A roof replacement is one of the most significant home improvement investments homeowners make, and with good reason. Your roof not only protects your home from the elements, but also plays a key role in energy efficiency, property value, and long-term comfort. But most homeowners aren’t fully aware of what a roof replacement includes, or how the cost breaks down.
This guide provides a detailed look at what’s included in a roof replacement, from inspection and removal of the old roof to installing new materials and components. You’ll understand what to expect, how to prepare, and why working with a certified roofing contractor makes all the difference.
Pre-Replacement Steps: Planning and Roof Inspection
The roof replacement process begins long before the first shingle is removed. It starts with a thorough inspection and planning phase that sets the foundation for a successful project. This stage is critical for uncovering hidden issues and determining exactly what needs to be replaced or upgraded.
A professional roofing contractor will assess your current roof’s condition, checking for signs of wear, potential structural concerns, and any prior roof repairs that may have been done incorrectly. This helps them create a tailored roofing plan that aligns with your home’s needs, local building codes, and your budget.
During this inspection, contractors evaluate:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Water stains or mold in the attic
- Soft decking or visible sagging
- Improper ventilation or drainage
Understanding the current condition of your roof ensures you’re not paying for unnecessary work or materials and helps avoid costly surprises later on.
Removing the Old Roof: Why Tear-Offs Matter
Once the inspection is complete and the scope is defined, the next step is to remove the old roofing material. This phase is essential for ensuring your new roof is installed over a clean, damage-free surface. Roofing contractors refer to this as a “tear-off,” and it involves more than just removing shingles.
While it may seem simpler to place new shingles over the old ones, this approach, called a layover, can hide rot, moisture, or other structural issues beneath the surface. A full tear-off, though more labor-intensive, gives your contractor a clear view of the decking and prevents future leaks or failures.
Key components removed during this process include:
- Old shingles and felt paper
- Rusted or damaged flashing
- Worn-out pipe boots and vents
- Roofing nails and debris
Professional roofers take care to protect your home and landscape during tear-off, using tarps and debris bins to manage waste and prevent damage.
Roof Decking: The Foundation of Your New Roof
Your roof’s decking, or roof deck, is the structural base to which all other components are attached. It’s usually made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), and it must be solid, level, and moisture-free to support a new roofing system.
Roofing contractors inspect the decking thoroughly once the old roof is removed. Any damaged or rotting boards must be replaced. If this step is skipped, it could compromise the lifespan and integrity of your new roof.
The condition of the decking influences:
- Whether the new roof can be installed safely
- The overall durability of the roofing system
- Your home’s protection against leaks and water damage
Replacing decking adds to the cost, but it’s one of the most important parts of the roof replacement process for long-term performance.
Underlayment and Moisture Protection: Building a Weather Barrier
Beneath your shingles lies the underlayment, a critical moisture barrier that protects your home in the event shingles become damaged or lifted. Most modern roofing systems use synthetic underlayment, which offers better durability, water resistance, and installation ease compared to traditional felt paper.
In colder climates like New Jersey, another key component is ice and water shield, a rubberized membrane that sticks to the decking and helps prevent ice dams and leaks. It’s typically installed in the most vulnerable areas of the roof, such as valleys, edges, and around penetrations like chimneys and skylights.
A well-installed underlayment system helps:
- Prevent water intrusion under the shingles
- Protect your attic and insulation from rot
- Provide an added layer of defense during storms
Without a quality underlayment and ice and water shield, even the best shingles can fail prematurely.
Choosing Roofing Materials: Matching Performance and Budget
Selecting the right roofing material is one of the biggest decisions homeowners face during a roof replacement. Your choice affects not only the cost of the project but also the lifespan, appearance, and performance of the roof.
The most common choice for residential homes is asphalt shingles, especially architectural shingles, which offer a balance of durability and cost-efficiency. For homeowners looking for a longer lifespan or specific aesthetic preferences, materials like metal, wood shake, or clay tile may also be considered.
Each option varies in:
- Lifespan (asphalt shingles: 20–30 years; metal: 40–70 years)
- Cost per square foot
- Weather resistance and maintenance requirements
A knowledgeable roofing contractor will guide you through your options and help you find the right fit based on your home’s architecture, climate, and energy needs.
Materials Needed for a Complete Roof Replacement
A roof replacement involves far more than shingles. A full roofing system includes numerous components, each designed to serve a specific function. These materials work together to protect your home from wind, rain, ice, and heat.
