True Cost Guide Roofing Replace a Roof in New Jersey

How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost in New Jersey in 2024?

Typical Range:

$10,000 - $80,000

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated August 30, 2024

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

Roof replacement in New Jersey costs between $10,000 and $80,000, averaging about $15,000 for typical homes.
Roofing materials, such as asphalt or concrete, influence final costs.
Labor usually accounts for more than half the total roofing replacement project cost.
Steep slopes or complex shapes add more to project costs compared to flat and low-slope roofs.

Expect to pay between $10,000 and $80,000 to replace a roof in New Jersey. Most homeowners spend roughly $15,000 to replace their roofs in New Jersey. These figures consider an average 2,000-square-foot property and the average price of $5 to $12 per square foot.

Average Cost to Replace a Roof in New Jersey

Average Cost	High Cost	Low Cost
$15,000	$80,000	$10,000

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Roof Replacement Cost Factors in New Jersey

Roof pitch, shape, and inspection costs influence how much you'll pay for roof replacement in New Jersey. Labor can account for more than half the cost, and asbestos removal and other extras increase project expenses. A local roofing contractor can outline costs specific to your project.

Roof Pitch

In New Jersey, most roofs have either a conventional slope, flat roof, or slow slope pitch. A conventional slope roof costs $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. Steeper pitches generally equate to more challenging and labor-intensive work.

Low-slope and flat roofs cost the least, about $4 to $7 per square foot or around $500 per square. However, flat and low-slope roofs struggle under snow and heavy rainfall compared with conventional and steep slopes.

Pitch	Price Range per Square Foot	Average Price per Square Foot
Flat	$4–$7	$5
Low Slope	$4–$7	$5
Conventional Slope	$3–$20	$12
Steep Slope	$5–$20	$13

Roof Shape

Dutch gables, hipped roofs, and other gable styles are common in New Jersey, along with flat roofs and dormers. Flat roofs cost the least but are at risk of damage from snow and heavy rain. Mansards and dormers are the most costly because their complex shapes require more materials and labor.

Shape	Price Range per Square Foot	Average Price per Square Foot
Flat	$3–$7	$5
Gable	$3–$20	$12
Dutch	$3–$20	$12
Hipped	$3.50–$25	$14
Dormer	$4–$10	$7
Mansard	$5–$20	$13

Labor

Labor costs for replacing a roof in New Jersey total $2 to $10 per square foot or $200 to $1,000 per square. Most contractors charge a flat rate based on their initial assessment of your roofing needs, but rates are otherwise $60 to $80 per hour in New Jersey. Removing an existing roof costs $1 to $2 per square foot or $100 to $200 per square to tear off the old material.

Labor Type	Cost Per Square Foot	Cost Range Per Square
Roof Removal	$1–$2	$100–$200
Roof Installation	$2–$10	$200–$1,000

The high range of labor costs accounts for complex jobs, such as those with steep roofs or challenging accessibility. Your contractor's experience, expertise, and reputation may also influence costs.

Permits and Inspection

Most buildings require a permit to make major structural changes, including new roofs. Permit costs vary, with New Jersey starting at $65 for one and two-family dwellings. Roof inspections cost $100 to $320, averaging $240. While not technically essential, a roof inspection by an independent third party ensures your contractor properly completes the installation. If the inspection identifies problems with the roof, your contractors are generally responsible for resolving them.

Asbestos Removal

Homes built before 1970 may have asbestos. If your contractor finds asbestos in your roof, work stops until it’s removed. Asbestos removal from roofs ranges from $40 to $125 per square foot or $1,200 to $3,200 total. Asbestos removal involves testing, site preparation, equipment, labor, and cleanup, which factors into the total cost.

Additional Costs

Roof replacement can carry several other costs depending on your unique project. Contractors generally include flashing, underlayment, and other mandatory roofing work in the project estimate. Keep these other potential costs in mind:

Structural repair or reinforcement
Extended roof warranty
Clean-up and disposal
Gutter replacement
Pest extermination

Cost of Roof Replacement per Square Foot in New Jersey

The typical price of replacing a roof in New Jersey is $5 to $12 per square foot, depending on the cost of materials, labor, and additional factors. For example, the average 1,000-square-foot home’s roof is about 1,120 square feet. A replacement roof costs from $5,100 to $13,400 based on mid-range materials and labor.

