesex County and Northern Ocean County. Our full range of services include roofing, siding, gutters, windows, and skylights.

Call Today for Free Estimates! (732) 446-6341 or click here!

Year after year, your gutters are called into action to keep rain and storm water away from your home and it’s foundation. Although your home’s gutters may have performed well over the decades, every gutter system has an expiration date.

Gutters prevent a host of potentially expensive moisture related problems which can affect your homes eves, attic, structure and basement. And if the problems are persistent, mold will start to appear which is hazardous to your overall health, as well as your pocketbook. When your gutters are not functioning properly, it is important that you notice the warning signs to avoid costly repairs to your home.

Signs your Gutters Need to Be Replaced

Cracked Gutters – If your gutters are cracked, they are pretty much useless. Large cracks are often visible anytime, but during a storm smaller cracks will also reveal themselves. No matter how large or small the cracks, consider replacing your gutters as age has finally rendered them ineffective.

Unlevel or Warped Gutter Systems – From the weight of being clogged or just wear and tear over time, gutter problems occur at the gutter’s weakest points: the seams. These cracks and breaks at the seams can be repaired over the lifespan of the gutters, but they will eventually need to be replaced. With the introduction of seamless gutters, these weak points disappear entirely, avoiding the problem altogether. You should consider replacing your old system for a new seamless getter system from Englert when the time comes.

Click here to see different types of gutters and a color chart from Englert!

Damage to your Home – As your gutters fail, other areas of the home are affected by the intrusion of water. When water can cascade over the top of gutters, exterior wood elements like window sills, door jams, and exterior trim will trap water and prematurely age your home.

Mildew Makes an Appearance – When you start to see mildew, it is a sure sign of water penetrating the home during a storm. Mold and mildew can impact the health of your home and your family; once found it should be removed by a professional and the source of the water should be located and addressed immediately!

PRO TIP – Gutter maintenance is critical. Regular maintenance of your gutters will help them last longer and do their job correctly. Keeping your gutters free of leaves and other debris is key. Did you know A-Top can install Englert gutters that offer guards to protect against clogged gutters?

Styles and Design

Englert has a family of products that are endless. A-Top uses Englert Gutters because of the bold new colors, easy installation process and lasting value for your home. The trends are not only based on color, but materials as well. Mixing and matching materials allows you to make areas of your home stand out and can give your home a greater retail value as well as an increase in protection from storms.

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A new year has come and gone and that means a whole new set of siding trends that make your home look new again. What are people getting most excited about? Long gone are the days when homes were one solid color. High contrast exteriors using bold colors and mixing materials are included in these latest trends in siding.

New Siding Trends – Think Bold With High Contrast Exteriors

With robust new colors available from CertainTeed, siding colors are trending bolder and brighter. Homeowners are getting more daring and creative with the use of colors and accents to boost their curb appeal. When it comes to the latest trend, think high contrast and two-tone.

A-Top Roofing and Construction is seeing this trend take on a few different forms – from dark colors like black and navy blue with off white accents or even white vertical siding with black trim for an extreme look. Boldness and standing out in your neighborhood are growing in popularity.

Click Here to See the Latest Colors, Products and Siding Trends from CertainTeed!

Warm Whites and Creamy Whites Trending Up

Pure white trending as a siding color is losing some steam while creamy whites (warmer whites and soft grays) are trending upwards. As darker and bolder colors become more popular, an off-white offers contrast to brighten the home as opposed to pure white accents and trim. For those looking to go bold with a forest green or burgundy home exterior, the creams and beige tones will contrast much better than the white.

Styles and Design: The Latest Siding Trends from CertainTeed

CertainTeed has a family of products that are endless. A-Top uses CertainTeed siding because of the bold new colors, easy installation process and lasting value for your home. The trends are not only based on color, but materials as well. Mixing and matching materials allows you to make areas of your home stand out and can give your home a greater retail value, in addition to an increase in energy efficiency.

Why Choose A-Top Roofing and Construction to Replace Your Homes Siding

A-Top Roofing & Construction’s professional crews specialize in removing your existing siding and trim and installing new siding products to manufacturers’ specifications. Our team is prompt and courteous and trained on safety and maintaining a clean work site.

With low maintenance and long-life expectancy, vinyl siding offers you a variety of ways to spruce up your home, increase its value, and is more affordable than other products. We offer a wide variety of selections in our showroom. Our siding options are available in diverse color palettes which will inspire you. We offer attractive colors which range from the bold and rich hues, like blue and green, to neutral tones like grays and beige.

