How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof in New Jersey?

Reviewed by Cameron Bates remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever – and that includes your home's roof. Whether it’s due to the volatile New Jersey weather or your roof is simply reaching the end of its lifespan, a roof replacement might not be far away.

If you’re noticing leaks, granules in your gutter, or broken and missing shingles, it’s time to start considering a roof replacement. Leaving these problems and hoping they will miraculously fix themselves will only make things worse and usually more expensive.

Keep reading to discover everything involved with getting a roof replacement in New Jersey, including what will affect the price and how you can save.

Average cost of a roof replacement in NJ

On average, it costs between $8,500 and $17,000 to replace a roof in New Jersey, with most homeowners spending around $13,500 to replace a 1,700 sq. ft. gable roof with architectural shingles. This cost will vary depending on your choice of material, the square footage of the roof, the pitch and shape of your roof, and the labor costs in your area.

It is important to note that these figures and the rest you will find in this guide are estimated costs of a roof replacement in New Jersey. To get an exact figure for your roof replacement, you should request a quote from two to three local roofing contractors who can inspect your home in person.

Factors that affect the cost of a new roof in NJ

Roofing material

Your choice of material for your roof will be far and away the biggest influence on the cost of a roof replacement. Several roofing materials are commonly used in New Jersey, from the standard and affordable asphalt shingle to the more expensive clay or slate tile.

Unlike many other states, flat roofs are fairly common in New Jersey due to their simple installation and low upkeep. With flat roofs, materials such as vinyl, bitumen, and rubber are better suited and regularly used.

Each material has a different set of installation costs for roof replacements. Some materials are more costly than others, while some have higher labor costs. Below are the average costs for a roof replacement per square foot for each material in New Jersey and the U.S.

Size of your roof

The bigger your roof, the more materials are used, the longer it takes to install, and the higher the overall cost. So, if you’re replacing a larger-than-average roof, you should expect to pay an above-average price.

In New Jersey, residential roofs can range between 1,000 to 4,000 square feet, with the average roof size being around 1,700 sq ft. To work out the cost of a roof replacement based on the size of your roof, all you need to do is take the cost per square foot (installed) of the material of your choice and multiply it by the square footage of your roof.

The pitch of your roof

While it may not be as big a contributing factor, the pitch of your roof will still impact the overall project cost. This is due to the roof pitch influencing both the materials you can use and the installation cost.

The pitch or slope of a roof refers to the angle of the roof and is usually presented as the inches of vertical rise over 12 inches of horizontal run. A flat roof is anything from 0/12 to 2/12, a conventional pitched roof is 4/12 and 7/12, and a steep roof is anything over 8/12.

In New Jersey, most homes have either flat or conventionally sloped roofs, but you can also find some low and steep sloped roofs. The cost of flat roof repairs is typically lowest.

The shape of your roof

The shape and style of your roof, while a smaller factor than the size or material, will impact the replacement cost. Each roof style will have varying installation considerations and costs, with some changing pitch and others having multiple protrusions. Certain roof shapes are also more compatible with certain materials, which can vary the cost.

There are several different roof types that are common in New Jersey, with some of the most popular being hipped roofs, and gable roofs, including cross and Dutch gables. However, dormer roofs, mansards, and flat roofs are also fairly common.

The more protrusions, valleys, and other complexities, the higher your total cost. Below are the average costs per square foot in New Jersey and the U.S. based on the most common shapes.

Removing old roofing vs. roofing over in NJ

Some materials, including asphalt, architectural shingles, and metal roofing, can be installed over a single layer of existing asphalt shingles. This is known as a “roof over”, and while uncommon in New Jersey, it can be a viable option.

Many homeowners opt for a roof over as it eliminates the cost of tearing off and disposing of your existing roof. On average, homeowners spend about $1 per square foot to remove their old roofs, plus an additional disposal cost.

While a roof over can save you money in the short term, there are some considerations and drawbacks. First, you can only roof over once. After that, you need to remove both layers of roofing, increasing the project cost. You will also be unable to inspect the roof deck in a roof over, which could allow issues such as mold or wood rot to go unattended. For that reason, roof overs are not often recommended for New Jersey homes; instead, a full tear-off and replacement is preferred.

New Jersey roof replacement pricing tiers

Replacing your roof on a low budget in NJ

If you’re in desperate need of a roof replacement but are struggling to come up with a large amount of funds, there are a few ways to keep the costs to a minimum.

Our first recommendation for a budget-friendly roof replacement is to opt for one of the more affordable roofing materials. In New Jersey, this would mean going with asphalt or architectural shingles.

