What Roof Replacement Involves
A full roof replacement removes the old shingle system and installs a new one from top to bottom. We strip away weathered shingles, roofing felt, and damaged underlayment, then inspect the roof deck (typically OSB or plywood) and check the sheathing for rot, decay, or structural damage. The new assembly includes synthetic underlayment, ice-and-water shield at eaves and valleys, updated flashing at penetrations, new ridge vents for attic ventilation, and modern architectural shingles fastened with proper nails and sealant.
What the work includes:
- Removal of existing shingles, roofing felt, and damaged underlayment
- Inspection and replacement of damaged roof deck and sheathing substrate
- Installation of synthetic underlayment as a moisture barrier across the deck
- Ice-and-water shield applied at eaves, valleys, and around all penetrations
- Drip edge installed along fascia and rake to direct water into gutters
- Step flashing and counter-flashing at walls, valleys, and roof transitions
- Chimney flashing and pipe boot replacement at all roof penetrations
- Ridge cap and ridge vent installation for proper attic ventilation
- New architectural or three-tab shingles fastened with a nail gun using ring-shank nails
- Soffit vent openings maintained for air circulation
- Site cleanup with dumpster debris removal and magnetic nail sweep
Signs You Need Full Roof Replacement
When shingles curl, split, or go missing across the field course, the roof is nearing end-of-life. Granule loss (dark residue) in gutters and downspouts shows asphalt shingles degrading. Interior water stains on ceilings or attic framing mean water has wicked through the underlayment into the structure. A sag or dip in the roofline indicates structural failure. In Hillsborough's heavy snow winters, recurring ice dams signal failed ice-and-water shield or poor ventilation. Moss and algae thriving in humid summers often hide rot beneath shingles.
When to call:
- Multiple missing, curled, or cracked shingles across the roof
- Granule loss visible in gutters and downspouts
- Water stains, mold, or daylight in the attic
- Ridge sag or visible dip in the roofline
- Recurring ice dam formation along eaves each winter
- Roof age over 20 years with no recent inspection
- Post-storm damage: missing shingles, hail impact, or tree strike
Our Roof Replacement Process
Step one: inspection and estimate. We document the roof's condition with photographs, assess building code requirements specific to your home's age and pitch, and identify any structural concerns. Step two: tear-off and prep. Old shingles, roofing felt, and damaged underlayment are removed; debris goes into a dumpster on-site. We inspect the exposed roof deck and replace any sections of damaged OSB or plywood before proceeding.
Step three: underlayment and flashing. Synthetic underlayment is laid across the entire deck as a moisture barrier; ice-and-water shield is applied at eaves, valleys, and around all penetrations per local building code. Step flashing, counter-flashing, chimney flashing, and pipe boots are installed with roofing sealant to ensure waterproofing.
Step four: shingle installation. Architectural shingles are installed in staggered courses, starting with a starter course at the eave. Each shingle is fastened with a nail gun using ring-shank nails at the correct exposure and head lap spacing. Ridge cap is installed last, sealing the peak.
Step five: final inspection and cleanup. We verify all fastening integrity, check all flashing seals for waterproofing, photograph the finished work, and sweep magnetic nails from the entire property.
Cost & Material Choices
Pricing depends on roof size (measured in roofing squares—100 sq. ft. each), material choice, and site complexity including pitch, penetrations, and tear-off scope. Architectural shingles typically cost $350–$500 per square installed in Somerset County. A standard 25-square residential roof runs $8,000–$12,500 before permits and inspections.
Three-tab shingles cost less; wood shake, slate, or metal panels command premium pricing. Labor typically runs $65–$85 per square. Building permits and inspections add $200–$400 to the project. Synthetic underlayment, ice-and-water shield, flashing systems, and ridge vents are factored into per-square pricing. We provide a detailed, line-item estimate that breaks out materials, labor, permits, cleanup, and any optional upgrades—no surprises when we arrive.
Warranty & Insurance Coverage
All labor carries a 10-year workmanship warranty. Manufacturer warranties on architectural shingles run 25–30 years; we register your shingles so coverage transfers if you sell. Storm damage claims are handled by us: we document the damage, coordinate the insurance adjuster inspection, and file supplemental claims for additional scope discovered during the tearoff. You pay your deductible; insurance covers the rest.
Why Hillsborough Roofing Pros
Our roofing contractors know the specific climate and housing stock in Hillsborough and surrounding communities. Mid-century ranches in Clover Hill and Hillsborough Village often have low-slope rooflines prone to ice dam buildup each winter. Newer colonial-style homes in subdivisions around Country Club Estates require meticulous flashing at dormers and skylights.
Heavy snow winters demand we specify ice-and-water shield aggressively across the entire roof. Spring hail and summer humidity throughout the region necessitate durable architectural shingles and proper ridge and soffit ventilation. We pull all required permits, coordinate with township building inspectors, and communicate transparently about scope and timeline before, during, and after every job.
Signs You Need Roof Replacement
Missing or Curling Shingles
Shingles that curl, split, or go missing expose the underlayment and allow water to seep into the roof deck. This damage often spreads across the entire field course within one or two seasons.
Granule Loss in Gutters
Dark asphalt granules washing into gutters and downspouts signal shingles are degrading and losing their protective surface. This is one of the first visible signs of end-of-life wear.
Attic Moisture & Stains
Water stains on ceiling drywall or rafter framing mean moisture has wicked through the underlayment into the structure. Mold or soft spots in framing point to serious decay risk requiring immediate action.
Ridge Sag or Dip
A visible sag along the roofline suggests structural failure in rafters, trusses, or the ridge beam underneath. This requires immediate inspection and may indicate rot that compromises the entire system.
Daylight Through Roof Decking
If you see daylight through gaps in the roof deck from the attic, the substrate has deteriorated beyond repair. The entire deck typically needs replacement before any new shingles are installed.
Recurring Ice Dams
Ice dams forming along eaves each winter in Hillsborough's heavy snow seasons signal failed ice-and-water shield, poor ventilation, or inadequate attic insulation. A complete replacement fixes all three issues permanently.
What's Included
- ✓ Full roof inspection with damage photography and written assessment report
- ✓ Complete tear-off of old shingles, roofing felt, and underlayment with debris removal in dumpster
- ✓ Roof deck and sheathing inspection; replacement of any damaged OSB or plywood sections
- ✓ Synthetic underlayment, ice-and-water shield, and building-code flashing installation at all penetrations
- ✓ Architectural shingles installed with proper nail gun fastening, ring-shank nails, and staggered courses
- ✓ Manufacturer warranty registration and 10-year workmanship guarantee on all labor
- ✓ Site cleanup: magnetic nail sweep, gutter debris removal, and dumpster haul-away
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