Ice barrier
New underlayment goes over the whole roof and self-sealing ice barrier goes where water collects as a second line of defense.
Roof Replacement
Roof Replacement Rutherford, NJ
A Rutherford roofing contractor can replace a roof that is too old or too damaged to patch, starting with a full tear-off and a check of the decking, with a written scope so you know exactly what is being replaced. One call to (551) 380-1579 reaches a nearby roofing contractor.
Most roofs reach the point of replacement through age rather than one dramatic event. As shingles age they shed granules, turn brittle and curl at the edges, so leaks begin turning up in more than one spot at a time. The type of shingle and the number of layers already on the roof both shape when, and how, a replacement happens.
A new roof is really a system, and the shingles are the last layer of it. A complete replacement covers the decking, underlayment, ice barrier, drip edge, every piece of flashing, the pipe boots and the ventilation, not just the outer roofing. Leaving old flashing or rotten boards in place undercuts the new roofing laid over them.
Ahead of the first conversation with a Rutherford roofer, note the age of the roof, any leak spots on ceilings and whether there might be two layers up there. A quick look in the attic with a flashlight for damp wood or daylight is useful too, as long as you stay on the joists.
If the problem goes deeper than it first looked, a Rutherford roofer may also recommend roof installation or shingle roof replacement.
Looking for Rutherford roof replacement? Call (551) 380-1579 to talk to a local roofer.
Call nowThe process
The roof replacement process
Each step builds on the one before it, so the order matters.
Measure the roof
The visit includes a look at the roof surface, the attic side of the deck and the flashing, plus measurements for materials. A written scope spells out the roofing, underlayment, flashing and vents, and the contractor usually files the reroof permit.
Remove the old layers
Tarps go over plants and walls, and the old roofing comes off in sections into a dumpster or trailer. The roof is dried in at the end of each working day.
Fix soft wood
With the deck exposed, the crew walks it for soft spots and replaces rotted or delaminated plywood, OSB or plank boards.
Lay the new roofing
After the underlayment and ice barrier, the crew sets starter, flashing, pipe boots and ventilation before the roofing itself goes down. Nailing to the shingle maker's pattern and balancing ridge exhaust with soffit intake are what make the roof last.
Clean up the site
Debris is hauled off and a rolling magnet sweeps the lawn, beds and driveway for nails. If a permit was pulled, the final inspection happens around this point.
What is included
Parts of a full roof replacement
Flashing replacement
Flashing at walls, chimneys, skylights and vents is replaced with new metal at every place the roof meets something.
Roof vents
Attic vents are replaced and sized for the attic so the attic stays dry in winter and cooler in summer.
Full tear-off
The old roofing and underlayment are removed completely instead of being buried under new shingles.
Deck repair
Rotted decking is swapped for sound wood before anything new is nailed down.
Related service
Reroofing Rutherford, NJ
Reroofing is the general term for putting a new roof on an existing house, whether that means a full tear-off or, in limited cases, a single overlay. Building codes generally allow at most two layers of asphalt shingles, and an overlay is only an option when the existing roof is flat, dry and has a sound deck. For most homes, a full tear-off is the better reroof because it exposes the deck and lets every piece of flashing be replaced.
A Rutherford reroofing quote should state plainly whether the plan is a tear-off or an overlay. Also ask whether the new roof will get ice and water shield, new drip edge and new pipe boots, since those are easy places to cut corners.
Related service
Roof Tear Off Rutherford, NJ
During a tear-off, the crew strips the roof to bare wood using shovels and roofing forks, slope by slope. A dumpster is placed near the drop zone, and tarps cover beds, patios and anything that could catch falling debris.
Once the old roof is gone, every soft or rotted board is out in the open. Old leaks show up as dark, soft or delaminated sheathing that gets replaced before anything new goes down.
Related service
Roof Decking Replacement Rutherford, NJ
The decking is the wood surface between the rafters and the roofing, usually plywood or OSB on newer homes and plank boards on older ones. Long-term leaks, poor attic ventilation and condensation can leave it soft, delaminated or rotted, and nails will not hold in weak wood.
Rotted sections are cut back to solid wood and replaced, and spaced plank decks may get a full layer of new plywood or OSB. Because the extent of the damage is unknown before tear-off, the contract should explain how extra sheets are counted.
Local help
Roof Replacement Near Me
Roof replacement in Rutherford covers a wide range of houses: original roofs on homes built decades ago, second roofs laid over the first, and newer roofs aged early by storms. From Rutherford out to nearby towns like East Rutherford, Wallington, Carlstadt and North Arlington, roofers see the same pattern: replacing a roof before the deck rots keeps the job simpler, which is why an inspection is worth it once a roof gets close to its expected age.
Searching for roof replacement near me from Rutherford or East Rutherford, Wallington, Carlstadt and North Arlington? Call (551) 380-1579 to talk to a roofer who works in your part of town.
Roofs in this climate
Cold winters bring snow, ice and a long stretch of freezing nights. When warm attic air melts the snow, the meltwater runs down and freezes again at the eaves, building ice dams that push water up under the shingles. Coastal storms and heavy spring rain drive water sideways into flashing, valleys and old chimneys. That is why roof repair in Rutherford is busiest after a hard winter and before the next one.
Why call
Why not wait
Smaller repairs
A roof problem fixed early rarely spreads to the decking, the insulation or the ceilings.
Local knowledge
Local roofers see the same roofs and storm damage across Rutherford and nearby towns.
Clear next steps
Ask your questions before you agree to anything.
Common questions about roof replacement
Should I stay home while my roof is being replaced?
You do not have to be there the whole time, but it helps to be reachable. The roofer may need to ask about decking repairs or an unexpected issue once the old roof is off.
How many days does it take to replace a roof?
A typical house takes one to three working days. Steep slopes, multiple layers, a lot of decking repair or a complex roof with many valleys and dormers can stretch that out.
Can a new roof go over the old one?
Building codes generally allow at most two layers of asphalt shingles, so an overlay is only possible on a roof with one layer and a sound deck. The trade-off is that nobody can inspect or repair the decking under the old roof.
How do I know if I need a new roof or just a repair?
The deciding factors are the age of the roof, how widespread the wear is and the condition of the deck. A localized problem on a roof with plenty of life left is usually worth repairing. Curling, granule loss on most slopes, repeated leaks or two existing layers usually point to replacement.
What time of year is best for roof replacement?
Spring through fall offers the easiest working conditions in most places. Asphalt shingles need warmth to seal down well, and roofers avoid opening a roof ahead of rain. If the roof is leaking now, a temporary fix can protect the house until replacement is scheduled.
More questions? Call (551) 380-1579
Related services
Roof Installation
Putting on a new roof the way the material maker intends, whether it is asphalt shingles, metal or another material.
Learn moreShingle Roof Replacement
Tearing off a worn shingle roof down to the decking and putting on a new one, with soft decking fixed before anything new goes on.
Learn moreMetal Roof Replacement
Replacing a rusted or worn-out metal roof, or swapping an old shingle roof for new metal, with purlins and decking checked before new panels go on.
Learn moreRoof Insurance Claims
Help documenting hail and wind damage and meeting the insurance adjuster on the roof, so the damage is recorded clearly and accurately.
Learn more
Looking for something else?
See all roofing servicesTalk to a Rutherford roofer about roof replacement
Call (551) 380-1579 for a local roofer in Rutherford and nearby towns.