Common Roofing Questions from NJ Homeowners.

Most full roof replacements on a single-family home in New Jersey cost between $8,000 and $22,000, and most homeowners pay between $10,000 and $16,000 for architectural shingles.

The biggest factors are the size of the roof, the material, how many old layers have to come off, and the condition of the wood decking underneath. A small roof under 1,500 square feet usually runs $7,000 to $11,000, a medium roof of 1,500 to 2,500 square feet $10,000 to $16,000, and a large roof over 2,500 square feet $15,000 to $25,000 or more. Chimneys, skylights, steep pitches and rotted decking all add cost. Upgrades like ice and water barrier and new ventilation typically add $500 to $2,000.

• Typical NJ range: $8,000 to $22,000
• Most homes: $10,000 to $16,000
• Architectural shingles: about $5 to $9 per square foot installed
• Rotted decking is the most common surprise cost

Herts gives a free, written, itemized estimate with photos of what we found on your roof, including the price per sheet of plywood if decking needs replacing.

If the damage is limited to a few shingles, a vent boot or flashing, a repair is usually enough. If shingles are curling or bald across the roof, leaks keep coming back, or the roof is near the end of its life, replacement is usually the better value.

Repairs make sense when the rest of the roof is in good shape: a storm took off a handful of shingles, a pipe boot cracked, or chimney flashing failed. Replacement makes sense when problems are spread across the roof, such as widespread granule loss, curling or cracked shingles, soft spots in the decking, or repeated leaks in different places. Paying for repair after repair on a worn-out roof usually costs more in the end.

• Minor repairs usually cost $300 to $1,200
• Repairs involving rotted decking or water damage usually cost $3,000 to $6,000
• Repeated leaks in different spots point to replacement
• Age alone is not the deciding factor; condition is

Herts will tell you honestly when a repair buys you more years instead of pushing a full replacement.

Most single-family homes are finished in one to two days, weather permitting.

A typical replacement includes tearing off the old shingles down to the wood, replacing any bad decking, installing ice and water barrier, underlayment, flashing and ventilation, and then the new shingles and ridge. Larger or more complicated roofs, multiple old layers, or a lot of rotted decking can add time. Rain delays the start but crews do not leave a roof open overnight.

• Typical job: 1 to 2 days
• Weather can shift the start date
• Complex roofs and extra layers take longer
• Cleanup and a magnetic nail sweep should be part of the job

Herts gives you a realistic schedule before work starts and averages about two days per project.

Architectural asphalt shingles are the most popular choice in New Jersey because they balance price, looks and wind resistance. Metal lasts longer but costs about twice as much.

3-tab shingles are the least expensive (about $4 to $6 per square foot installed) but have a flatter look and shorter life. Architectural shingles (about $5 to $9 per square foot) are thicker, handle wind better and are roughly a 30-year roof. Metal (about $10 to $18 per square foot) can last 50 years or more. Low-slope sections like porches and additions need a flat roofing system such as TPO or EPDM (about $5 to $12 per square foot). Slate, cedar and tile are specialty options priced case by case.

• Architectural shingles: best all-around value for most NJ homes
• Metal: highest upfront cost, longest life
• Flat or low-slope areas need TPO or EPDM, not shingles
• Color and style can be matched to the house and neighborhood

Herts is an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, which opens up stronger manufacturer warranty options on Owens Corning shingle systems.

Insurance usually covers roof damage from a sudden event like wind, hail or a fallen tree. It generally does not pay to replace a roof that is simply old or worn out.

If a storm damaged your roof, have it inspected and photographed before you file a claim, write down the date of the storm, and keep copies of everything the adjuster sends you. Your policy and deductible decide how much is covered. Damage caused by age, poor maintenance or an old leak that was ignored is usually excluded.

• Storm damage: often covered
• Age and wear: usually not covered
• Document damage with photos before filing
• Your deductible still applies

Herts photographs every problem during the inspection, which gives you documentation to share with your insurance company.

Catch the water, move valuables away, and call a roofer for emergency service. Do not climb on a wet roof yourself.

Put a bucket under the drip and poke a small hole in a bulging ceiling stain to let water drain in one spot instead of spreading. Move furniture and electronics out of the way and take photos for insurance. A roofer can tarp the damaged area to stop more water getting in, then come back to make a permanent repair once it is dry.

