Updated September 2026 by the Herts Roofing & Construction team
“How much is a new roof going to cost me?” is the first question almost every New Jersey homeowner asks us, usually before we have even pulled into the driveway. It is a fair question, and you deserve a straight answer instead of “it depends.” So here are the real ranges we see on NJ homes, what pushes a price up or down, and how to read a roofing quote so there are no surprises later.
How much does a new roof cost in NJ?
Most full roof replacements on a single-family home in New Jersey cost between $8,000 and $22,000, and most homeowners land between $10,000 and $16,000 for a complete tear-off and new architectural shingle roof. That works out to about $5 to $9 per square foot, or $500 to $900 per roofing square. Where you fall depends on the size of your roof, the material you choose and what we find once the old shingles come off.
Roof replacement cost estimator
Estimated range: $10,000 – $18,000
Ballpark only. 1 roofing square = 100 sq ft, so a 20-square roof is 2,000 sq ft. Rotted decking, extra layers and chimneys change the final price. Get your exact price free.
Roof replacement cost in NJ by roof size
Roof size matters more than house size. A ranch and a two-story colonial can have the same living space and very different roofs. These ranges are for a complete tear-off and new architectural shingle roof:
| Roof size | Typical cost in NJ |
|---|---|
| Small (under 1,500 sq ft of roof) | $7,000 – $11,000 |
| Medium (1,500 – 2,500 sq ft) | $10,000 – $16,000 |
| Large (2,500+ sq ft) | $15,000 – $25,000+ |
Roofers measure in “squares.” One square is 100 square feet of roof, so a 2,000 sq ft roof is 20 squares. If a quote talks about squares, that is all it means.
Roof cost per square in NJ
Roofers price by the square: 100 square feet of roof. Using the installed prices in this guide:
| Material | Cost per square (100 sq ft) | 30-square roof (3,000 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab shingles | $400 – $600 | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Architectural shingles | $500 – $900 | $15,000 – $27,000 |
| Flat roof (TPO / EPDM) | $500 – $1,200 | $15,000 – $36,000 |
| Metal roofing | $1,000 – $1,800 | $30,000 – $54,000 |
Reroofing a 1,500 square foot house? Measure the roof, not the floor plan. Because of the pitch and the overhangs, a roof is usually larger than the floor area underneath it, and a two-story house has a much smaller roof than a ranch with the same living space. Most 1,500 square foot NJ homes fall in the small-to-medium range in the table above.
Cost by roofing material
The material you pick is the second-biggest factor. Prices below are per square foot, installed:
| Material | Installed cost | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt shingles | $4 – $6 / sq ft | Lowest price, flatter look, shorter lifespan |
| Architectural shingles | $5 – $9 / sq ft | What most NJ homeowners choose; thicker, better wind rating, about a 30-year roof |
| Metal roofing | $10 – $18 / sq ft | Premium price, can last 50+ years |
| Flat roof (TPO or EPDM) | $5 – $12 / sq ft | For low-slope sections, porches and additions |
Most of the roofs we replace in New Jersey are architectural shingles. They cost a little more than 3-tab but hold up much better to our wind storms and freeze-thaw winters. If you are comparing the two, our guide to the most popular shingle types in New Jersey walks through the differences. Slate, cedar and tile are real options too, but they are specialty jobs priced one house at a time.
What changes the price of your roof
1. Size and pitch
More squares means more material and labor. A steep roof also takes longer because the crew needs extra safety setup and cannot move as quickly. On very steep roofs that can add roughly $1,000 to $3,000 in labor.
2. How many layers come off
A lot of older NJ homes have two or even three layers of shingles. Every layer has to be torn off and hauled away, which adds labor and dumpster weight. We always tear off to the wood so we can see what is underneath. We do not recommend roofing over old shingles.
3. The condition of the decking
The decking is the plywood or boards your shingles are nailed to. Nobody can see it until the old roof comes off. If sections are soft or rotted from an old leak, they have to be replaced before the new roof goes on. On most homes this is a few sheets; on a roof that leaked for years it can add up. A good quote tells you the price per sheet ahead of time so you are not negotiating on the day of the job.
4. Chimneys, skylights and valleys
Every chimney, skylight, vent pipe and valley needs flashing, and that is where most leaks start. A simple roof with no chimney costs less than a cut-up roof with dormers, two chimneys and a skylight.
5. Upgrades
Items like ice and water barrier along the eaves and valleys, synthetic underlayment, new ridge vents and new drip edge are what separate a roof that lasts from one that leaks in five years. Some contractors leave them out to win on price. Upgrades and extras like these can add roughly $500 to $2,000 beyond the base price, and premium shingle lines with upgraded underlayment can put a larger roof in the $20,000 to $28,000 range.