Interior square footage correlates with roof square footage, so large homes often have higher roofing costs. Likewise, steeper roof pitches increase overall square footage and the cost of labor and materials needed.

Roof Size (Square Feet)	Low Cost	High Cost
1,000	$5,000	$12,000
1,200	$6,000	$14,400
1,350	$6,750	$16,200
1,500	$7,500	$18,000
2,000	$10,000	$24,000
2,200	$11,000	$26,400
3,750	$18,750	$45,000
4,500	$22,500	$54,000

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New Jersey Roofing Costs by Material Type

The average New Jersey roof faces plenty of extreme weather and is often made from architectural shingles, metal, and slate tiles. Materials alone can represent $3,700 to $36,900 of total costs. Most contractors quote materials costs by the square, which refers to about 100 square feet and usually ranges between $150 and $1,500. Slate, tile, and other premium materials can cost up to $2,500 per square.

The material type largely influences the total cost. For instance, three-tab shingles are the most budget-friendly at around $3 per square foot, while composite architectural shingles are the most expensive at an average of $11 per square foot.

Material	Cost per Square Foot Installed	Average Total Cost (2,000 square feet)
Vinyl (PVC)	$3–$5	$6,000–$10,000
Bitumen	$3–$5	$6,000–$10,000
Asphalt Shingles	$3–$7	$6,000–$14,000
Rubber	$3–$7	$6,000–$14,000
Cedar Shake	$5–$15	$10,000–$30,000
Concrete Tile	$7–$10	$14,000–$20,000
Architectural Shingles	$7–$15	$14,000–$30,000
Clay Tile	$9–$15	$18,000–$30,000
Metal	$9–$17	$18,000–$34,000
Slate Tile	$10–$30	$18,000–$34,000
Solar	$20–$40	$42,000–$80,000

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 an entry-level option that lasts around 20 years. Winter storms and heavy snowfall may accelerate wear on asphalt shingles.

Architectural Shingle

Architectural and composite shingles cost between $7 and $15 per square foot or $1,100 per square in New Jersey. Made from similar materials as three-tab asphalt shingles, architectural shingles come in many styles, colors, sizes, and shapes. They offer enhanced durability over traditional asphalt roofing and are more resistant to wind, impact, and harsh weather. Roofs with composite and architectural shingles can last up to 50 years.

Cedar Shakes

Cedar shakes cost between $5 and $15 per square foot or $850 per square. They're more prone to rot, water damage, splitting, and other issues requiring additional maintenance or roof repair. However, with proper maintenance, they can last up to 50 years and provide a high-end natural aesthetic. Cedar roofing is a natural insulator, which helps with heating and cooling efficiency. Consider weatherproofing, which averages from $2 to $5 per square foot, to protect cedar shakes from New Jersey weather.

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 $15 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.

Besides tin, metal roofs are available in a variety of other materials:

Aluminum
Copper
Steel
Zinc
Lead

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tile roofs cost $7 to $10 per square foot or around $850 per square. Concrete offers design versatility, efficient insulation, and high durability against New Jersey weather. Labor for concrete roofing can be higher than other types. Roofers must haul heavy tiles to the roof and manually install each tile. The weight of these materials is sometimes twice as much as asphalt, so you may need to make structural changes to your home to properly support the roof.

Slate Tiles

Slate tile roofs cost between $10 and $30 per square foot or $1,500 per square. Naturally sourced slate is limited in availability and represents the high end of the cost range. Synthetic or hybrid slate tiles are more affordable.

In exchange for a significant upfront investment, slate roofs offer easy maintenance, striking visual appeal, insulation, and fire resistance. With proper maintenance, they can last between 50 and 200 years, but they’re vulnerable to impact damage. Like concrete, slate tiles are heavy and may require structural reinforcement.

