Terra Nova Roofing & ConstructionMetal Roof Replacement in NJ: Repair, Replace or Switch to Shingles?
Your metal roof is leaking or looks tired. What now? Terra Nova Roofing & Construction repairs metal roofs across North Jersey — fasteners, seams, flashing and trim — and when a worn metal roof is past saving, we can tear it off and replace it with architectural asphalt shingles or, on low-slope sections, a flat-roof membrane. We don't install new metal roofs, and we'll tell you so honestly if a metal specialist is the right call for your house.
Licensed & insured • NJ Lic. #13VH13824700 • Locally owned in Garfield, NJ • Free written estimates with photos • Hablamos español
Text photos of your metal roof and any leak spots to 973-200-1617 for a free inspection.
- ✓ Same-day appointments often available
- ✓ Licensed & insured in NJ
- ✓ Homes & businesses
- ✓ English & Español
Should you repair or replace a metal roof in NJ?
Most metal roof problems in New Jersey — leaks at screws, seams and flashing — can be repaired, and Terra Nova Roofing & Construction repairs metal roofs from $650 for leak repair and $950 for a standard repair; when the panels themselves are rusted through or failing across the roof, we can tear it off and replace it with architectural asphalt shingles or a flat-roof membrane, and if you want a new metal roof we'll tell you honestly that you need a metal specialist. The inspection and written estimate with photos are free. NJ Lic. #13VH13824700. Call or text 973-200-1617.
What kind of metal roof do you have?
Metal roofs in North Jersey are usually one of two types, and knowing which one you have tells you a lot about where it leaks:
- Exposed-fastener panels (corrugated or ribbed) are screwed through the face of the panel with rubber-washered screws. They show up on porches, garages, sheds, additions and some older homes. Every screw is a possible leak point as the washers age.
- Standing seam panels are joined at raised seams with the fasteners hidden underneath. They leak less often, and when they do it's usually at the seams, the ends of the panels or the flashing around chimneys, walls and vents.
Either way, a metal roof is only as watertight as its details: the trim at the edges, the flashing where the roof meets a wall, the pipe boots and the ridge. Those are the places we look first. General background on the material: metal roofing in New Jersey.
Signs your metal roof needs work
A metal roof usually tells you when it needs attention. These are the problems we see most on North Jersey homes:
Loose or backed-out screws
Fasteners work loose as panels expand and contract, and the rubber washers dry out and crack. Water follows the screw into the deck.
Open seams and laps
Where panels overlap or meet at a seam, old sealant fails and wind-driven rain gets in.
Failed flashing
Chimneys, sidewalls and skylights are common leak spots when the flashing is loose, rusted or only sealed with caulk.
Rust
Surface rust can often be dealt with; rust that has eaten holes through panels or trim usually means those parts are done.
Stains inside
Ceiling stains, damp insulation or drips in the attic under a metal section mean water is already getting past the panels.
Storm damage
Lifted panels, bent trim or dents from hail and falling limbs. See metal roof hail damage.
If water is coming in now, we provide emergency leak response with a temporary dry-in; emergency roof leak service starts from $1,500. See emergency roof repair.
Terra Nova's metal roof repair
Terra Nova repairs metal roofs on homes, porches, additions and garages across Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, Hudson and Union County. Roof leak repair starts from $650 and a standard roof repair from $950; rotted decking or hidden damage found once we open the area is extra, and we show you photos before doing it. Typical metal roof repairs:
- Fastener leaks. Replacing worn or stripped screws and failed washers, and sealing the holes they leave.
- Seam and lap leaks. Cleaning and resealing open laps and seams, and securing panels that have lifted.
- Flashing. Re-flashing chimneys, walls and skylights instead of smearing more caulk over the old joint.
- Trim and edges. Repairing or replacing loose ridge, rake and eave trim so wind can't get under it.
- Pipe boots and vents. Replacing cracked boots and resealing penetrations through the panels.
You get a written estimate with photos and the exact price before any work. More: metal roof repair and roof leak repair.
Repair or replace: how we decide on a metal roof
The question is whether the problem is in a few details or in the panels themselves. Here's how we sort it out at the inspection:
| What we find | What it usually means | Our recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Leaks at a few screws, one seam or one flashing | The panels are sound; the details have worn | Repair — from $650 for leak repair |
| Loose trim, a cracked pipe boot, a lifted panel | Localized wear or storm damage | Standard repair — from $950 |
| Surface rust on otherwise solid panels | Aging, but not failing yet | Repair the leaks and keep an eye on it |
| Rust holes across many panels, leaks all over | The metal itself is at the end of its life | Replacement — usually with architectural shingles |
| Rotted deck under large areas of the roof | Water has been getting in for a long time | Tear-off, deck repairs and a new roof |
| Low-slope section that has never drained well | Wrong roof for the slope | Replace with a flat-roof membrane |
If a repair will hold, we'll tell you — we don't push replacement on a roof that doesn't need it. More: repair vs. roof replacement.
When does replacing a metal roof with shingles or a membrane make sense?
When a worn metal roof needs replacing, many North Jersey homeowners choose to go to architectural asphalt shingles or, on low-slope sections, a flat-roof membrane. It makes sense when:
- The pitch suits shingles. Most pitched house roofs take architectural shingles well, and they match the rest of the neighbourhood.
- You want simpler repairs later. Shingle repairs are straightforward, and the parts are easy to get.
- The roof is cut up. Dormers, valleys and chimneys are easier to detail with shingles and step flashing.
