Terra Nova Roofing & ConstructionRoof Replacement & New Roofs in NJ: Questions to Settle Before You Sign
Tear-off or overlay, layers, decking, skylights, insurance, materials, timing. The decisions North Jersey homeowners make before signing for a new roof, answered by Terra Nova Roofing & Construction so you know what a good contract should say.
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Can you put a new roof over an old roof?
Code can allow a second layer over one sound layer in some cases, but Terra Nova Roofing & Construction never roofs over: every roof replacement in North Jersey is torn off to the deck, so rotted plywood is replaced and new ice & water barrier, synthetic underlayment and flashing go on solid wood. Most homes take 1–3 days. Free inspection with photos: call or text 973-200-1617.
Decisions before a new roof, at a glance
What Terra Nova's answer is on each decision:
| Decision | Terra Nova's answer |
|---|---|
| Overlay or tear-off? | Tear-off to the deck, every time |
| Rotted decking | Replaced where found; pricing explained in the written estimate |
| Underlayment | Synthetic underlayment on every replacement, ice & water barrier at eaves and valleys |
| Skylights | Reflashed or replaced during the roof job, your choice after inspection |
| Flashing & pipe boots | New at chimneys, walls, skylights and penetrations |
| Ventilation | Checked and balanced (ridge and soffit) as part of the job |
| Shingle roofs | 3-tab, architectural and designer asphalt shingles |
| Flat / low-slope roofs | EPDM, TPO and modified bitumen |
| Time on site | 1–3 days for most homes |
| Price | Exact, in writing, after a free inspection with photos |
Each question below links to the page that goes deeper. For the step-by-step build, see the roof replacement process; for general answers, roof replacement: your questions answered.
Should I tear off my old roof or go over it?
Tear it off: an overlay saves a day of labor but locks in whatever is wrong underneath, which is why Terra Nova only installs new roofs over a bare, repaired deck.
Why not just add a layer of shingles?
A second layer hides soft or rotted plywood, keeps old flashing and drip edge in place, adds weight to the framing and can show every bump of the old roof. New shingles also need a flat, solid base to seal and lie correctly. Full answer: new roof over an old roof.
How many layers can a roof have in NJ?
Layer limits come from the building code your town enforces. Many older North Jersey homes already have two layers, and we tell you at the inspection how many come off. Read layers of shingles in NJ.
Does tearing off more layers change the price?
Yes. Each layer adds labor and disposal weight, so a two-layer roof costs more to strip than a one-layer roof of the same size. It's listed in the estimate. See what a new roof costs in NJ.
Does insurance cover deck replacement on a roof?
It depends on your policy and the cause: when a covered event such as wind or a fallen tree damages the roof, the roof decking may be part of the claim, but decking that rotted from years of slow leaks is usually treated as wear; Terra Nova repairs and replaces roof decking either way and documents it with photos.
What is the roof deck?
The deck is the plywood or OSB sheathing nailed to the rafters that the whole roof is fastened to. If it's soft, nails don't hold and shingles fail early. See roof decking and plywood vs. OSB.
How do I know how much decking needs replacing?
Nobody knows exactly until the old roof is off. The estimate states how rotted decking is priced, and we photograph any bad sections before we replace them so you see what you're paying for. Read roof deck replacement.
Is a backyard deck covered the same way?
Wood decks are a different part of the policy; coverage again depends on the cause and your insurer. Terra Nova also builds decks, see decks.
Who replaces skylights near me during a new roof?
Terra Nova replaces and reflashes skylights as part of roof replacements across North Jersey, because the roof job is when the flashing around a skylight is already being rebuilt and the cleanest time to swap an older unit.
Should I replace my skylight with the new roof?
If it's older, foggy, cracked or has ever leaked, yes; replacing it later means cutting into a new roof. A sound skylight can stay and get new flashing. Read skylights during roof replacement and skylight replacement.
Will my chimney flashing be replaced?
Yes. Step and counter flashing at the chimney are rebuilt, and a wide chimney gets a cricket so water doesn't pool behind it. See chimney flashing.
What about vents and pipe boots?
Pipe boots and vent flashing are replaced, and attic ventilation is balanced with ridge and soffit venting so the new roof isn't cooked from below. See ridge vents during replacement.
Which roofing material should I choose?
For most North Jersey homes the choice is between architectural and designer asphalt shingles on pitched roofs and EPDM, TPO or modified bitumen on flat sections; Terra Nova installs all of these.
3-tab, architectural or designer shingles?
3-tab shingles are flat and simple, architectural shingles are thicker with a dimensional look, and designer shingles mimic slate or shake for a heavier, high-end look. The estimate shows the line you choose. See asphalt shingle roof replacement.
