Question 1

How much does a new roof cost in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

For most New Jersey single-family homes, a full-tear-off asphalt shingle replacement runs about $9,000 to $22,000 — roughly $5.50 to $9 per square foot installed, or $550 to $900 per roofing square (100 sq ft). A typical 1,700–2,000 sq ft roof lands around $10,000–$16,000. Designer shingles, metal, steep or cut-up roofs, and decking replacement push the number higher. We quote every line item in writing.

Question 2

What does roof repair cost?

Accepted Answer

Most asphalt shingle repairs in NJ run $300 to $1,500 — a cracked pipe boot, failed flashing, or a handful of wind-blown shingles. Emergency tarping and harder-to-reach or multi-spot repairs cost more. We tell you up front whether a repair is worth it or whether you're throwing money at a roof that's already at end of life.

Question 3

Why are roof replacement quotes so different?

Accepted Answer

Because not every quote includes the same work. A cheap quote often skips ice-and-water shield, uses staples instead of capped nails, overlays instead of tearing off, or hides decking replacement as a surprise change order. Compare quotes line by line — tear-off vs. overlay, underlayment type, flashing, ventilation, warranty, and cleanup — not just the bottom number.

Question 4

Is a roof replacement tax-deductible or does it add home value?

Accepted Answer

A roof replacement on your primary residence generally isn't tax-deductible, but it does add resale value and protects every dollar of the home under it. A new roof also typically lowers your homeowners insurance premium — homeowners with a new roof pay meaningfully less than those with a 20-year-old roof.

Question 5

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

We can point you to roofing-specific financing options so a replacement doesn't have to be a single out-of-pocket hit. Ask us during your estimate and we'll walk through what's available alongside the written quote.

Question 6

How long does a roof last in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

An architectural asphalt shingle roof lasts about 22–30 years in NJ when it's installed correctly and the attic is properly ventilated; older 3-tab shingles give 15–20. Standing-seam metal lasts 40–70 years, and slate can last a century. Our freeze-thaw winters and humid summers are hard on roofs, so ventilation and flashing quality matter as much as the shingle itself.

Question 7

Should I repair or replace my roof?

Accepted Answer

Two rules of thumb: if the damaged area is under about 25% of the roof, repair usually wins; if repairs (current plus expected) would cost more than 50–60% of a new roof, replacement is the smarter money. Also weigh age and repair history — three or more repairs at different spots in 18 months on a 20+ year roof means it's telling you it's done.

Question 8

What are the signs I need a new roof?

Accepted Answer

Cup or curling shingles, bald spots where the granules have worn off (and lots of granules in the gutters), missing shingles across more than one slope, daylight or water stains in the attic, sagging, and repeated leaks. If your roof is 20+ years old and showing several of these, get an honest inspection before the next big storm.

Question 9

Can you just put new shingles over the old ones?

Accepted Answer

We don't, and you shouldn't. Overlaying hides decking damage, voids most manufacturer warranties, adds weight to your trusses, and only buys a few years. NJ code also limits roofs to two layers — and most homes we look at are already there. A full tear-off is the only honest way to know what's under the shingles.

Question 10

Does homeowners insurance cover a roof replacement?

Accepted Answer

Insurance covers sudden, accidental damage — wind, hail, a fallen tree — if it's documented and reported within your policy's window. It does not cover wear-and-tear, age, or neglect. If a storm damaged your roof, we'll inspect it free, document the scope with photos, and meet your adjuster on-site so the damage isn't under-counted.

Question 11

Will insurance cover a 20-year-old roof?

Accepted Answer

It's getting harder. Many NJ carriers now apply 10–15 year roof-age limits, may pay only actual cash value (depreciated) instead of replacement cost on older roofs, and some won't write new policies on roofs over 20 years. Replacing an aging roof often lowers your premium and protects your coverage.

Question 12

Do you handle the insurance claim for me?

Accepted Answer

We support it the right way: free inspection, a photo-documented scope, and we meet your adjuster on-site. You file and stay in control of your own claim. We will not ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits, and we never waive your deductible — that's illegal in NJ and puts you at risk.

Question 13

What should I do right after storm damage?

