Terra Nova Roofing & ConstructionQuestions to Ask Before Replacing a Roof in NJ
Two roof estimates can look alike and describe very different roofs. Use these questions to compare roofers on license, insurance, scope, materials, cleanup and warranty. Terra Nova Roofing & Construction answers every one of them in writing, with photos, before any work.
Licensed & insured • NJ Lic. #13VH13824700 • Locally owned in Garfield, NJ • Free written estimates with photos • Hablamos español
Have an estimate from someone else? Text it to 973-200-1617 and ask us what's missing.
- ✓ Same-day appointments often available
- ✓ Licensed & insured in NJ
- ✓ Homes & businesses
- ✓ English & Español
What questions should you ask before replacing a roof?
Before replacing a roof in NJ, ask the roofer for their New Jersey license number and proof of insurance, whether they tear off to the deck, how rotted wood is handled and priced, what underlayment, ice & water barrier, flashing and ventilation are included, how long the job takes, and what warranty applies. Terra Nova Roofing & Construction puts all of it in a free written estimate with photos. Call or text 973-200-1617.
The roof replacement checklist: 12 questions and good answers
Print this or keep it open when roofers visit. A good roofer answers every question clearly, and in writing where it matters.
| Ask | A good answer sounds like | How Terra Nova answers |
|---|---|---|
| Are you licensed in New Jersey? | A specific NJ license or registration number you can look up | NJ Lic. #13VH13824700 |
| Are you insured? | Liability and workers' coverage, with a certificate on request | Licensed & insured |
| Will you tear off the old roof? | Yes, down to the deck | Full tear-off to the deck on every replacement |
| How do you handle rotted decking? | Explained in writing before work starts | Spelled out in the written estimate |
| Where does ice & water barrier go? | Eaves, valleys and around penetrations | Eaves, valleys and penetrations |
| What underlayment do you use? | A named product over the rest of the deck | Synthetic underlayment |
| Is flashing new or reused? | New at chimneys, walls, skylights; new pipe boots | New flashing and pipe boots |
| What about ventilation? | Checked and balanced intake and exhaust | Soffit and ridge ventilation planned for the attic |
| How long will it take? | A clear estimate for your roof | Most homes 1–3 days |
| How do you clean up? | Daily cleanup and a nail sweep | Daily cleanup, magnet sweep, final walkthrough |
| What warranty applies? | Manufacturer warranty registered, plus workmanship coverage in writing | Manufacturer warranty registered where it applies; workmanship guarantee |
| Is the price exact? | One written number for a defined scope | Exact written price before any work |
Is the roofer licensed and insured in New Jersey?
Ask for the roofer's New Jersey license or registration number and a certificate of insurance; a legitimate contractor gives you both without hesitation. In New Jersey, home improvement contractors register with the state's Division of Consumer Affairs, and you can check a number before you sign.
Insurance matters because roofing is dangerous work. If an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, or a crew damages your house, you don't want that to become your problem. Ask for the certificate to be sent directly from the insurance company.
Terra Nova Roofing & Construction is locally owned in Garfield, NJ, licensed & insured, NJ Lic. #13VH13824700.
What should a written roof estimate include?
A written roof estimate should list every layer of the new roof, not just the shingle brand. Here's what to look for line by line:
Tear-off and disposal
How many layers come off, and that the dumpster and disposal are included.
Deck repairs
How rotted or soft plywood is handled and priced if found.
Ice & water barrier
Where it goes: eaves, valleys, around chimneys and other penetrations.
Underlayment and drip edge
Synthetic underlayment over the deck; drip edge at the eaves and rakes.
Flashing and pipe boots
New step and counter flashing at walls and chimneys, new pipe boots.
Ventilation
Ridge vent, soffit intake, or other vents, and how they'll balance.
Shingle line and color
The exact product, so you can compare apples to apples.
Photos and terms
Photos of the current roof, the exact price, deposit, schedule and warranty.
If something isn't written down, assume it isn't included. Ask. More detail: how to read a roofing estimate.
How do you compare two roof estimates?
Compare the scope first and the price second, because a lower number often means something was left out. Lay the estimates side by side and check:
- Tear-off vs. roof-over. One estimate may be installing over your old shingles. That's cheaper today and costs more later. See can you put a new roof over an old roof.
- Deck repair language. "As needed" with no explanation can become a large surprise.
- Flashing. Reusing old chimney flashing saves time and often leads to the first leak on a new roof.
- Ice & water barrier coverage. Eaves only, or eaves and valleys?
