Since the lifespan of a typical residential roof is measured in decades, many homeowners are not aware of the cost of a modern roof replacement. As a local roofing contractor, we are often asked, “how much is a new roof in New Jersey?”
Because your roof is one of the essential parts of your home and should last many years, New Jersey homeowners need to find a reputable local roofer to complete the new roof. Some key elements to consider when you are researching roofing contractors include:
- Quality of materials they use
- Proper installation to manufacturers’ specifications
- A fair and reasonable price
What Influences the Cost of a New Roof?
Many factors influence the cost of a new roof in New Jersey, including:, the size and pitch of the roof, the number of protrusions, the type and quality of materials used, varying profit margins among contractors, and special warranties available.
When you begin to plan for a new roof and ask how much a new roof costs, a general rule-of-thumb for installing a new asphalt shingle roof is that about 40 percent of the cost is for materials and 60 percent is for labor.
Size of the Roof
The most significant factor in the cost of a new roof is size. Shingles are sold by the “square,” with each square covering about 100 square feet of roof. The more squares of shingles your roof requires, the higher the cost will be. Putting a new roof on a single-story hip and gable roof may require 15 to 20 squares, while a more complex roof replacement on a 5,000 square-foot multi-level home requires significantly more squares.
When a roofer provides a quote citing a “cost per square,” be sure that the quote includes all labor and materials, including shingles, nails, underlayment, ice/water shield, ridge vents and flashing. A quote for a new roof from a reputable roofing contractor will also include miscellaneous items like the cost of permitting and dumpster service for the waste.
Pitch of the Roof
If your roof has a steep pitch — the angle of the roof — there may be an additional cost. While a crew can climb up a low-pitched roof simply, there are special precautions that need to be considered for high pitches. To safely replace a high-pitched roof, the installers must use planks and roof jacks to create scaffolding and wear safety harnesses to prevent accidents. These additional precautions take additional time and labor, which increases the cost of a new roof.
Number of Roof Protrusions
Something many people don’t consider when they ask, “how much is a new roof?” is the number of protrusions on a roof. Does your roof have a chimney, skylights, or vents? Every protrusion adds to the amount of cutting and other detail work the contractor must do to install the shingles around these items properly. In addition to the labor, additional materials, such as flashing, vent boots, and caulk, are required to properly seal the areas around chimneys, skylights, vents, and other protrusions. These ensure a roof is leak-free and installed to manufacturers’ specifications.
Type of Materials
The kind of roof you choose will also be a significant impact on the cost of a new roof. While the least expensive roof usually uses traditional three-tab asphalt shingles, these three-tab shingles are being replaced by the thicker, more durable architectural shingles, also known as composite shingles. While there is some additional cost to using architectural shingles, they typically last longer, withstand the extremes of New Jersey weather, and come with more extended warranties, saving you money in the long run.
CRS uses high-quality architectural shingles on all our residential roofing projects.
As you plan for a new roof, be sure to confirm your home’s requirements. Sometimes, a homeowner must choose another type of roof due to architectural requirements or neighborhood and HOA restrictions. The different types of materials can dramatically increase the cost of a new roof. For example, cedar shake shingles may cost 50–80 percent more than traditional asphalt shingles. A galvanized metal roof can be twice as expensive or more than shingles. High-end zinc or copper roofs look great and are very long-lasting but drastically increase the cost, at more than seven times the cost of an asphalt shingle roof. A large part of the cost of a new roof varies based on the choice of materials.
Varying Profit Margins
Occasionally, two competing quotes for a new roof may differ, and we get asked where the difference comes from. Sometimes, these cost differences are attributed to the profit margins the contractors seek. A local roofing contractor committed to the community for the long term is motivated to deliver high-quality roof replacements at modest profit margins. On the other hand, an out-of-state roofing company may see your roof as a one-time opportunity and seek higher profit margins to make a quick buck.
Special Warranties
Typically, roofers who aren’t manufacturer certified are limited in the warranties they can offer. By contrast, a roofing company certified by a major roofing manufacturer like GAF or Owens Corning is authorized to offer superior warranties. The reason for this is clear — a manufacturer can count on their certified contractors to install their roofing materials to spec.
Roofers that are certified as Master Elite contractors are the only type of roofer authorized to offer special warranties at extra cost. For example, the Silver Pledge Warranty by GAF covers labor needed to resolve workmanship issues for ten years, while its Golden Pledge Warranty provides over 25 years of coverage.
While the initial cost for your new roof may be slightly higher, the peace of mind and protection a special warranty provides is well worth the additional cost.
Cost Recovery
Although a new roof is a significant investment, a homeowner should recognize that it is often possible to recoup some of the cost when the time comes to sell the home. Every year, Remodeling Magazine publishes its Cost vs. Value Report. For purposes of the study, New Jersey is included in the Middle Atlantic region. The 2021 study reveals that an average homeowner in our area recoups nearly 58 percent of the cost of a roof replacement when the home is sold.
Which would you rather buy, a home that just had a new roof installed, or one where you’ll need to install a new roof in a few years? A new roof can be the difference between a house selling quickly or being stuck on the market for months.
How Much is a New Roof?
As you can see, the cost of a new roof can vary based on a number of factors. A reputable, local roofing contractor will explain how the various elements of their estimate affect the price, warranties offered by the manufacturers that may be available, and any special considerations for your home. Check out this handy guide for a rough estimate of how much a new roof will cost.
Contact the Team at CRS Today
At CRS, we understand that when you ask the question, “How much is a new roof?” you want a straightforward answer.
After more than 40 years in the business, we have an established reputation for installing high-quality roofing products professionally, at reasonable prices. To this day, much of our residential business comes from referrals. We understand that a satisfied customer is the key to our success.
To get your complimentary quote for a new roof, request a consultation. When you receive your estimate, we’ll take the time to explain the costs involved clearly and to answer any questions you may have.