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Located in Manalapan, NJ, A-Top Roofing and Construction has earned a reputation for beautifying homes throughout the Central Jersey area for over 30 years. We service Monmouth County, parts of Middlesex County and Northern Ocean County. Our full range of services include roofing, siding, gutters, windows, skylights and mold remediation.

Our award-winning staff and professionally trained installers will get the project done on time and on budget. We partner with brands you trust like GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Pella, Andersen, TimberTech and Azek which means extensive customer choice backed by the best warranties in the industry.

Call Today for Free Estimates! (732) 446-6341 or click here!

A-Top Roofing & Construction goes the extra mile with a reputation for quality roofing products and roofing installation services for over 3 decades.

If your roof is not very old and you notice a few loose or missing shingles, you may be able to replace them. But for older roofs with more extensive damage, it may be time for a new roof. It is important to call a professional like A-Top Roofing & Construction, located in Manalapan, NJ for a thorough roof inspection to be sure you know the condition of your roof, the extent of any damage, and your options moving forward.

Signs of Failing Roof Shingles:

There are many ways to spot if your roof is failing and it is time to replace it with a new roof. Most new roofs from reputable roofing contractors will include a warranty from the manufacturer of the roof shingles, like GAF or Owen Corning.

Here is a List of the Signs of a Failing Roof:

• Attic leaks can be the first sign of a failing roof.
• Peeling or blistering paint inside your house.
• Ceiling and wall stains inside your home.
• Roof shingle decay could be a sign water is penetrating through your roof.
• Extensive shingle damage, including cracked, brittle or curled bottoms.
• Dark Streaks may look like dirt but more often is moss, lichen or algae.

Advantages of a New Roof:

Some of the advantages of a new roof may seem obvious; curb appeal and protection from rain and storms are at the very top of the list. Did you know you can save money on energy costs when you replace your older roof with a new roof? New roofing options and products are available with superior warranties and deliver on the promise of limiting solar heat gain.

Advantages of Having a New Roof Installed:

• Curb Appeal
• Energy Efficient
• Superior Lifetime Warranty
• Higher Resale Value
• Extensive Choice of Colors and Style Available

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Located in Manalapan, NJ, A-Top Roofing and Construction has earned a reputation for beautifying homes throughout the Central Jersey area for over 30 years. We service Monmouth County, parts of Middlesex County and Northern Ocean County. Our full range of services include roofing, siding, gutters, windows, and skylights.

Our award-winning staff and professionally trained installers will get the project done on time and on budget. We partner with brands you trust like GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Pella, Andersen, TimberTech and Azek which means extensive customer choice backed by the best warranties in the industry.

Call Today for Free Estimates! (732) 446-6341

Prioritizing your home improvement projects can be challenging. As warmer weather approaches, it is time to start thinking about your roof. Spring is the best time to replace the roof on your existing home for many reasons.

You’re Buying A Home That Needs Work

If you are buying a home in an existing neighborhood you may have gotten it for a great price. Part of the discounted price may mean things need fixing up or replacing. Consider the age and condition of your roof; if the home you are about to buy needs a roof replacement, this could give you negotiating power or leverage on the purchase. Once the closing takes place, a new roof may be one of the initial investments to increase your homes’ value and curb appeal.

Selling Your Home

If you are thinking of selling your home, you want to get top dollar. Replacing the existing roof may add value to the selling price. The home’s curb appeal will also be enhanced. If you are selling and not in a hurry, spring is a great time to replace your roofing.

A Roof Has Come to the End of its Life

After about 20 years, a roof will begin to deteriorate. If it is showing signs of wear and tear and you see cracked or missing shingles, it may be time to replace your roof. If your roof is leaking and can no longer be repaired, spring is a great time to replace it. When you replace your roof, there are various types of roof materials and warranties available. Make sure your hire a reputable roofing contractor who has a great reputation and qualified professionals.

Replace Your Roof With an Energy Efficient Roof

Everyone loves to save money on energy costs. If you are replacing an older roof with a new roof, there are energy efficient roofing shingles that are affordable and beautiful to look at. Many new roofs come with a limited lifetime warranty that can ensure you will not have to worry about replacing it for 20, 30 or even 40 years!

Updating the Look of Your Older Home

A new roof can transform your homes entire look and feel. A new roof is not only more energy efficient, it can also make your home look great. Roofing manufacturers like GAF and Owens Corning have developed new products which will enhance the exterior look of your home. New styles and colors are trending and are offered by A-Top Roofing and Construction.

