The Connection Bernards-Ridge Edition April/May 2018

www.theconnectionsnj.com Serving Hunterdon, Warren, Morris, Somerset and Mercer Counties Services Pool Openings Pool Closings Maintenance Swimming Pool Inspections Filter Repair / Replacement Heater Repair / Replacement Pump Repair / Replacement Computerized Automation Pump / Acid Wash Safety Covers Renovations Leak Detection Services Pressure Testing Pool Cleaners Pool Chemicals Salt Generators SPA Covers 1 Van Syckle Place • High Bridge, NJ 08829 908.638.9339 T • 908.638.5097 F aandlpoolservice@gmail.com • www.AandLpoolservice.com Founded 1967 • Lic#: 13VH02098100 SPECIALIZING IN 800.452.9105 We Service All Types of Inground Pools 908-387-1757 www.thompsonroofing.net As spring approaches, preparing your roof for spring rains may prove beneficial in the long run. A few simple preemptive measures may not only save you time and money, but also provide safety for your home, you and your family. Before the spring rains arrive, here are some things put on your to-do list. 1. Inspect the Roof Water is very good at finding its way into cracks and crevices that are diffi- cult to see, especially from the ground. A warning sign that your roof may be in need of some TLC may be found around your yard. Take a walk around your home and look for any loose shin- gles that may have been dislodged during high winds. Shingles are your roof’s armor against the elements, and if you happen to find shingles in the lawn, that is a good indication that your home’s armor has been breached. 2. Trim Foliage That 100-year old oak in your front yard may give your home some old- world character, but during a storm, it may wreak havoc on your roof. Close- ly inspect nearby trees for dead, over- hanging limbs that may break during a storm. 3. Clean Gutters Gutters are not just for decoration; they serve a critical role during a storm by diverting water away from the places it is not supposed to go. Pull the ladder out of the garage and get up there. Making sure your gutters are free from leaves, branches, and debris will assure that rainwater does not back up and lead to leaks. Also, freeing gutters from excessive weight will pro- tect them from collapsing during a storm, causing more roof damage. 4. Schedule a Professional Inspection Safety should be your number one pri- ority; therefore, a professional may be necessary to further diagnose roof problems. Professional roofers know what to look for and will be happy to get on the roof for a thorough inspec- tion. If warning signs are evident, it’s best to stop the problems before they get worse. 5. Make Repairs Roof problems will not get better on their own. By being proactive and making small repairs now, you may save yourself money in costly major repairs later. Remember: ignoring a problem, especially when it comes to your home, is never a solution. 6. Clean Up When the clouds clear, take another inspection of your home. Again, look for warning signs of a damaged roof: shingles on the ground, broken limbs, and damaged gutters. If any of these signs are clear, then make the call. 7. Make the Call If you encounter any signs of a dam- aged roof, then a professional may be needed. In addition, contact your insur- ance agent if a claim is necessary, and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures. Spring rains are a beautiful part of nature, but unfortunately, they are also a destructive force. Adequately prepar- ing your home before spring rains arrive may help avoid unnecessary damage. While an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, the inevitable may still happen. If your roof does suffer at the hands of a spring storm, a professional roofer is just a phone call away. Protecting Your Home from Spring Rains We care for trees.... and they love us back. /+5$ 3FH /+5$ +PIO #FSU ,VIO /+ -5& %POBME .VSQIZ /+ 1FTU -JD " /+ 4UBUF -BX /PX 3FRVJSFT BMM 5SFF $PNQBOJFT UP CF 3FHJTUFSFE 8F "SF $BMM UIF 1SPT BU "DUJPO 5SFF 'PS "MM 1IBTFT PG 1SPGFTTJPOBM 5SFF $BSF BU $PNQFUJUJWF 1SJDFT PAGE 78 home & design