• Safety first: stay off wet or storm-damaged roofs
• Contain the water and protect belongings
• Take photos for insurance
• A tarp is a temporary fix; a permanent repair should follow

Herts answers 7 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week, and offers same-day emergency roof repair and tarping. Call 908-206-4240 (NJ) or 610-772-8384 (PA).

Some roofers will do it, but it is not recommended. A full tear-off lets the contractor inspect and fix the decking and gives you a longer-lasting roof.

Roofing over old shingles hides the decking, so rot and old leak damage stay in place under the new roof. The extra layer adds weight, can shorten the life of the new shingles, and may affect manufacturer warranties. A tear-off also lets the crew install ice and water barrier and new flashing properly.

• Tear-off reveals hidden rot
• Layering adds weight and shortens roof life
• Can limit warranty coverage
• Flashing and underlayment are done right only on a clean deck

Herts always tears off to the wood on replacements.

Look for two warranties in writing: the shingle manufacturer's warranty on materials and the contractor's own workmanship warranty on the installation.

The manufacturer warranty covers defects in the shingles and other materials. The workmanship warranty covers mistakes in how the roof was installed, which is where most early leaks come from. Ask how long each lasts, what is covered, whether it transfers if you sell, and get both in writing.

• Manufacturer warranty = materials
• Workmanship warranty = installation
• Get both in writing
• Ask whether coverage transfers to a new owner

Herts backs its work with a 15-year workmanship warranty, and as an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor can offer enhanced manufacturer coverage.

Hire a licensed and insured contractor with strong local reviews who gives you a written, itemized estimate and a workmanship warranty.

In New Jersey, home improvement contractors must be registered, so ask for the license number and check it. Ask for proof of insurance, read recent Google reviews, and compare estimates line by line: tear-off, underlayment, ice and water barrier, flashing, ventilation, decking price and cleanup. Be cautious of door-to-door storm chasers and anyone who wants full payment before work starts.

• Verify the NJ home improvement license and insurance
• Read recent local reviews
• Compare itemized estimates, not just totals
• Get warranties in writing

Herts holds NJ HIC# 13VH11388400 and PA HIC# PA164856, is fully insured, has served homeowners since 2015 and is rated 4.9 stars on Google.

Yes. Financing lets you replace the roof now and spread the cost over time.

A roof that leaks gets more expensive every month because water damages the decking, insulation and ceilings. Financing can make it possible to do the job right the first time instead of paying for repeated patches.

• Spread payments over time
• Avoid costly water damage from waiting
• Ask about options with your estimate

Herts offers financing options. Mention it on the estimate request form or when we call you back.

In New Jersey, vinyl siding usually costs $3 to $7 per square foot installed and fiber cement $5 to $10 per square foot. A typical 1,500 square foot home costs about $6,000 to $12,000 in vinyl.

Siding is priced by wall area, not floor space. Beyond the material, the price depends on removing the old siding (usually $1,000 to $3,000 more), repairs to the sheathing underneath, house wrap, trim, soffit and fascia, and how many stories the house has. Fiber cement on the same 1,500 square foot home can run up to about $21,000, and James Hardie on a 2,000 to 2,500 square foot home ranges from about $10,200 to $31,500.

• Vinyl: $3 to $7 per sq ft
• Fiber cement: $5 to $10 per sq ft
• Wood: $6 to $12 per sq ft; stone veneer: $10 to $17 per sq ft
• Old siding removal: about $1,000 to $3,000

Herts measures your home and gives a free written estimate with every line item spelled out.

Vinyl costs less and never needs paint. Fiber cement costs more but is heavier, more impact and fire resistant, and looks like painted wood. Both work well in New Jersey weather.

Vinyl is the most popular siding in New Jersey because it is affordable, comes in many colors and needs almost no maintenance. Fiber cement, such as James Hardie, is a premium choice with a more solid feel and a crisp wood look. It can come pre-finished from the factory so it does not need painting right away. The right pick depends on budget, the style of the house and how long you plan to stay.

• Vinyl: lower cost, no painting, many colors
• Fiber cement: premium look and durability
• Pre-finished fiber cement reduces painting
• Both handle NJ freeze-thaw winters

Herts installs both vinyl and fiber cement and can show samples on site.

Warped, cracked or loose panels, bubbling, rot behind the siding, peeling paint inside, rising energy bills, and fading you cannot live with are all signs.