Roof repair vs. replacement costs
Not every problem needs a new roof. A few missing shingles, a cracked vent boot or bad chimney flashing is a repair:
- Minor repairs (a leak, flashing, a handful of shingles): about $300 – $1,200
- Larger repairs (rotted decking, sagging sections, water damage): about $3,000 – $6,000
Putting off a small repair is the most expensive thing you can do with a roof. Water that gets in through one bad flashing soaks the decking, then the insulation, then the ceiling. A $400 repair this fall can become a $4,000 repair next spring. If you are not sure which one you need, read roof repair vs. replacement or have us take a look. We will tell you honestly if a repair buys you more years. See our roof repair service for what that involves.
What a good roofing quote should include
When you are comparing estimates, the lowest number is not always the cheapest roof. Check that each quote spells out:
- Full tear-off down to the decking (and how many layers)
- The shingle brand and product line, not just “architectural shingles”
- Ice and water barrier, underlayment type, drip edge and ventilation
- New flashing at chimneys, walls and vents, not reused old metal
- The price per sheet of plywood if decking needs replacing
- Dumpster, cleanup and magnetic nail sweep
- The manufacturer warranty and the contractor’s own workmanship warranty, in writing
At Herts Roofing & Construction every estimate is written and itemized, we show you photos of what we found on your roof, and our work is backed by a 15-year workmanship warranty. We are an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, which also opens up stronger manufacturer warranty options. You can read how our coverage works on our roof warranty page.
Does insurance pay for a new roof in NJ?
Homeowners insurance usually covers roof damage caused by a sudden event, like a wind storm, hail or a fallen tree. It generally does not cover a roof that is simply old and worn out. If a storm damaged your roof, have it inspected and photographed before you file, and keep the adjuster’s paperwork. We explain the process in does homeowners insurance cover roof damage in NJ.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most single-family homes are finished in one to two days, weather permitting. Bigger or more complicated roofs, or roofs with a lot of rotted decking, can take longer. We will give you a realistic schedule before we start.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Do not wait for a leak. Replacing a roof on your schedule costs less than replacing it after water has damaged the decking and ceilings. Here is how to know when it is time.
- Book outside the spring rush. Late summer and fall are often easier to schedule.
- Ask about financing. Spreading the payments out can let you do the job right instead of patching. See our financing options.
- Compare line by line. A cheaper quote that skips ice and water barrier or reuses flashing is not a better deal.
Roof replacement cost across North and Central Jersey
The ranges in this guide reflect what we see on homes across North and Central New Jersey, including Union, Essex, Morris, Middlesex and Hudson counties. Towns with larger, older homes, like Summit, Chatham and Westfield, tend to have bigger, steeper roofs with more chimneys and dormers, which puts them toward the higher end. A simple ranch or Cape Cod lands toward the lower end. See our service areas for the towns we cover.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a new roof in New Jersey?
Most single-family homes in NJ pay between $8,000 and $22,000 for a full replacement, and most land between $10,000 and $16,000 with architectural shingles.
What does a roof cost per square in NJ?
One square is 100 square feet of roof. Installed, architectural shingles cost about $500 to $900 per square, 3-tab shingles about $400 to $600, flat roofing about $500 to $1,200 and metal about $1,000 to $1,800.
How much does a 30 square roof cost in NJ?
A 30-square roof is 3,000 square feet. With architectural shingles it typically costs about $15,000 to $27,000, before extras like rotted decking or a very steep pitch.
How much does it cost to replace roof sheathing (decking)?
It depends on how much is damaged. Most roofs need only a few sheets of plywood replaced; a roof that leaked for years can need much more. A good estimate lists the price per sheet up front so you know the cost before work starts.
How much does a roof cost per square foot in NJ?
Installed, 3-tab shingles run about $4 to $6 per square foot, architectural shingles about $5 to $9, flat roofing about $5 to $12, and metal about $10 to $18.
How much does a roof repair cost?
Small repairs like a leak, flashing or a few shingles usually cost $300 to $1,200. Repairs involving rotted decking or water damage usually cost $3,000 to $6,000.
Can you put new shingles over old ones?
Some roofers will, but we do not recommend it. You cannot see or fix the decking underneath, the extra weight shortens the roof’s life, and it can affect your shingle warranty.
Is the estimate free?
Yes. We inspect the roof, photograph what we find and give you a written, itemized price at no cost and with no obligation.
Get your exact price
These ranges will get you in the ballpark, but the only way to know your number is to look at your roof. Herts Roofing & Construction has been replacing roofs across New Jersey since 2015, and we are rated 4.9 stars on Google. Call 908-206-4240 (or 610-772-8384 in Pennsylvania) or request a free estimate, and learn more about our roof replacement service.