Roofing FAQ

For active leaks and storm damage, many local roofers can come the same day or next day. Call and we'll connect you with a roofer who can help as quickly as possible.

No. Calling is free and quotes are free with no obligation. You only pay the roofer if you choose to go ahead with the work.

If the roof is under about 15 years old and the damage is in one area, a repair is usually the right call. If it's 20+ years old with problems in several places, replacement often saves money over time. A roofer can show you photos and explain both options.

Ask any contractor for their New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor registration number and proof of insurance before work begins. A reputable roofer will provide both.

Sudden damage from storms, wind, hail or falling trees is often covered. Gradual wear and old age usually aren't. Check your policy and deductible, and keep photos of the damage.

Asphalt shingle roofs typically last about 20-25 years here. Freeze-thaw winters, summer heat and wind can shorten that, especially with poor attic ventilation.

Yes. Many repairs can be done on dry, mild winter days, and emergency tarping can be done in almost any weather.

Heat escaping into the attic melts snow on the roof. The water refreezes at the colder roof edge and builds a ridge of ice that pushes water under the shingles. Better attic insulation and ventilation, plus ice and water shield at the eaves, prevent most ice dams.

Small repairs usually don't, but roof replacement typically does. Your contractor should know the current requirements and pull any permit needed.

3-tab shingles are a single flat layer with a uniform look. Architectural shingles are thicker, laminated and give a textured, dimensional look. They last longer and hold up much better in wind, which is why most new roofs in New Jersey use them.

Building codes generally allow no more than two layers of asphalt shingles. If your roof already has two, the next replacement needs a full tear-off.

Signs of poor ventilation include an attic that's extremely hot in summer, frost or damp on the underside of the roof in winter, ice dams, and shingles that curl early. A roofer can check whether you have enough intake at the eaves and exhaust at the ridge.

If the roof is near the end of its life, buyers and their inspectors will notice and usually ask for a price reduction. Sometimes replacing it is the better deal; sometimes a credit is simpler. An inspection and a quote help you decide.

Most repairs take a few hours. A full replacement on a typical house takes one to three days, depending on size and weather.

Catch the water, move valuables, turn off power near any wet fixtures, and call. A roofer can usually tarp the roof quickly to stop more water coming in. See emergency roof repair.