Yes, West Dover is close to our office and one of the Toms River sections we work in most. Typical jobs here are full roof replacement on suburban homes from the second half of the last century, gutter guards for pine needles, siding and attic ventilation. Call (732) 419-1462 and someone picks up at any hour, weekends and holidays included.
What pines and oaks do to a West Dover roof
Inland, salt isn't the main enemy. Trees are. Here's how they wear a roof down, and why gutter guards come up in so many of our West Dover conversations.
Needle dams in valleys
Pine needles collect where two slopes meet and hold water against the shingles for days. On many West Dover homes, valleys wear out years before the rest of the roof.
Algae and moss streaks
Shaded north slopes stay damp long after rain. Dark algae streaks come first, then moss that lifts shingle edges and holds moisture against the mat underneath.
Overflowing gutters
Needles and oak leaves plug gutters and downspouts every fall, and the overflow soaks the fascia boards, splashes against foundations and floods window wells below.
Limb strikes
Storm wind snaps dead branches onto roofs, cracking shingles or punching right through the deck. A quick look from the ground after every big storm pays off.
Critter entry
Squirrels travel along overhanging branches and chew into soffits, fascia corners and roof vents, opening a path for rain, nesting material and more animals into the attic.
Homes and weather west of the Parkway
West Dover sits on the mainland side of Toms River, well back from the bay. West Dover Elementary sits on a wooded lot on Blue Jay Drive, and Winding River Park isn't far off Route 37, its trail following the river through the woods. Lots here run larger than on the barrier island, and many keep tall pines and oaks right up against the house.
Housing is mostly the suburban stock that filled in during the second half of the last century: ranches, bi-levels, split-levels and two-story colonials, with some newer construction mixed in. Many are on their second roof, and original attic ventilation was often skimpy, which is why attic ventilation comes up on so many jobs. Without salt spray, shingles here usually fail from summer heat, trapped attic moisture and tree debris rather than wind, though nor'easters still bring limbs down every year.
How a West Dover roof replacement runs, start to finish
Most homes here are reroofed in a day or two. This is the sequence for a roof replacement, and it's the same whether you have a ranch or a colonial.
Inspection and attic check
We look over the shingles, flashing, gutters and nearby trees, then go into the attic to check ventilation, insulation depth and the deck from underneath.
About 1 hourChoose shingles and color
Most owners here pick algae-resistant architectural shingles, from lines like GAF Timberline or CertainTeed Landmark, in a color that suits the siding and the shade around the house.
At the kitchen tableProtect the yard
Tarps go over plantings and AC units, plywood leans over windows near the dumpster, and we clear a safe path for materials from the driveway to the roof.
Morning, day 1Tear off and rebuild
Old layers come off, soft deck gets replaced, ice and water barrier goes in at eaves and valleys, and new vents balance intake and exhaust.
Day 1Gutters and guards
With the roof done, we hang new seamless gutters or add micro-mesh guards to the existing ones, tucked in under the new drip edge so the roof edge stays sealed.
Day 2, if includedCleanup and walk-through
We run a magnet sweep over the lawn, driveway and beds, then walk around the house with you to go over the finished roof, gutters and photos.
Last hour