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The winter temperatures can delay some roof projects. Temperature and snow can hamper any contractors scheduling. Spring is here and now is a great time to call A-Top Roofing & Construction.

A-Top Roofing services homes throughout Monmouth County, Northern Ocean County and parts of Middlesex County. Call us today at (732)-446-6341.

PROJECT MAP IT! Be sure to visit our Business Hub Page, where you can learn all about what our past clients have said about us. If you would like to view a map of or our past projects in or near your neighborhood, click here.

When the snow and ice start accumulating on you roof in winter, one of the affects are icicles hanging from your gutters. Yes, they may be pretty to look at, but icicles can loosen or tear off your gutters, and also create ice dams, resulting in water backing up into your home and creating all kinds of expensive repairs.

Snow covered roofs and freezing temperatures in winter allow icicles to form. This leads to ice dams: Thick ridges of solid ice that build up along the eves of the home. The issue has little or nothing to do with your roof or roof shingles. Blockage of ice in your gutters may be causing water to travel in a path it would not normally travel. Like a clogged toilet, the water will not travel down, it will only travel up (over your gutters) and into your home.

Ways You Can Mitigate Damage From Ice Dams in the Future:

By taking care of common trouble spots, listed here in order of priority, you should enjoy dam-free winters and use less energy to boot:

1. Ventilate Eaves and Ridge. A ridge vent paired with continuous soffit vents circulates cold air under the entire roof. Both ridge and soffit vents should have the same size openings and provide at least 1 square foot of opening for every 300 square feet of attic floor. Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.
2. Attic Hatch. An unsealed attic hatch or whole-house fan is a massive opening for heat to escape. Cover them with weather stripped caps made from foil-faced foam board held together with aluminum tape.
3. Exhaust to the Outside. Make sure that the ducts connected to the kitchen, bathroom, and dryer vents all lead outdoors through either the roof or walls, but never through the soffit.
4. Add Insulation. More insulation on the attic floor keeps the heat where it belongs. To find how much insulation your attic needs, check with your local building department.
5. Flash Around Chimneys. Bridge the gap between chimney and house framing with L-shaped steel flashing held in place with unbroken beads of a fire-stop sealant. Using canned spray foam or insulation isn’t fire safe.
6. Seal and Insulate Ducts. Spread fiber-reinforced mastic on the joints of HVAC ducts and exhaust ducts. Cover them entirely with R-5 or R-6 foil-faced fiberglass.
7. Caulk Penetrations. Seal around electrical cables and vent pipes with a fire-stop sealant. Also, look for any spots where light shines up from below or the insulation is stained black by the dirt from passing air.

Ice damming is a common problem for many older homes in winter. You may be in need of repairs dur to damage from ice damming. Always hire a licensed professional who carries insurance and can help you navigate insurance issues or claims.

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One of the biggest challenges homeowners face when looking to replace their current roof is finding the right vendor to do the job. Finding the right roofing contractor in New Jersey means doing your homework to make sure the roof is completed in a timely fashion, the roof comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, and the company is local and can service the roof in the future.

A-Top Roofing & Construction has been providing roof repair and replacement in Central New Jersey for over 35 Years. We have decided to create a list to help ensure you take the proper steps when selecting a great roofing contractor.

Go local. There is less chance of a scam or other potential issues if you hire a local roofing contractor who is familiar with the local township ordinances, local and state code regulations and is familiar with the style of your home and it’s roof type.

Brand Names. Manufacturers’ designations are considered a badge of honor in the roofing business. Contractors like A-Top Roofing & Construction must pass stringent requirements to be factory certified. GAF, for instance, enforces their top designation by only allowing 2% of roofing contractors per market to be recognized as Master Elite^® Contractors.

BBB Ratings. Checking with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) is key. Stay away from contractors who do not have a BBB score. Making sure the roofing contractor has a great score will give you the confidence you need choose a reliable contractor.

The Warranty. Not all roofing contractors can offer a manufacturers’ warranty. By having an extensive warranty, you are protecting your family in case something happens and you need insurance coverage to repair or replace your roof.

“A Master Elite^® Contractor can offer one of the longest workmanship warranties on the market—the Golden Pledge^® Warranty.”

Andrew Ferrara, President A-Top Roofing and Construction

Safety First. If you are looking for the best roofing company or contractor in NJ, safety training and safety programs should be part of your selection process. GAF offers specialized training through CARE (Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence).

