Owning a home at the Jersey Shore offers a lifestyle unlike anywhere else. Ocean air, coastal views, and time spent with family and friends are what draw people to the Shore year after year. But the same environment that makes coastal living so appealing also places significantly greater demands on a home's exterior than a typical mainland property.

Many homeowners assume that roofing, siding, windows and doors perform the same regardless of location. In reality, homes near the coast are exposed to a harsher mix of elements—salt air, strong winds, intense sunlight and frequent storms—that can dramatically shorten the lifespan of exterior materials if they are not properly selected and installed.

That's why exterior work on a Shore home requires a different level of expertise.

"Shore homes simply take more abuse," says Matthew Kelly of Emmons Roofing & Siding. "If you treat a coastal home the same way you treat a mainland home, you're going to see problems much sooner."

Salt air is one of the most corrosive natural forces a home can face. Over time, it accelerates the deterioration of fasteners, flashing and other components that hold exterior systems together. Combined with high humidity, wind-driven rain and stronger UV exposure, these conditions can cause materials to fail far earlier than expected.

While a mainland home may go years without visible signs of wear, a Shore home often begins to show issues much sooner if it isn't properly protected. Roofing systems are subjected to higher wind loads, siding must withstand constant moisture and movement, and windows and doors must remain tightly sealed against air and water intrusion. Anyone who owns Shore home knows that anything made of any metal besides stainless steel corrodes instantly.

Material selection becomes critical in this environment. Products that perform well inland often struggle at the Shore, leading to premature failure and increased maintenance costs.

Emmons Roofing & Siding has been serving South Jersey and the Jersey Shore since 1989, and decades of experience have shaped a careful, performance-driven approach to exterior work. The company focuses on complete exterior systems backed by manufacturers known for durability in demanding conditions.

As an Owens Corning™ Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractor—a designation earned by fewer than 1% of roofing contractors nationwide—Emmons installs roofing systems designed to withstand high winds and long-term exposure to the elements. This status reflects strict requirements for workmanship, professionalism and customer service, while allowing homeowners access to enhanced manufacturer-backed warranties.

"The ability to offer an Owens Corning warranty on our workmanship really sets us apart from other roofing contractors" says Matthew. "[The company] actually inspects a percentage of our work annually to ensure our workmanship is being done to their exceptionally high standards—and Emmons passes the test every time. To my knowledge this is the only shingle manufacturer doing that. We believe in their product and they believe in us."

For siding, Emmons is recognized as a CertainTeed Siding Master Pro Contractor and is also certified by James Hardie. Fiber cement siding from James Hardie is widely used in coastal environments due to its resistance to moisture, salt air and temperature fluctuations, offering both protection and long-term curb appeal when properly installed.

Trim and decking are equally important on Shore homes, where inferior materials can quickly rot or warp. As an AZEK-certified contractor, Emmons installs high-performance trim and decking products engineered to resist moisture damage and deterioration—an important advantage in coastal conditions.

Windows and doors complete the home's exterior envelope and play a critical role in energy efficiency and weather protection. As a ProVia Certified installer, Emmons provides homeowners with access to fully customizable windows and doors designed to withstand wind, moisture and seasonal extremes, while improving comfort inside the home.

Even the best materials can fail if they are not installed correctly. Shore homes require specialized installation techniques that account for wind uplift, expansion and contraction, and water management.

"At the Shore, the details matter," says John Hering, director of operations at Emmons. "Fastening patterns, flashing details and how everything ties together may not be visible, but they determine how well a home performs over time."

Storm damage also isn't always obvious. After coastal storms, subtle issues—such as loosened fasteners or compromised flashing—can go unnoticed until they cause interior damage. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance are especially important for second homes that may sit unoccupied for long periods.

With local crews, two physical offices and a reputation built over more than three decades and tens of thousands of customers, Emmons Roofing & Siding has become a trusted name throughout South Jersey and the Jersey Shore. Homeowners know they're working with a company that understands coastal construction—and will be there long after the project is complete just in case.

At the Shore, exterior systems are more than cosmetic. They are the home's first and most important line of defense.

Owens Corning™ Platinum Preferred Contractor
"Only the top tier of roofing professionals earn Platinum status—reflecting superior workmanship, stability, and customer service."

James Hardie® Fiber Cement Siding
Engineered for durability, moisture resistance and long-term performance in coastal environments.

CertainTeed Siding Master Pro Contractor
Recognition earned through advanced training, installation excellence and consistent quality.

AZEK® Trim & Decking
Designed to resist rot, warping, and moisture—ideal for demanding coastal conditions.

ProVia Certified Installer
High-performance windows and doors engineered for energy efficiency, durability and weather resistance.

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 25, Issue 10 (Spring 2026)
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