Clay Tiles

Clay tile roofs cost between $9 and $15 per square foot or $1,200 per square. Besides adding an old-world effect to your home, clay roofs can last 100 years or more and are highly insulating. While not as heavy as concrete, clay tiles may still need structural reinforcement.

Solar Shingles

Less commonly found in New Jersey, solar roofs cost between $20 and $40 per square foot or around $1,750 per square. Solar shingles require a high upfront cost, but they’re made from photovoltaic sheets that convert sunlight into electricity for your home. They’re especially advantageous for areas in New Jersey with abundant sunlight.

Other Materials

Rubber, bitumen, and vinyl roofs are common with flat roofs but are prone to ponding, cracking, and splitting over time. Ranging from $3 to $7 per square foot, rubber roofing costs the most of these options but offers superior insulation, durability, and longevity.

New Jersey Roof Replacement Costs by City

The cost of roof replacement in New Jersey varies by town or city. The cost of living, demand for services, and material availability impact costs in each location.

While the cost of living in New Jersey is 26% higher than the national average, the cost to replace a roof falls below average. For example, Jersey City and Trenton homeowners pay around $8,550. Below-average labor rates may stem from lower demand for roofing services or a surplus of roofers available.

City	Price Range	Average Price
Jersey City	$5,600–$11,500	$8,550
Trenton	$5,500–$11,700	$8,550
Atlantic City	$6,400–$12,950	$9,660
Vineland	$6,700–$10,400	$8,100

Roof Replacement vs. Repair

Roof damage or wear doesn’t always warrant a replacement. Repair may be a more cost-effective option if your roof is relatively new and damages are limited to a few shingles or contained leaks. Repair and maintenance can even extend the lifespan of your existing roof.

If your roof is approaching the end of its expected lifespan based on its materials, start planning for a replacement. Frequent repairs, widespread damage, or damage to underlying structures can cost more long-term than a new roof. In addition to protecting your home from water or weather damage and preventing constant repair costs, a new roof improves your home’s insulation, curb appeal, and overall property value.

Signs You Need a New Roof

New Jersey homes frequently experience severe weather conditions that may accelerate roof wear. In addition to age considerations, plan for a replacement if you notice these signs of a deteriorating roof:

Curling, buckling, or missing shingles
Leaks and water damage
Sagging roof or other structural damage
High energy bills
Moss, algae, or lichen growth
Asphalt shingle grit in the gutters
Sunlight in the attic

Budgeting for a Roof Replacement in New Jersey

A roof replacement is a major and often unavoidable investment. These strategies can help you maximize your savings:

Get multiple contractor quotes.
Plan for replacement during non-peak months.
Apply for government-funded grants for home and energy improvements.
Consider the cost, longevity, and visual appeal of your roofing material.
Check for home insurance coverage—damage from a weather event may qualify.
Apply for a line of credit or home equity loan to fund your project.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.

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FAQs

Do you need a permit to replace a roof in New Jersey?

Permit requirements depend on the roofing project. Typically, New Jersey municipalities consider replacing less than 25% of the original roof as minor work, which doesn’t require a permit. Full roof replacements generally require permits since they involve structural changes to the building. Speak to your contractor and local government about permit requirements to ensure building code compliance.

What time of year is best to replace a roof in New Jersey?

Spring and fall are usually the ideal times for roofing due to mild weather conditions for workers. Mild temperatures also help roofing materials adhere properly. These seasons are often less busy than the summer and may provide better contractor availability or rates.

How many layers of roofing are allowed in New Jersey?

New Jersey allows homes to have up to two layers of roofing. This lets you install a new layer of roofing over an existing layer, potentially saving on removal costs during the installation. Check your local building code—some areas may have stricter guidelines than the state or limit re-roofing with certain materials.

How long will a roof last in New Jersey?

The longevity of a roof in New Jersey depends on the material, weather exposure and damage, and maintenance. Some materials are more weather-resistant and may last longer. For example, asphalt shingles last around 20 years, while metal, clay, concrete, and slate last up to 100 years.