Insurance and Licenses. The roofing contractor you select should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors. They should easily be able to provide you with a certificate of insurance. Roofing contractors Like A-Top Roofing & Construction are required to hold an appropriate level of insurance by GAF. As a Master Elite Contractor, Workers Compensation and General Liability Coverage will protect your family in case of an accident.

No Pressure. Beware of any roofing contractor applying pressure for you to sign a contract. Be wary of any roofing contractor trying to get you to finance a roof that is overpriced to begin with.

Materials. Any reputable roofing contract will give you choices of many roofing options, materials and even warranties. The style and color of roofing shingles can have a dramatic effect on the resale value of your home. As a GAF Master Elite Contractor, A-Top Roofing & Construction has an impressive array of designer colors and styles for you to choose from.

With home values going up in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex Counties, it is more important than ever to protect your home as an investment and with maximum curb appeal. A-Top Roofing & Construction has been the best choice in roofing contractors throughout Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore Area for over 35 years. We offer competitive pricing and the highest installation standards in the business and have been serving our community since 1986.

For more information on A-Top Roofing & Construction and the services we offer, visit our website.

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Celebrating 35 years beautifying homes in Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean County, NJ, A-Top Roofing & Construction understands your home is one of your biggest investments. To make the most of your home’s exterior, here are a list of things you can do when renovating or remodeling your home. From siding to windows, keep your home looking great with these 6 ideas.

6 Home Exterior Remodeling & Renovation Ideas

REPLACE YOUR HOMES SIDING

One of the ways your can improve the look of your homes’ exterior is to replace the siding. Color trends for 2021 include mixing dark and light hues. Blending different widths will create depth and accentuate your homes exterior. A variety of color options and adding different styles of siding to upper stories, eves, towers, and areas above the garage are most popular.

ADDING ACCENTS

Add a metal seam room over the porch, or a frieze board to the top section of your siding. Replacing your front door with a larger front door with sidelights will not only make your house pop, but it will also make the home more energy efficient. If you are replacing your roof and siding, it is probably time to replace your gutters. Gutters can accentuate the roofline and protect the homes from water and moisture.

Click here to learn more about siding, stone and accent choices.

UDATE YOUR ROOF

Your roof plays a major role in how your home looks as well as how it protects your home from the elements. Newer architectural roof shingles are now available featuring more dimension than older style roof shingles. With many shapes, styles and colors available, a new roof will add a great deal to your homes value and increase the curb appeal.

ENLARGE YOUR WINDOWS

There are opportunities to take your older home’s windows and replace them with larger and more energy efficient windows. Replace those old bay and box windows, add light into your home and value to your home. Brands like Marvin, Pella and Andersen offer a wide variety of windows to fit most architectural styles and any homeowner’s budget.

Explore window options here!

ADD SKYLIGHTS, ROOF WINDOWS OR SUN TUNNELS

Brighten your home and your life! Endless options in skylights, roof windows and sun tunnels will enhance the style of any room or space. Complete systems and accessories for any solution down to the finishing touches are available from companies like Velux. You can now select from skylights, sun tunnels, and blinds in a variety of colors and styles to fit your homes design and your budget.

HIRING THE RIGHT COMPANY

When you are renovating or remodeling your home, hiring the right contractor can make all the difference. What are the best products? What about the warranty for my new roof or siding project? Homeowners should hire professionals who are experienced and licensed. Using a reputable company with a great reputation and many years in business will make sure the job goes smoothly from start to finish.

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Age is an important factor in determining if you need a roof replacement or can get by with repairing it. If your roof is not very old and you spot a few loose or damaged shingles, you may be able to replace them. Older homes that have more extensive damage over a larger area may need an entire roof replacement.

The key is a roof inspection done by professionals. A-Top Roofing and Construction has a team dedicated to finding where the damage is coming from and what steps need to be taken to protect your home and your family.

So what does roof damage look like? Here are a few things to look out for:

CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW A-TOP CAN REMOVE MOLD AND MILDEW IN THE HOME

Dark Streaks

It may look like dirt, but the darker staining on your roof shingles may be moss, lichen, or algae. This may not require a new roof. But if you do need a new roof, A-Top Roofing offers products that are super resistant to and add superior protection from staining and algae.

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About A-Top Roofing & Construction

No matter what your issues may be, A-Top Roofing & Construction is dedicated to protecting your family. Located in Manalapan, NJ, A-Top Roofing has earned a reputation for beautifying homes throughout the Central Jersey area for over 30 years. We service Monmouth County, parts of Middlesex County and Northern Ocean County. Our full range of services include roofing, siding, gutters, windows, skylights, and mold remediation.