- The section is nearly flat. Low-slope porches, additions and garages are better with a sealed membrane; we install EPDM, TPO and modified bitumen and recommend the one that fits the roof.
- Budget matters. An architectural shingle roof generally costs less up front than a new metal roof.
Options: asphalt shingle roof replacement and flat roof replacement.
How Terra Nova replaces a metal roof with shingles
Switching from metal to shingles is a full tear-off, never a cover-up. The steps:
Remove the metal
Panels, trim and old flashing come off and are hauled away, along with any old layers underneath.
Inspect and repair the deck
Shingles need a solid, continuous deck. Rotted wood is replaced, and older roofs on spaced boards may need new sheathing; we show you photos first.
Ice & water barrier
At the eaves, valleys and around chimneys, skylights and pipes.
Synthetic underlayment
Across the rest of the deck — standard on every replacement we do.
Drip edge and flashing
New drip edge at the eaves and rakes, new step and counter flashing at walls and chimneys, and new pipe boots.
Ventilation
Balanced intake and exhaust, such as soffit and ridge vents, so the new shingles last.
Shingles, cleanup and walkthrough
Shingles installed to manufacturer specs, daily cleanup with a magnet sweep, and a final walkthrough with you.
Most residential roof replacements take 1–3 days. Full detail: roof replacement process.
Want a new metal roof? Here's our honest answer
Terra Nova does not install new metal roofs. Standing seam and other new metal systems are specialty work with their own tools, panel forming and trim, and we'd rather tell you that up front than take on a job outside what we do every day.
What we can do:
- Inspect your current roof and tell you honestly whether it can be repaired, whether shingles or a membrane would suit the house, or whether a metal specialist fits what you want.
- Repair the metal roof you have so it keeps the water out while you decide.
- Handle the rest of the house — gutters, soffit and fascia, skylights, siding and attic ventilation.
Reading up on metal before you decide? See standing seam metal roofing.
What changes the price of metal roof repair or replacement?
Metal roof leak repair starts from $650 and a standard repair from $950. For a replacement with shingles or a membrane, the price depends on the roof, so the free inspection gives you an exact written price before any work. What moves it:
- Size in squares (100 square feet of roof each) and the number of roof planes.
- Pitch and height, which decide staging and safety setup.
- What's under the metal. Old layers, spaced boards that need sheathing, or rotted decking.
- Chimneys, walls and skylights that need new flashing.
- New material. 3-tab, architectural or designer shingles, or EPDM, TPO or modified bitumen on low-slope sections.
- Ventilation and gutters added to the plan.
More on pricing: how much a new roof costs in New Jersey. Financing is available for larger projects; options and terms depend on the project and approval — ask us and we'll explain what's available when we give your written estimate. See roof replacement financing.
What homeowners say about us
★★★★★ 5-star rated on Google
Get a Free Metal Roof Inspection
We'll inspect the roof, photograph the problem spots and tell you honestly whether to repair it, replace it with shingles or a membrane, or call a metal specialist — with the exact price in writing.
Why homeowners call us about metal roofs
- Leaking screws or seams
- Rust on an old porch or garage roof
- Flashing leaks at a chimney or wall
- A worn metal roof they want to switch to shingles
- Storm damage to panels or trim
Request your free estimate
Fill this out and a member of our team will follow up within one business day.
✓ No-obligation quote · ✓ Licensed & insured · ✓ Your info is never shared
Metal Roof Questions
Do you install new metal roofs?
No. We repair metal roofs, and we replace worn metal roofs with architectural asphalt shingles or a flat-roof membrane. If you want a new metal roof, we'll tell you honestly that you need a metal specialist.
Can you fix a leaking metal roof?
Yes. Most metal roof leaks come from fasteners, seams or flashing and can be repaired. Roof leak repair starts from $650 and a standard repair from $950.
Why does my metal roof leak at the screws?
The rubber washers on exposed-fastener panels dry out and crack, and screws back out as the metal expands and contracts. Replacing the fasteners and sealing the holes usually stops it.
Is a rusty metal roof worth repairing?
Often, if the rust is on the surface and the panels are still solid. If rust has eaten holes across many panels, replacement is usually the better money.
Can you replace my metal roof with shingles?
Yes, on roofs with enough pitch. We tear the metal off to the deck, repair the wood, add ice & water barrier, synthetic underlayment, new flashing and ventilation, and install architectural shingles.
What about a low-slope metal roof on a porch or addition?
Very low slopes are better with a flat-roof membrane. We install EPDM, TPO and modified bitumen and recommend the one that fits the roof.
Will you put shingles over the old metal?
No. We never put a new roof over an old one. Every replacement is a full tear-off to the deck so we can check and repair the wood.
How long does it take to replace a metal roof with shingles?
Most residential roof replacements take 1–3 days. Extra deck repairs or new sheathing over spaced boards can add time.
Will insurance pay for a damaged metal roof?
It may, if a covered event like wind or a fallen tree caused the damage; your policy and insurer decide. We document the damage, help with paperwork and can meet the adjuster. See insurance and roof replacement.
What does your estimate include?
Photos of the roof and every problem spot, our recommendation — repair, replacement or a specialist — the scope in writing and the exact price, with deck repairs shown separately.
¿Hablan español?
Sí, hablamos español. Llame o mande texto al 973-200-1617.
Updated November 2026 by the Terra Nova Roofing & Construction team, Garfield, NJ • NJ Lic. #13VH13824700