To ensure durability and code compliance, your contractor will source and install:
- Starter shingles (first row of shingles to reduce blow-off risk)
- Synthetic underlayment and ice and water shield
- Ridge caps and hip shingles
- Pipe boots (neoprene or lead)
- Roof vents (ridge vents or static vents)
- Metal flashing (used around chimneys and valleys)
- Drip edge (installed along the edges of the roof to direct water away)
These components may seem minor individually, but together they make up a complete, high-performance roofing system.
GAF Roofing Options: A Trusted Brand for Long-Term Protection
American Home Contractors specializes in installing GAF roofing systems, one of the most trusted names in roofing materials. GAF offers advanced products that combine innovative design with industry-leading warranties, making them an excellent choice for New Jersey homeowners.
Key features of GAF systems include:
- Timberline® HDZ Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology
- GAF Cobra® attic ventilation systems
- Advanced Protection® Shingle Technology for better durability
- Golden Pledge® Warranty (50 years, backed by GAF when installed by a Master Elite® contractor)
GAF’s complete systems ensure all parts, from shingles to flashing, are engineered to work together, resulting in a more durable, efficient roof.
Installation Process: Step-by-Step by Certified Professionals
Roof installation isn’t just about laying down shingles, it’s about executing each step with care and precision. A certified contractor will follow manufacturer guidelines and local building codes to ensure the roofing system is installed correctly and safely.
The installation process generally includes:
- Applying starter strips and aligning rows
- Installing drip edge and underlayment
- Securing pipe boots, vents, and flashing
- Laying architectural shingles from bottom up
- Finishing with ridge caps and proper ventilation
Timeframes vary based on the size of the roof and weather conditions, but most replacements are completed in 1 to 3 days.
Permits, Safety, and Compliance
All roof replacement projects must comply with local building regulations. This includes pulling permits, undergoing inspections, and ensuring safety protocols are followed on-site.
A professional contractor will:
- Handle all permit applications and fees
- Schedule and pass required inspections
- Follow OSHA safety guidelines and use proper fall protection
This ensures the project is completed legally and safely, giving homeowners peace of mind and protecting against liability.
Maintenance, Warranties, and Long-Term Care
Once your roof is installed, protecting your investment is essential. Routine maintenance extends the life of your roof and keeps your warranty valid.
Ongoing roof care should include:
- Visual inspections after storms
- Cleaning gutters and checking for clogs
- Trimming back tree limbs
- Scheduling professional inspections every 1–2 years
Most GAF systems include transferable warranties that cover material and labor. Be sure to discuss warranty registration and documentation with your roofer.
Final Inspection and Project Completion
Before closing out the project, a final inspection ensures every detail has been completed to the highest standards. A professional contractor will:
- Walk through the property with the homeowner
- Review all completed work
- Address any remaining concerns or questions
- Clean up and dispose of all debris and materials
This final step confirms that your roof has been installed properly and that your home is protected moving forward.
Conclusion
Replacing your roof is a major investment, but knowing what’s included helps you feel confident throughout the process. From materials to labor, permits to warranties, every detail matters. Work with a trusted roofing contractor who values quality, safety, and customer satisfaction to get the best return on your new roof.
Is it time for a new roof? Don’t leave it to chance; trust the local experts. At American Home Contractors NJ, we deliver full-service roof replacement with expert inspections, premium GAF materials, and factory-certified installation crews. From tear-off to cleanup, we handle every detail with precision and care. Backed by strong warranties and thousands of satisfied NJ homeowners, we’re here to help you protect what matters most. Call (908) 771-0123 today for a free, no-pressure estimate and let us take the stress out of your roofing project.
FAQs
What is considered roof replacement?
Roof replacement is the complete removal of your existing roof system and installation of a new one. It typically includes tearing off old shingles, inspecting and repairing decking, applying underlayment, and installing new materials like flashing, vents, and shingles.
What should be included in a roof plan?
A roof plan outlines all components and phases of the replacement. It should include roof dimensions, material specifications, underlayment type, ventilation systems, drainage design, flashing locations, and safety provisions.
What is the most expensive part of a new roof?
The most expensive part is typically labor, followed by premium roofing materials like metal or slate. Complex roof shapes, steep pitches, and multiple penetrations (chimneys, skylights) also increase costs.
What does a roof consist of?
A modern roof includes decking, underlayment, shingles or other surface material, flashing, drip edge, ventilation components, and accessories like pipe boots and ridge caps. Each layer works together to protect your home from water, wind, and UV damage.