Roof Replacement in Newark, NJ

A roof stripped to its worn wooden deck during a tear-off, with old shingles still on the next section

What Roof Replacement Means

Roof replacement means removing the old roof down to the deck, repairing the deck where it's damaged, and installing a complete new system: underlayment, the roofing itself, new flashing and new edge metal. On Newark's pitched roofs that's usually architectural asphalt shingles. On flat and low-slope roofs it's a membrane such as EPDM, TPO or modified bitumen; those are covered on flat roofs. On slate, a full replacement is rare, and slate repair is usually the better path.

Signs a Roof Is Near the End

Age. Asphalt shingles commonly last around 20 to 30 years, and less on roofs that bake in the sun or drain poorly.
Widespread wear. Curling, cracking or bald shingles across the roof, not just one area.
Repeat leaks. New leaks in different places, season after season.
A soft deck. Spots that flex when the roofer walks them, or sagging between rafters.
Layers. Two roofs already on the building means the next one has to be a tear-off.
Granules in the gutters. Heavy, sand-like grit washing out of the downspouts.

No single sign settles it. A roofer looks at all of them together.

Tear-Off or Overlay?

An overlay puts new shingles over the old layer. It's quicker and produces less waste, but it hides the deck, adds weight and can shorten the new roof's life. Building codes generally don't allow a new layer over two existing ones, so many older Newark roofs, which have already been covered once, have to be torn off. Most roofers recommend a full tear-off anyway: it's the only way to see and fix the deck, and it gives the new underlayment and flashing a clean start.

What a Replacement Involves

The permit question. Detached one- and two-family homes generally don't need a permit to replace roof coverings under New Jersey's rules; attached homes and three-family and larger buildings generally do. The contractor confirms with the city.
Protection. Tarps over landscaping, a dumpster in the driveway or street, and the gutters protected or removed.
Tear-off. The old roofing comes off down to the deck.
Deck repair. Rotted or soft boards and sheathing are replaced.
Underlayment and ice barrier. A water-resistant layer goes down, with ice-and-water membrane at the eaves and valleys.
New roofing. Shingles or membrane, installed to the manufacturer's instructions.
Flashing and ventilation. New flashing at walls and chimneys, new pipe boots, and attic ventilation checked.
Cleanup. Nails swept from the yard and driveway, debris hauled away.

On an occupied two- or three-family, give tenants notice. The work is loud, and access to the top floor or the hatch may be needed.

Wondering if it's repair or replace?

Find out what the roof needs: (973) 528-8938.

Call (973) 528-8938

What Moves the Price

Replacement prices vary a lot from house to house, and they're set by the contractor after looking at the roof. The main factors are the roof's size and steepness, how many layers come off, how much deck needs replacing, the material chosen, the amount of flashing and detail work (chimneys, dormers, skylights, parapets), access, and whether a permit and inspections are involved. More: what goes into a roof replacement price.

Permits for Newark Roofs

Since March 2018, New Jersey has treated repairing or replacing the roof covering on a detached one- or two-family home as ordinary maintenance, which doesn't need a construction permit. That doesn't apply to attached homes such as rowhouses and townhouses, to buildings with three or more units, or to work that replaces the deck or changes the structure; those generally need a permit from the city's construction office. Code requirements apply either way. The contractor should tell you which applies to your building and who's pulling the permit. Details: roof work and permits in Newark.

How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?

The roofing itself on a typical house is often a day or a few days of work, once it's scheduled. Weather, deck repairs, a large or steep roof, and permit inspections can stretch it out. The contractor schedules it with you.

Choosing a Shingle

Most pitched roofs in Newark get architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles. They're thicker than the older flat "three-tab" style, hold up better to wind and look better from the street. Color and style are your choice. Ask the contractor what underlayment, ice barrier and ventilation come with the system, because those decide how well the roof performs as much as the shingle does. For older homes in historic areas, ask whether the material has to match the original.

Two Roofs on One House

Many Newark two- and three-family houses have two roofs in one: a flat or low-slope main roof and a shingled mansard on the front. When it's time to replace, the two are often handled together, with a membrane on top and shingles on the mansard, tied in at the joint. Sometimes only one needs replacing. Ask the roofer to explain each part separately, so you know what's being replaced and why.

Living Through a Replacement

Tear-off is loud and shakes the house, and it can loosen dust from old ceilings, especially on the top floor. Move fragile things off top-floor shelves and walls, cover belongings in the attic, keep children and pets indoors and away from the work area, and park away from the dumpster and the drip line. Roofers normally close the roof at the end of each day. If rain is forecast, ask what happens.

Roof Replacement Around Newark

North

West

South

Downtown

Essex

Hudson

Union

Main page: roofing in Newark, NJ.

When It's Time for a New Roof