Replacing an asphalt shingle roof in New Jersey costs about $12,000 to $17,000 for a typical 1,700 sq ft roof, tear-off included. North Jersey sits at the top of that range: Bergen and Essex average close to $14,000, against roughly $11,650 statewide.
The final number depends on four things: roof area, the material, how steep and cut-up the roof is, and what the crew finds under the old shingles. Below are current NJ prices by material, the line items that move a quote, and what is specific to roofs in Clifton and Passaic County.
Roof replacement cost in NJ by material
Prices are installed costs for a 1,700 sq ft pitched roof (6/12 pitch). They include tear-off and disposal of one layer, underlayment, ice and water shield, flashing and fasteners.
| Material | Cost per sq ft | Typical 1,700 sq ft roof |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt, 3-tab | $7.20 | $12,240 |
| Asphalt, architectural | $7.95 | $13,515 |
| Asphalt, premium/designer | $9.85 | $16,745 |
| Metal panels, exposed fastener (steel) | $10.65 | $18,105 |
| Concrete tile, flat | $15.10 | $25,670 |
| Synthetic composite shingles | $16.25 | $27,625 |
| Standing seam metal (steel) | $16.45 | $27,965 |
| Cedar shakes | $17.35 | $29,495 |
| Clay tile, flat | $19.90 | $33,830 |
| Natural slate, standard | $31.00 | $52,700 |
Source: RoofObservations, New Jersey roof cost guide.
Most homes in our area get architectural shingles. They cost about 10% more than 3-tab and are what GAF, CertainTeed and Owens Corning sell as their main residential lines. For a side-by-side look at durability and weight, read our comparison of asphalt, metal and tile roofing.
Quick math for your house. Roof area is not floor area: a pitched roof with overhangs is usually larger than the footprint. At $7.95 per sq ft, a 1,200 sq ft roof comes to about $9,540, and a 2,400 sq ft roof to about $19,080.
What raises or lowers the price
- Pitch and complexity. The table assumes a 6/12 pitch. Steep roofs, dormers, valleys, skylights and chimneys can add up to 30% because the crew needs more time, staging and flashing.
- Tear-off. Removing old shingles adds $1–$3 per sq ft. A second layer means double the debris and labor.
- Rotted decking. Nobody can see the plywood or boards until the shingles are off. Ask for a per-sheet price in the contract so a soft spot doesn’t turn into an open-ended charge.
- Ventilation. Ridge vents and intake at the soffits are part of a proper roof system. Skipping them shortens shingle life and can void the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Extras. New gutters, skylight replacement, chimney flashing and attic insulation are often quoted at the same time. Make sure each one is its own line in the estimate.
- Material grade and warranty. Premium shingles and extended manufacturer warranties cost more up front. They only pay off if the roof is installed by a certified contractor, otherwise the extended coverage isn’t available.
New Jersey factors that show up in your quote
Nor’easters, heavy wet snow and repeated freeze-thaw cycles are the main reasons NJ roofs fail early. That is why a correct quote here includes ice and water shield along the eaves and valleys, and a balanced attic ventilation plan. Without both, ice dams form at the gutter line and push water under the shingles.
Shaded lots get black algae streaks on asphalt shingles. Algae-resistant shingles cost little extra and keep the roof from looking old in five years.
Permits. For a detached one- or two-family house, replacing the roof covering counts as ordinary maintenance under N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7: no permit, inspection or notice to the town is required. Townhouses, larger buildings and any structural work (new rafters, replaced sheathing over a large area, a changed roofline) are different and go through the local construction office.
Old layers. State rules require a full tear-off when the existing roof already has two or more layers, is water-soaked, or is slate, tile or wood shake. If your house was roofed over once before, budget for a complete tear-off down to the deck.
Repair, insurance and financing
A full replacement isn’t always the answer. Lost shingles after a windstorm, a leaking pipe boot or failed chimney flashing usually cost a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand to repair. Replacement makes sense when the shingles are near the end of their life, leaks show up in more than one spot, or the deck is soft. If water is already coming in, start with our checklist for what to do when your roof is leaking.
Homeowners insurance generally pays for sudden damage, such as a tree limb or a wind event, and not for a roof that simply wore out. Photograph the damage before any temporary repair and call your insurer before signing a replacement contract.
If the cost doesn’t fit this year’s budget, ask about financing. We offer payment plans on full replacements; a HELOC or a personal loan are the other common routes.
How to get an accurate quote
Online price guides give you a range. An exact number needs someone on the roof and, ideally, in the attic. When you compare estimates, check that each one:
- Uses the same measured roof area, in squares (1 square = 100 sq ft).
- Names the shingle brand and line, the underlayment and where ice and water shield goes.
- Lists tear-off layers, disposal, and the per-sheet price for replacement decking.
- Spells out ventilation, flashing and drip edge work.
- States both warranties: the manufacturer’s and the contractor’s labor warranty.
New Jersey law adds two protections. Any home improvement job over $500 needs a written contract signed by both sides, and you can cancel it until midnight of the third business day after you receive your copy. Also ask for the contractor’s NJ home improvement registration number and look it up with the Division of Consumer Affairs before you sign.
Get your price from Clifton Roofing & Siding. We inspect the roof for free and give you a written report with photos and a line-by-line estimate. You get a start and finish date in writing, and our labor warranty lasts for as long as you live in the home. We are certified with GAF and CertainTeed, so extended manufacturer warranties are available on our installs.
Call (973) 572-8600 or book a free roof inspection. Want to know how the job goes day by day? Read what to expect during a roof replacement. For the services themselves, see our roof installation and roof survey pages.
FAQ
How much does a new roof cost in New Jersey?
About $12,000–$17,000 for a 1,700 sq ft asphalt shingle roof with tear-off. Metal, tile and slate run from roughly $18,000 to over $50,000 for the same size.
What is the cost per square foot to replace a roof in NJ?
Around $7.20–$9.85 per sq ft for asphalt shingles, including removal of one old layer. Standing seam steel is about $16.45 and natural slate about $31.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in NJ?
Not for a detached one- or two-family house: replacing the roof covering is ordinary maintenance under state rules. Townhouses, larger buildings and structural work need a permit from the local construction office.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most homes in Clifton are done in 1–2 days. Large or steep roofs and extra decking repairs can add a day or two.