What goes on a flat roof?
EPDM rubber, TPO and modified bitumen are all good choices; drainage, foot traffic and how it ties into walls decide which fits. Compare: flat roof materials compared and flat roof replacement.
Do you install metal, slate or cedar roofs?
No. We repair metal roofs but don't install new ones, and we don't install slate, cedar or tile. If your house needs a specialist, we'll tell you honestly.
What should a roof replacement contract say?
A good contract spells out the tear-off, deck repair pricing, every layer of the new system, flashing, ventilation, cleanup and warranty registration, so nothing is left to argue about later.
What questions should I ask before replacing my roof?
Ask what comes off, how rotted wood is priced, where ice & water barrier goes, whether flashing is new, how ventilation is handled, who registers the manufacturer warranty and what the workmanship guarantee covers. List: questions to ask before replacing a roof.
Who registers the manufacturer warranty?
Terra Nova registers the manufacturer warranty where it applies, and every job carries our workmanship guarantee. Read roof replacement warranty guide.
Do I need a permit?
Your town's building department sets the rules. We know local permit requirements in the towns we serve and tell you what applies.
How long does a roof replacement take, and what happens each day?
Most residential roof replacements take 1–3 days; size, the number of layers, deck repairs and weather decide where in that range your roof lands.
What happens if it rains mid-job?
We watch the forecast and only open as much roof as we can dry in the same day. If weather moves in, the open area is covered with underlayment or tarps before we stop.
Do I need to be home?
Not the whole time. We go over the plan with you at the start and walk the finished roof with you at the end; we need driveway and outside access.
How do you clean up?
Daily cleanup, tarps over plantings, and a magnet sweep of the yard and driveway for nails, then a final walkthrough. Full process: roof replacement process.
How do I know it's time?
Leaks in more than one place, curling or bald shingles, granules in the gutters, soft spots and an aging roof are the main signs. See signs you need a roof replacement and repair vs. replacement.
Will insurance or financing pay for my new roof?
Insurance may pay when a sudden event such as wind or a fallen tree damaged the roof, but usually not for age and wear, and financing is available for larger projects with options and terms that depend on the project and approval.
Does homeowners insurance cover a roof replacement?
Sometimes, for covered storm damage; your policy and adjuster decide. We document damage with photos and measurements, help with paperwork and can meet the adjuster, and we never cover or waive deductibles. Read insurance and roof replacement and replacement after storm damage.
How does roof financing work?
Financing is available for larger projects such as a full replacement; the options and terms depend on the project and approval. See roof replacement financing.
Ready to plan yours? Start with roof replacement in New Jersey, find your county (Bergen, Passaic, Essex), or request a free estimate.
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Plan Your New Roof
We'll inspect the roof, photograph what we find and give you a written scope and exact price, so every decision above is settled before you sign.
What the estimate settles
- How many layers come off
- How rotted decking is handled
- Skylights, chimneys and vents
- Your shingle or flat roof system
- Timing, cleanup and warranty registration
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Most-Asked New Roof Questions
Can you put a new roof over an old roof?
Code may allow an overlay in limited cases, but Terra Nova always tears off to the deck. That's the only way to replace rotted wood and put new barrier, underlayment and flashing on a solid base.
Does insurance cover roof deck replacement?
It can when a covered event damaged the roof, but decking rotted by long-term leaks is usually treated as wear. Your policy and adjuster decide; we document what we find with photos.
Who replaces skylights near me?
Terra Nova Roofing & Construction replaces and reflashes skylights in Passaic, Bergen, Morris, Essex, Hudson and Union County, usually during a roof replacement.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most residential roof replacements take 1–3 days. Extra layers, deck repairs, a large roof or weather add time.
What happens if it rains during my roof replacement?
We only open what we can dry in the same day. If rain moves in, the open area is covered with underlayment or tarps before we stop.
Do I need to be home?
Not the whole time. We review the plan with you at the start and do a final walkthrough at the end.
What roofs do you install?
Asphalt shingle roofs (3-tab, architectural, designer) and flat roofs in EPDM, TPO and modified bitumen. We don't install metal, slate, cedar or tile.
How much does a new roof cost?
It depends on size, pitch, layers, decking, material, skylights, chimneys and ventilation. We give the exact price in writing after a free inspection.
What does your estimate include?
An on-site inspection, photos, a written scope covering tear-off, decking, underlayment, flashing, ventilation and cleanup, and the exact price.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, for larger projects. Options and terms depend on the project and approval.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Licensed & insured in New Jersey, NJ Lic. #13VH13824700.
¿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