About a quarter of Bridgewater's homes went up in the 1990s alone, according to Census estimates, with big waves in the 1960s and 1980s as well. That gives the township two kinds of roof problems. Older neighborhoods in sections like Bradley Gardens and Finderne have houses that have been reroofed before, while the larger two-story homes from the '80s and '90s are often reaching the end of their first roof. For homeowners talking to roofers in Bridgewater, NJ, the size of those newer roofs is usually the first surprise.
Size isn't the only factor. Bump-outs, cross gables and garage roofs tie into the main roof with valleys, and valleys carry most of the water. On a roof replacement we strip them, line them with ice-and-water shield, and finish them woven, closed-cut or open metal depending on the shingle. In the hilly, wooded parts of Martinsville along the Watchung ridge, shade keeps some slopes damp, which is where moss and dark streaks show up first. While the roof is open, it's worth checking that bathroom fans actually vent outside.
Paperwork depends on the house. A detached single-family home needs no construction permit for a new roof covering under New Jersey's code. Bridgewater also has a lot of townhouses, roughly one home in eight is attached, and those, along with structural work, go through the township's Code Enforcement Department at 100 Commons Way, not Somerset County. With this much tree cover, gutter guards are a sensible add when new gutters go up. Call (877) 298-2340 to set up an inspection.
Around Bridgewater
We regularly work near:
- 📍Bridgewater Commons
- 📍TD Bank Ballpark
- 📍Washington Valley Park
Roofing Company in Bridgewater — Local Notes
- •Many homes from the 1980s and '90s still have their first roof, and the shingles from that era are well past their design life.
- •Valleys where garages, bump-outs and cross gables meet the main roof take the most water. They should be stripped and lined with ice-and-water shield during replacement.
- •Detached homes need no permit for a roof covering replacement. Townhouses and structural work need one from the Bridgewater Code Enforcement Department, and townhouse owners should also check with their association.
- •Bathroom exhaust fans that end in the attic instead of outdoors add moisture to the roof deck. Worth checking while the roof is open.