Press on the wall around windows, doors and corners; soft spots mean water has reached the sheathing. Look for panels that are cracked, buckled or pulling away, mold or mildew stains, and gaps where insects can get in. Inside, peeling paint or wallpaper on exterior walls can mean moisture is getting through. One damaged wall after a storm can often be repaired; widespread problems usually mean replacement.

• Soft spots mean water damage behind the siding
• Cracks and warping let water in
• Interior peeling paint can signal moisture
• Storm damage to one wall may only need a repair

Herts inspects the walls and tells you whether a repair or full re-side makes more sense.

Yes. Damaged sections, especially after a storm, can often be replaced panel by panel if matching material is available.

Repairs work well when the damage is limited to one area and the rest of the siding is in good shape. The biggest challenge is matching color, because older siding fades. If an exact match is not available, some homeowners replace one full wall so the difference is less noticeable.

• Good option for isolated storm damage
• Color matching is the main challenge
• Check the sheathing underneath while the panels are off

Herts handles siding repairs as well as full replacements.

It should. House wrap is the weather barrier behind the siding that keeps water and air out of your walls.

Siding sheds most rain, but some water always gets behind it. House wrap, along with proper flashing around windows and doors, lets that water drain out instead of soaking the sheathing. If a siding estimate does not mention a weather barrier, ask.

• House wrap protects the wall framing
• Window and door flashing matters as much as the siding
• Ask about it when comparing quotes

Herts installs house wrap on every full siding job.

Yes. The stucco has to be removed and the wall repaired first, so it costs more than a standard re-side, usually about $8,000 to $18,000 for a 1,500 square foot home.

Cracked stucco can trap water in the wall. Switching to siding means removing the stucco, fixing any damaged sheathing, installing house wrap, and then the new siding. Fiber cement or water damage found behind the stucco can push the price higher.

• Stucco removal adds labor and disposal
• Hidden water damage is common
• Typical range: $8,000 to $18,000 for 1,500 sq ft

Herts can inspect stucco walls and price the switch to vinyl or fiber cement.

New siding improves curb appeal, protects the house from water, and is one of the first things buyers notice, which helps when you sell.

Buyers and home inspectors look closely at the exterior. Damaged or faded siding raises questions about hidden water damage; new siding signals a well-kept home. Fixing siding before listing can prevent issues from coming up during the buyer's inspection.

• Better curb appeal
• Fewer inspection issues when selling
• Protects the structure from water

Herts works with homeowners preparing to sell who need repairs done quickly.

If both are near the end of their life, doing them together can save on setup, make colors match, and let the flashing where roof meets wall be done right.

The spots where the roof meets a wall, like dormers and second-story walls, need step and counter flashing that ties into both the roof and siding. Doing both projects together means that flashing is installed once, correctly. It also lets you pick roof and siding colors as a set.

• Roof-to-wall flashing done once, correctly
• Colors chosen together
• One contractor responsible for the whole exterior

Herts handles roofing, siding, gutters and decks, so one team can plan the whole exterior.

Composite costs more upfront but needs far less maintenance and does not rot or splinter. Wood costs less at first but needs regular sealing or staining.

Pressure-treated wood is the budget-friendly option, but in New Jersey's wet winters and hot summers it needs to be cleaned and sealed regularly to prevent cracking and rot. Composite decking like Trex is made to resist fading, staining and rot, and it never needs staining. Over the life of the deck, the lower maintenance often makes up much of the price difference.

• Wood: lower upfront cost, more upkeep
• Composite: higher upfront cost, low maintenance
• Composite does not splinter or rot
• Railings and stairs can mix materials

Herts is a certified Trex installer and also builds wood decks, railings and stairs.

A well-built and maintained wood deck can last many years, and composite decking usually lasts longer with less upkeep. The framing underneath is what usually decides how long the whole deck lasts.

The boards you walk on get the attention, but the posts, beams, joists and the ledger that attaches the deck to the house carry the load. Water getting into the framing and a poorly flashed ledger are the most common reasons decks fail early. Regular inspections of the framing and connections keep a deck safe.

• Framing and ledger condition matter most
• Composite surfaces outlast untreated wood
• Proper flashing at the house prevents rot

Herts inspects the framing and connections, not just the surface boards.

Sometimes. If the framing, posts and ledger are solid, new boards and railings can go on the existing frame. If the framing is damaged, it needs to be repaired or rebuilt first.