Accepted Answer

Stop the water first — if it's actively leaking, call us for a same-day tarp. Then photograph everything (roof, attic, ceiling stains, yard debris) before any repairs, save the storm date from a credible source, and open the claim with your carrier's claim line. Don't make permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen it.

Question 14

Do I need a permit to replace my roof in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Since March 2018, NJ's DCA reclassified a basic shingle re-roof on most one- and two-family homes as minor work that doesn't require a construction permit. A permit IS required if the job replaces roof sheathing/decking or touches rafters, trusses, or anything structural — and a few towns still apply the rules their own way. We handle whichever applies to your job.

Question 15

How long does a roof replacement take?

Accepted Answer

About 70% of the homes we replace are a one-day job — tear off and dry-in in the morning, shingle and clean up by evening. Larger roofs (25+ squares), complex cut-ups, or significant decking replacement run two to four days. We tell you which up front and schedule around the weather.

Question 16

Do I have to leave my house during the work?

Accepted Answer

No. The crew works entirely outside. The only thing that helps is moving cars out of the driveway so we have room for the dumpster and material drop. Most homeowners stay home and work through it.

Question 17

What's the best time of year to replace a roof in NJ?

Accepted Answer

Late spring through fall is ideal — moderate temperatures help shingles seal properly. That said, we replace roofs year-round; experienced crews hand-seal in cold weather, and a leaking roof shouldn't wait for perfect conditions. Booking in the off-season (late fall, winter) can also mean faster scheduling.

Question 18

Which is better — GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed?

Accepted Answer

All three are excellent, and we're a credentialed installer for each. GAF Timberline HDZ is the most-installed shingle in the country with easy color matching for future repairs; Owens Corning Duration's SureNail strip gives a strong wind rating; CertainTeed Landmark and the Presidential designer line are great for distinctive homes. The installer matters more than the brand — a credentialed install unlocks the enhanced warranty either way.

Question 19

What roofing warranty do I get?

Accepted Answer

Three layers: the manufacturer's materials warranty (25–50 years depending on the shingle line), the enhanced manufacturer system warranty we register on your behalf when we install a full system, and our own 10-year workmanship warranty, transferable once if you sell. All in writing.

Question 20

Should I get asphalt, metal, or a flat roof?

Accepted Answer

Asphalt architectural shingles are the best value for most pitched NJ homes. Standing-seam metal costs more but lasts 40–70 years and suits modern or estate homes. Flat or low-slope sections (porches, additions, and most Hudson County row houses and brownstones) need a membrane system — TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen — not shingles.

Question 21

Do metal roofs make noise in the rain?

Accepted Answer

Not on a finished home. The myth comes from uninsulated barns. A modern residential metal roof installed over proper underlayment and attic insulation is no louder than asphalt.

Question 22

Where is Zubar Roofing located and what areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We're based in Clifton, NJ and serve Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, and Morris counties — from Clifton, Passaic, and Paterson to Jersey City, Hackensack, Montclair, and Morristown. Most of our work is within about a 10-mile radius of the shop, with same-day leak response in our core area.

Question 23

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes — NJ Home Improvement Contractor #13VH14090300, registered with Dun & Bradstreet (D-U-N-S 14-393-9675), and carrying general liability and workers' compensation. We can have our carrier email you a certificate of insurance directly before any work starts. Always verify a contractor's NJ license at the Division of Consumer Affairs before you sign anything.

Question 24

How fast can you come out for a leak?

Accepted Answer

Active leak during a storm: same-day tarp in most of our service area. Non-active leak inspections: typically 3–5 business days. We're reachable 24/7 — call or text (973) 337-9001 and we'll triage it on the phone.

Question 25

Do you do free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every estimate is free and comes in writing, itemized, with no high-pressure pitch. We climb the roof, check the attic, and hand you photos of everything we find, even if you decide not to hire us.

Question 26

Are you a storm-chaser or a local company?

Accepted Answer

Local, full stop. We live and work in the towns we serve, we don't knock doors after storms, and we'll still be here for the warranty in ten years. Most of our work comes from repeat customers and neighbor referrals.

Roofing Questions, Answered Straight

Roofing Cost & Pricing

Repair vs. Replace & Roof Lifespan

Storm Damage & Insurance

Permits, Process & Timeline

Materials & Warranties

Working With Zubar Roofing

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