Roof Replacement in New Jersey — Full Tear-Off New Roofs for North Jersey Homes

What does a full roof replacement include?

A full roof replacement removes everything down to the wood deck and rebuilds the roof as a system, because a roof leaks at its weakest layer, not its newest one. Here is what that means on a Terra Nova job, and why each step is there:

1. Protect the house and yard. Tarps over landscaping and a dumpster placed so debris goes straight in.
2. Tear off to the deck. All old shingles, felt and worn flashing come off. Only with the deck bare can anyone see soft, delaminated or rotted wood.
3. Repair the deck. Damaged plywood or boards are cut out and replaced so the new nails have solid wood to hold. See roof deck rot repair.
4. Drip edge. Metal edging at the eaves and rakes steers water into the gutter and keeps it off the fascia boards.
5. Ice & water barrier. A self-sealing membrane at the eaves, in the valleys and around chimneys and skylights — the places where ice dams and wind-driven rain push water uphill. See ice and water shield.
6. Synthetic underlayment. A water-shedding layer across the rest of the deck: the backup if a shingle is ever lost in a storm.
7. Flashing and pipe boots. New step and counter flashing where the roof meets walls and chimneys, new skylight flashing, new boots on plumbing vents. Most leaks start here, so reusing tired metal is a false saving.
8. Ventilation. Soffit intake and ridge exhaust balanced for the attic. A hot, damp attic ages shingles from below and feeds ice dams in winter.
9. Shingles and ridge cap. Installed to the manufacturer's nailing and exposure specs, which is what keeps the manufacturer warranty valid.
10. Cleanup and walkthrough. Daily cleanup, a magnet sweep of the driveway, lawn and beds for nails, then a final walkthrough with you and the manufacturer warranty registered where it applies.

How much does a roof replacement cost in New Jersey?

The cost of a roof replacement in New Jersey depends on the roof itself, so Terra Nova gives an exact written price after a free inspection instead of a guess over the phone. These are the things that move the number:

• Size, measured in squares (100 square feet of roof each).
• Pitch and height — steep or tall roofs need more staging, safety gear and time.
• Layers to tear off — two layers means twice the debris and disposal.
• Deck repairs — how much wood turns out to be rotted once the old roof is off.
• Material — shingle line or a flat-roof membrane.
• Details — chimneys, skylights, dormers, valleys and walls that all need flashing.
• Ventilation — whether ridge vent, soffit intake or attic fans need to be added.
• Access — driveway space for the dumpster, tight lots, attached homes.

Deep dive: how much does a new roof cost in New Jersey and how to compare roofing proposals.

How long does a roof replacement take, and what is the day like?

Most residential roof replacements take 1–3 days; a small ranch or cape can finish on the first day, while a large colonial with dormers, skylights and a flat section takes longer. A typical job runs like this:

• Day one: protect the yard, place the dumpster and tear off one section at a time.
• As each section is opened: deck repairs, drip edge, ice & water barrier and underlayment go on the same day, so the house is never left open overnight.
• Last: ridge cap and ridge vent, cleanup, magnet sweep and the walkthrough.

You don't have to be home, but you should expect noise and keep cars out of the driveway. If rain is forecast we don't open more roof than we can dry in, and anything open is covered before the crew leaves. Roofs can be replaced in winter on suitable days — see can you replace a roof in winter?.