Roof Replacement

Full tear-off to bare deck — never overlay. Overlays violate manufacturer warranties on GAF, CertainTeed, and IKO products, and they hide rotted decking. A second layer also exceeds NJ code in most jurisdictions.

Decking inspection. We probe every plywood or OSB sheet for soft spots; rotted sections are cut out and replaced before the new roof goes down. Replacement decking is included on most quotes as a per-sheet line item rather than a vague "as-needed" allowance.

Ice & water shield at all eaves (extending 24" past the interior wall plane — NJ Uniform Construction Code R905.1.2), all valleys, all penetrations (vent pipes, skylights, chimneys), and around the perimeter of any low-slope section.

Synthetic underlayment over the entire deck — we use GAF Tiger Paw or equivalent, not the cheap roofing felt that wrinkles and tears in summer heat.

All-new aluminum drip edge at eaves and rakes (NJ code R905.2.8.5 requires drip edge — verify your existing roof has it).

All-new step flashing at sidewalls, all-new counter flashing at chimneys, all-new pipe boots (we use lifetime EPDM or lead-collar boots, not the cheap rubber that fails at 8-10 years).

Ridge vent system, with intake replacement at soffits if needed — proper attic ventilation is mandatory for shingle warranty validity.

Manufacturer-certified install (GAF Certified or higher) so the homeowner is eligible for the GAF System Plus warranty class (50-year material + 2-year workmanship), not just a 25-year prorated standard limited warranty.

Architectural laminate shingles (GAF Timberline HDZ, CertainTeed Landmark, Owens Corning Duration) — the default. 30-year material life, 130+ mph wind rating, available in 20+ colors. Right for 90% of NJ homes.

Designer / luxury shingles (GAF Camelot II, CertainTeed Presidential Shake) — 50-year material life, dimensional profile that mimics slate or shake. About 60-80% more than architectural; worth it on homes where curb appeal drives resale value.

Synthetic slate (DaVinci Roofscapes) — 50-year warranty, true slate look at one-third the weight and price. Right for historic-district homes in Princeton, Madison, Cape May, or Lambertville where the HPC requires slate aesthetic.

Metal standing-seam — 50-year material life, 140+ mph wind rating. Higher upfront (2-3× shingle) but lifetime value for shore homes and modern designs. We install Englert, Drexel, and McElroy systems.

Cedar shake — historic restoration only. Real cedar has a 25-30 year service life and requires specific underlayment and ventilation.

Architectural shingle full replacement is the default residential install — final pricing depends on roof size, pitch (steeper = more labor and fall protection), number of stories, complexity (valleys, dormers, skylights, chimneys), decking replacement quantity, and dump fees.

Designer shingle adds a premium over architectural for the dimensional / slate-look profile, with a longer manufacturer warranty class.

Synthetic slate, standing-seam metal, and cedar shake step up from there — each requires more specialized labor and longer install timelines than asphalt, and each has a longer service life that affects total cost-of-ownership over decades.

Every quote we issue is custom-built after on-site inspection and includes a line-item breakdown — material, labor, dumpsters, permits, decking allowance, flashing — not a flat-rate guess. Every inspection and quote is free.