- Ventilation. A new roof on a poorly vented attic can still get ice dams and moisture.
- Gutters, soffit and fascia. Rotted fascia behind the gutters is common; ask whether the estimate addresses it.
For what changes the price between roofs, see how much does a new roof cost in New Jersey.
Questions to ask about materials
Ask what's going on the roof and why it suits your house, not just which brand. Useful questions:
- Which shingle line and color? Get the exact name so you can look it up.
- Does any section need a flat-roof system? Low-slope porches and additions need a membrane, not shingles; we install EPDM, TPO and modified bitumen. See flat roof replacement. Have a metal roof? See metal roof repair or replacement options.
- Is it installed to manufacturer specs? Nailing pattern, starter strips and ventilation all affect whether the manufacturer warranty applies.
- What if my roof needs a specialist? If you have slate, cedar or tile, we'll tell you honestly if your roof needs a specialist.
Red flags: storm chasers and pressure tactics
The biggest red flag is pressure: a roofer who wants a signature today, before you have a written estimate, is protecting their sale, not your house. Watch for:
- Door-knockers right after a storm, often with out-of-state plates.
- An offer to pay or waive your insurance deductible.
- A contract that lets them deal with your insurer on your behalf before you've seen a price.
- A large cash deposit before materials are ordered.
- Only a monthly payment quoted, no full price.
- No license number, no local address, no certificate of insurance.
- A "today only" price.
If storm damage is why you're replacing the roof, read roof replacement after storm damage first.
Questions to ask about the job itself
Ask how the days of the job will actually go: how long, what happens if it rains, and how your property is protected. What we tell homeowners:
- How long? Most residential roof replacements take 1–3 days.
- Do I need to be home? No. We need driveway access and an outlet, and we meet you at the start and for the final walkthrough.
- What if it rains? We open only what we can close that day and keep tarps ready.
- Where does the dumpster go? We plan it with you to protect the driveway and lawn.
- How do you protect landscaping? Tarps over plantings and against the house, with daily cleanup.
- Who do I talk to? You should have one contact for questions during the job. Hablamos español.
Day by day: the roof replacement process.
Questions to ask about warranty and after the job
Ask what's covered after the crew leaves and how you'd get a problem fixed; the answer should be in writing. Two kinds of coverage matter:
- Manufacturer warranty on the shingles and materials. Ask whether the roofer registers it for you; we register it where it applies.
- Workmanship guarantee on the installation itself. Every Terra Nova job carries our workmanship guarantee.
Also ask: will I get a final walkthrough, photos of the finished work and the paperwork for the warranty? Is the roofer local enough to come back? We're based in Garfield and work across Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, Hudson and Union County.
More roof replacement guides
What homeowners say about us
★★★★★ 5-star rated on Google
Get a Written Estimate You Can Compare
We'll inspect the roof and attic and give you a free written estimate with photos, the full scope and the exact price, so you can compare it line by line.
Homeowners call us to
- Get a second opinion on an estimate
- Check whether a roof can be repaired instead
- Compare tear-off vs. roof-over
- Ask about soffit, fascia and gutters
- Plan a replacement before winter
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
Questions Before Replacing a Roof
How many roof estimates should I get?
Two or three is usually enough to see the difference in scope and approach. Compare what's included before comparing price.
Can I get a roof estimate online?
You can text us photos for a first opinion, but an exact price needs an on-site inspection. Size, pitch, layers and deck condition all change the number.
Why are roof estimates so different?
Usually because the scope is different: tear-off vs. roof-over, reused vs. new flashing, ice & water barrier coverage and deck repair handling.
What does your estimate include?
Tear-off, deck repairs, underlayment, ice & water barrier, drip edge, flashing, pipe boots, ventilation, shingles, disposal and cleanup, with photos and the exact price.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most residential roof replacements take 1–3 days.
Do I need to be home during the job?
No. We need driveway access and an outlet; we meet you at the start and for the final walkthrough.
What happens if it rains mid-job?
We open only what we can close the same day and keep tarps on site, so the house is dried in before we stop.
Will insurance pay for my new roof?
It may, if a covered event like a storm damaged it. Your insurer decides. We document damage and can meet the adjuster.
Is financing available?
Yes, financing is available for larger projects like a roof replacement.
Do you replace soffit and fascia too?
Yes. We do soffit and fascia work and gutters, and we'll note rotted fascia in the estimate if we find it.
Do you install over the old roof to save money?
No. We tear off to the deck so we can repair the wood and install the barrier, underlayment and flashing properly.
¿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