Resurfacing an old deck with new composite boards can save money, but only if the structure underneath is sound and spaced correctly for the new boards. Composite boards often need closer joist spacing than old wood decking, so the frame may need extra joists.

• Solid framing can often be reused
• Composite may need tighter joist spacing
• Damaged framing must be fixed first

Herts checks the frame and tells you whether resurfacing or a rebuild is the right call.

Most New Jersey towns require a construction permit and inspections for a new deck. Requirements depend on your town and the size and height of the deck.

Local building departments review the deck's size, height, footings, framing and railings to make sure it is safe. Building without a required permit can cause problems when you sell the house. Your contractor should know what your town requires before work starts.

• Most towns require a permit for new decks
• Footings, framing and railings get inspected
• Unpermitted decks can cause problems at sale

Ask Herts about your town's requirements when we come out for your estimate.

Sweep it regularly, wash it with soap and water or a composite deck cleaner a couple of times a year, and keep leaves from piling up. No staining or sealing is needed.

Composite resists rot and fading, but dirt, pollen and leaves can stain the surface if they sit too long. Clean spills promptly, avoid metal shovels in winter, and use a plastic shovel or calcium chloride ice melt that is safe for composite. Check the framing underneath every so often, especially around the ledger.

• Sweep and wash; never stain
• Remove leaves and debris
• Use a plastic shovel in winter
• Still inspect the framing underneath

Herts builds Trex decks and can advise on care for your specific product.

Size, height off the ground, decking material, railings, stairs, and extras like lighting or built-in benches have the biggest impact on price.

A low, simple deck costs less per square foot than a raised deck that needs taller posts, bracing and longer stairs. Composite boards and composite or aluminum railings cost more than wood. Removing an old deck, difficult access to the backyard, and footing requirements also affect the total.

• Size and height
• Decking and railing materials
• Stairs, lighting and built-ins
• Old deck removal and site access

Herts gives free, itemized deck estimates so you can compare material options side by side.

Repair works for small issues like a loose section or a leaking joint. Sagging, leaks in multiple spots, or rust usually mean replacement is the better value.

Gutters that pull away from the fascia, overflow in several places, or have rusted through are near the end of their life. Water that spills over the gutters soaks the fascia, siding and foundation, so failing gutters cause damage well beyond the gutter itself.

• Small leaks and loose hangers can be repaired
• Sagging, rust and repeated leaks point to replacement
• Overflowing gutters damage fascia, siding and foundations

Herts installs seamless gutters, downspouts and guards sized for your roof.

Yes. Seamless gutters are formed on site in one continuous piece per run, so there are far fewer joints to leak and less maintenance.

Sectional gutters are joined every few feet, and each joint is a place that can leak or separate. Seamless gutters only have joints at the corners and downspouts, which means fewer leaks and a cleaner look.

• Fewer joints means fewer leaks
• Custom fit to your house
• Cleaner look than sectional gutters

Herts installs seamless gutters and matches downspouts to your roof size.

At least twice a year, in spring and fall, and more often if you have heavy tree cover.

Leaves, seeds and shingle granules build up in gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters overflow, which can rot fascia boards and send water toward the foundation. In winter, clogged gutters also make ice dams more likely. Gutter guards reduce how often cleaning is needed.

• Clean in spring and fall
• More often under trees
• Guards reduce cleaning
• Clogs lead to overflow and ice dams

Ask Herts about gutter guards when we inspect your gutters.

Yes. Herts inspects your roof, siding or deck, photographs what we find and gives you a written, itemized price at no cost and with no obligation.

You get photos of every problem so you can see what we see, clear pricing with your options, and financing information if you want it. There is no pressure to sign on the spot.

• No cost
• No obligation
• Photos of every problem
• Written, itemized pricing

Call 908-206-4240 (NJ) or 610-772-8384 (PA), or request an estimate online.

Herts serves Union County and most of North Jersey, Central Jersey and the Jersey Shore from its Cranford, NJ office, and the Lehigh Valley from its Allentown, PA office.

The Cranford office is at 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 135, Cranford, NJ 07016. The Allentown office is at 4905 W Tilghman St, Suite 300, Allentown, PA 18104. See the service areas page for individual towns.

• Cranford, NJ office
• Allentown, PA office
• North, Central and Shore NJ
• Lehigh Valley, PA

Open 7 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week.