How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost in New Jersey?

Average Cost to Replace a Roof in New Jersey

Cost of Roof Replacement per Square Foot in New Jersey

The typical price of replacing a roof in New Jersey is $5 to $10 per square foot, but you can pay anywhere from $3 per square foot for budget-friendly 3-tab shingles, or up to $20 per square foot for luxury slate tile. Roofing contractors often charge by the square, which is the equivalent of 100 square feet. So, on average, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 per square for mid-range materials and labor. 

New Jersey Roofing Costs by Material Type

The average New Jersey roof needs to be able to take a bit of a beating, with plenty of snow, wind, and storms to contend with. You'll most commonly find roofs in NJ made of architectural shingles, metal, and slate tiles. 3-tab asphalt shingles are also common on budget-friendly installations. The cost of shingles varies considerably, with 3-tab shingles being the least expensive, and composite architectural shingles the most expensive.

Asphalt Shingle

In New Jersey, a typical asphalt shingle roof costs between $3 and $7 per square foot, or $500 per square. Three-tab asphalt shingles are the basic shingle type and last for around 20 years. However, if you live in an area of the state particularly prone to bad winter storms and heavy snowfall, they might not be the best option. 

Architectural Shingle

Architectural shingles cost between $7 and $15 per square foot in New Jersey, or $1,100 per square. Asphalt shingles cost toward the lower end of the budget, and composite shingles cost more as they're a little more durable. Whichever material you choose, architectural shingles are strong and long-lasting and have a laminated finish to increase their robustness, and can last up to 50 years.

Cedar Shakes

Cedar shakes cost between $4 and $13 per square foot, or $850 per square. They're costly to maintain but provide a high-end natural aesthetic. They're energy-efficient and eco-friendly, too, and have a lifespan of up to 50 years if well-maintained. However, if you live in an area of New Jersey prone to lots of snowfall and winter storms, you may need to budget for the cost of roof repairs regularly. 

Metal

To install a metal roof in New Jersey, expect to pay between $9 and $17 per square foot, or an average of $1,130 per square. Tin roofs cost $5 to $12 per square foot, or $850 per square, and are a popular mid-range option. Metal roofs are an energy-efficient choice and, when properly installed, can withstand heavy snow and storms. Plus, they don't rot or grow mold and can last up to 100 years. 

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tile roofs cost $7 to $10 per square foot, or around $850 per square. They're strong and durable and can easily stand up to the typical New Jersey winter conditions. However, they're heavy; you’ll most likely need your roof deck reinforced before you can install the concrete tiles.

Slate Tiles

Slate tile roofs cost between $10 and $20 per square foot, or $1,500 per square. They're expensive but striking and are a popular high-end choice. While slate tiles are exceptionally long-lasting, they're fairly fragile and may break with excessive impact damage. Even walking across them to install a satellite dish can cause cracking or breakage. If you go for slate, it's a good idea to budget for the cost of slate roof repairs, too. 

Other

Other less common roofing materials for New Jersey include solar roofing tiles. Solar roofs cost between $15 and $20 per square foot or around $1,750 per square. They're costly but energy-efficient, although they may not be the best option in areas with heavy snowfall. Clay tile roofs cost between $9 and $15 per square foot, or $1,200 per square but are heavy and require deck reinforcement. 

Rubber, bitumen, and vinyl roofs are common with flat roofs but are prone to ponding, cracking, and splitting over time. Rubber roofing costs the most of those three options but offers the most efficiency and lasts the longest.

Roof Replacement Cost Factors in New Jersey

Roof pitch, shape, and inspection costs all influence how much you'll pay for roof replacement in New Jersey. As do asbestos removal and the cost of local labor. 

Roof Pitch

In New Jersey, most roofs have a conventional slope, although flat roofs and slow slope options are also fairly common. 

Flat and low slope roofs cost the least, at $4 to $7 per square foot, or around $500 per square. However, flat and low-slope roofs can struggle to cope with snow and heavy rainfall, when compared with conventional and steep slopes. A conventional slope roof can cost anywhere from $3 to $20 per square foot, or an average of $1,150 per square, while steep slopes cost between $5 and $20 per square foot, or roughly $1,250 per square, as working on a steeper pitch is more challenging and time-consuming.

Roof Shape

The most common roof types in New Jersey are gabled roofs, including Dutch gables, and hipped roofs. Flat roofs and dormers are also reasonably commonplace. Flat roofs cost the least but are at risk of damage from snow and heavy rain. Mansards and dormers and the most costly, as they require more materials due to their more complex shape.

Labor

Labor costs for replacing a roof in New Jersey total $2 to $10 per square foot, or $200 to $1,000 per square, with roofers in New Jersey charging $60 to $80 per hour for their services. This is broken down into $1 to $2 per square foot to tear off the old material, and $1 to $8 per square foot to install the new roof. So tear-off costs $100 to $200 per square, and installation costs $100 to $800.

Inspection

Roof inspections cost $100 to $320. While not technically essential, having a roof inspection by an independent third party ensures your contractors did a good job on the installation. And, having regular inspections helps you to fix minor issues with your roof before they become significant problems, saving you money on roof repair costs and keeping your roof in good condition for longer. 

Asbestos Removal

If your contractor finds asbestos in your roof, work will stop until you get it taken care of due to the significant health dangers. Asbestos removal costs $1,100 to $3,100 and needs to be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal company. If your home is pre-1970s, asbestos could be present.

New Jersey Roof Replacement Costs by City

The cost to have your roof replaced in New Jersey varies based on the town or city you live in. The cost of living and the demand for services in each location impacts local costs. 

Jersey City 

Despite the cost of living in Jersey City being 29% higher than the national average, the cost to replace a roof there is 5% lower than the national average cost to replace a roof, at just $8,550. This may be because there's less demand for roofing services, or enough roofers available that the supply easily keeps up with demand.

Trenton 

In Trenton, you'll pay $8,400, on average, for roof replacement, which is around 7% lower than the national average. This makes sense, given that the cost of living is 14% higher than the national average, but 15% lower than the cost of living in Jersey City. 

Atlantic City

In Atlantic City, NJ, roof replacement costs $8,900, right around the national average. The cost of living is 21% higher than the national average, but 8% lower than Jersey City. It makes sense that, with perceived demand being lower than elsewhere, the cost of roof replacement in Atlantic City is about average, despite the increased cost of living.

Vineland 

Getting your roof replaced in VIneland costs around $8,150, which is around 10% lower than the national average. The cost of living in Vineland is 2% lower than the national average, with lower transportation and utility costs helping to keep the cost of materials and labor down.

Signs You Need a New Roof

In New Jersey, your roof will take the most damage from wind and rain, so signs you need a new roof will include: 

• Curling, lifting shingles

• Ponding

• Sagging

• Decaying or broken shingles

• Asphalt grit in the gutters

• Dark streaks and mold

• Sunlight in the attic

• Dark stains on the shingles

How Long Will a Roof Last in New Jersey?

How long a roof lasts in New Jersey depends on the material, how well you maintain it, and how well it stands up to the inclement weather. Low-end materials like standard 3-tab asphalt will last around 20 years. Architectural shingles last between 30 and 50 years. Composite architectural shingles cost a bit more than asphalt ones, but last longer. 

Metal, clay, concrete, and slate last up to 100 years. But remember, ceramic and slate are fragile and can break under stain from snow or impact damage.