How to Choose a Roofing Company in New Jersey

Choosing a roofing company in New Jersey comes down to a few checks that take less than an hour and save a lot of trouble: confirm the contractor is registered with the state, understand whether your job needs a permit, and compare quotes line by line. New Jersey's older housing stock and its mix of nor'easters, freeze-thaw winters and humid summers mean the details of a roof replacement matter more than the brand of shingle on the estimate.

Confirm State Registration

New Jersey requires home improvement contractors, including roofers, to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Before you request a quote, look the company up in the Division's online registration search to confirm the registration is active. The registration number should appear on the written contract, and the name on the contract should match the registered business.

Know the Permit Rules

For a detached single-family or two-family house, replacing the roof covering is ordinary maintenance under New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7) and does not need a construction permit. Townhouses, twins and row houses, buildings with three or more units, jobs that change the roof framing, and homes in some historic districts are different. A contractor should be able to tell you clearly which group your house is in. Be wary of one who charges a permit fee on a detached house without explaining what is being filed and where.

Look for Experience With Older Homes

Much of North and Central Jersey's housing was built before 1970, often with original sheathing, limited attic ventilation and, in many cases, two or three layers of shingles. Ask how the contractor handles a multi-layer tear-off, what they do if they find soft decking, and how they ventilate the attic. A good answer covers ice-and-water shield at the eaves and valleys, balanced soffit and ridge ventilation, and a decking allowance written into the estimate.

Compare Itemized Quotes

Ask for proposals that separate tear-off, disposal, decking, underlayment, flashing, ventilation and shingles. A typical asphalt shingle roof replacement in New Jersey runs about $8,000 to $15,000 depending on size, pitch and the number of layers. When you compare three bids, look for what is missing, not just the total: a lower quote that leaves out ice-and-water shield, new drip edge or a decking allowance is not really cheaper. If your gutters also need work, ask whether gutter installation or gutter guards can be done in the same project.

Check Past Work and the Written Warranty

Ask for the addresses of a few recent roof replacements so you can look at the ridge lines, valleys and flashing yourself. Read the warranty terms in writing: what the manufacturer covers, what workmanship is covered, for how long, and who you call if a problem appears after the first winter. Specific written terms are worth more than a verbal promise.

For more planning detail, see New Roof Cost in New Jersey and Roof Repair or Roof Replacement? Signs Your New Jersey Roof Is Done.

To schedule a free roof inspection and written estimate, call Colonial Roof Service at (877) 298-2340.