Another way that you can save money on a roof replacement is by trying your hand at some DIY. Removing and disposing of the old roof is a job that most homeowners can manage just fine with a little research and a few safety precautions. As for the roof installation, we recommend you leave that part to the professionals in order to comply with building codes and maintain your warranties.

Finally, if you’re trying to achieve a roof replacement on a tight budget, don’t settle on the first contractor you find. Contractors will all have slightly different offerings and costs. Try contacting at least three local contractors to find the best deal available. 

Mid-range roof replacement in NJ

With a little bit more room in your roof replacement budget, you will have more flexibility in your choices. For a mid-range roof replacement, you can choose between several different materials, including architectural shingles, cedar, and metal. These materials range from very affordable to more high-end and provide different aesthetics for your New Jersey home.

A mid-range roof replacement will also mean that you can avoid those DIY jobs or find other ways to cut costs. Instead, you can leave everything from removing and disposing of the old roof to installing and inspecting the new one to those who do it for a living.

Top-tier roof replacement in NJ

With this roof replacement, the sole concern is to get the best new roof possible, regardless of the price. It usually means opting for high-end roofing materials like clay or slate tiles. While expensive, these materials provide an elegant appearance and unrivaled longevity. Remember that these materials are much heavier than others and may require additional reinforcement and support.

Along with your choice of material, a high-end roof replacement will allow you to be far more selective with your roofing contractor. You will not need to go with the cheapest and easiest option and can instead hold out for the contractor with the best reputation and quality of service, regardless of the price.

3 ways to finance a new roof in New Jersey

Home equity loan

If you do not have the funds for a roof replacement, using a fixed-rate home equity loan might be your next best option. Home equity loans allow homeowners to borrow against the equity they have built up in their homes.

Your home equity is the difference between the perceived market value of your home and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. In most cases, if you have over 15% equity in your home, you could be eligible for a home equity loan.

But while a home equity loan often provides low fixed interest rates, they will typically use your home as collateral. If you cannot repay your loan, you could lose your house. Therefore, taking out a home equity loan is a little riskier than other financing options.

Insurance claim

Whether or not you can use an insurance policy to pay for your new roof will mostly depend on why your roof needs replacing.

If you want to replace your roof due to its deteriorating condition over the years, then it will be virtually impossible to finance through an insurance policy. However, if your roof was damaged by a weather-related event such as a hurricane or hail storm, you may have more success making an insurance claim.

If you are in this situation and a weather-related event damages your roof, you should contact your insurance company immediately.

Personal loans

You may also be able to pay for your new roof with a personal loan. To get a personal loan, you have the option of going directly to one of the many lenders offering loans or through certain roofing contractors who will offer financing options.

It is important to note that while a personal loan can be a great financing option for many homeowners, not everyone will get through the application process. When applying for a personal loan, the lender will look thoroughly into your financial situation and will make their decision accordingly.

If you choose to finance your roof replacement with a personal loan, do your research. Before getting any personal loan, you should review all the terms of the loan, including the interest rate, loan length, and monthly payments. This will ensure you do not get stuck in a dangerous or predatory loan.

Other factors to consider

Redeck a roof

If you decide to replace your current roof with a heavier material, such as tile or slate, you will likely need to redeck your roof during the process. A redeck can dramatically increase your project cost but will ensure that your roof has the strength to hold the weight of the materials.

The cost to redeck varies depending on several factors, including if you have to redeck all or a portion of your roof. Roof decking panels typically cost between $0.43 and $1.80 per square foot for the materials, plus an additional $1 and $3 per square foot for labor.

Inspection cost in NJ

It is strongly recommended that you have a professional conduct a roof inspection every 3 to 5 years, regardless of the condition of your roof. Having your roof inspected can help to catch problems before they lead to more costly roof repairs and ensure that you are living under a safe roof.

In New Jersey, getting your roof inspected by a qualified professional will cost you between $400 and $1,000. This expense is well worth it when you think of what it could save you in the future.

Permits in NJ

Unlike many other states, permits are not required in New Jersey for roofing or siding jobs. This means that you will not need a permit for most roof replacements. However, it is still important to speak to your local municipality for more information to ensure none of the jobs being done require one.

Contractor licensing

When you are searching for a roofing contractor, it is important that you ensure they are licensed and insured in New Jersey. Making sure that your roofer has the proper licensing will not only protect you and your home but will also protect those working on your roof.

Replacing your roof in New Jersey

If you are concerned with the condition of your roof and think you may be in need of a roof replacement, the best thing to do is to get an inspection. Having a professional come and inspect your roof can provide you insight into the current state of your roof and what the steps are moving forward.

Once you have found out that you need a roof replacement, we suggest you get in touch with at least three local roofing contractors and request a quote. Roofing contractors can specialize in particular roof types and materials, so it’s important to talk with a few contractors to find one that will suit your needs.