What Shingle Roofing Involves
Roof replacement strips and rebuilds the weatherproofing layer on residential homes, typically lasting 20–50 years depending on material grade and climate exposure. A tear-off removes all old shingles, nails, and underlayment, exposing the roof deck (plywood or OSB sheathing). We inspect the substrate for rot, decay, and structural settling before installing new material.
The installation includes a starter course, field courses, and ridge caps sealed with roofing cement and ring-shank nails per building code. Proper flashing at valleys, chimneys, skylights, and pipe boots prevents water from wicking into the attic.
Material Options in Hillsborough
Three asphalt shingle types address different budgets and durability needs:
- Three-tab shingles are flat, single-layer, and cost-effective—typical 25-year warranty, good for moderate climates.
- Architectural shingles are laminated, dimensional, granulated, and reinforced with fiberglass mat, offering superior wind rating (130+ mph) and algae resistance—typical 30–40 year warranty.
- Designer or luxury shingles mimic wood shake, slate, or tile appearance while maintaining asphalt workability and cost—50-year warranties common.
All sit atop underlayment (roofing felt or synthetic material), ice-and-water shield at eaves and valleys, and drip edge along the rake and soffit. Ridge vents and soffit vents work with attic ventilation to manage humidity. Hillsborough's humid summers mean algae and moss-resistant granules are standard; winter ice dam risk means premium underlayment protects your soffits and fascia.
Signs You Need This Service
- Missing or curling shingles expose the underlayment and roof deck to rain penetration and rot.
- Granule loss (black grit in gutters and downspouts) indicates the adhesive binding laminated shingles is degrading and end-of-life wear is approaching.
- Visible leaks or attic moisture stains on joists and rafters show water is reaching interior framing and causing decay.
- Ridge sag or visible waves in the roofline signal structural settlement or rot in the decking and trusses below.
- Daylight visible through decking from inside the attic means holes, rot, or missing sheathing requires replacement.
- Ice dam formation every winter backs water under shingles, seeping into soffits, fascia, and interior walls.
Our Process
We begin with a free roof inspection, walking the roofline and photographing damage, granule loss, flashing condition, and any rot. We measure, document, and explain findings before providing a quote—no hidden costs.
Once scheduled, we pull a building permit (required in Hillsborough for any full replacement). We arrange the tear-off and debris removal in advance.
On install day, we remove all old shingles and fasteners, then inspect the substrate. Damaged plywood or OSB is replaced; rot and mold are treated and dried.
We install synthetic underlayment and ice-and-water shield at the eave, secured per code to prevent wind uplift.
We lay shingles using a starter course along the eave, then staggered field courses across the roofline. Each shingle receives four ring-shank fasteners driven to proper depth—not overdriven. Ridge caps are sealed with roofing cement.
Flashing is installed at all penetrations: step flashing where the roof meets a sidewall or dormer, counter-flashing at chimneys, pipe boots for vent stacks, and vent boot flashing for HVAC penetrations. All flashing is sealed with mastic to prevent seeping.
We sweep the site with magnets to collect stray fasteners, haul debris, and coordinate a final building inspection.
Cost Considerations in Hillsborough
Roof pricing ranges $4.50–$8.00 per square foot for materials and labor. A 22-square roof (2,000 sq ft) runs $9,900–$17,600 for a full tear-off and replacement.
Factors that increase cost: steep roof pitch, dormers or complex geometry, and premium underlayment for ice dam protection. A building permit adds $150–$300.
Warranty & Insurance
Asphalt shingles include a manufacturer's limited warranty (typically 25–50 years) covering material defects and weathering. We register your roof with the manufacturer upon completion.
Our workmanship carries a 10-year warranty on all flashing, nailing, and sealant work. Storm damage claims go through your homeowner's insurance; we document damage and coordinate adjuster inspection.
Why Choose Hillsborough Roofing Pros
We inspect deck condition before every quote—no surprises. We pull permits and coordinate inspections, ensuring your roof meets Somerset County building code. Because our service area spans 1950s ranches to newer colonials, we've handled every pitch and layout the township has.
Winter ice dams and spring hail are routine here, so we specify ice-and-water shield and wind-rated shingles as standard. Licensed and insured, we earn trust through transparent communication and meticulous craftsmanship on every job.
Signs You Need Shingle Roofing
Missing or Curling Shingles
Shingles that curl at the edges or go missing expose your underlayment and roof deck to direct water penetration. Winter freeze-thaw cycles in Hillsborough accelerate this damage, so prompt replacement stops leaks before they reach interior framing.
Granule Loss in Gutters
Black grit or sand collecting in gutters and downspouts means the granules bonding your shingles are eroding—a sign the roof is nearing end-of-life. Hillsborough's humid summers and summer thunderstorms accelerate granule loss, especially on south-facing slopes.
Attic Moisture or Water Stains
Yellow or brown stains on ceiling joists, rafters, or attic insulation show water is wicking past your underlayment and into the roof assembly. This decay spreads quickly in Hillsborough's humid climate and requires immediate replacement to save the structure.
Ridge Sag or Visible Waves
A sagging ridge or visible dip along the roofline indicates the decking or trusses below have weakened from rot or settling. This structural issue requires full inspection and substrate replacement before new shingles can be safely installed.
Daylight Through Decking
If you can see light from inside the attic coming through holes or cracks in the roof deck, water, insects, and animals are entering. Damaged plywood or OSB must be replaced as part of the installation to restore full weatherproofing.
Ice Dam Backup Every Winter
Water pooling and seeping under shingles along your eaves during Hillsborough's freeze-thaw winters signals inadequate ice-and-water shield and ventilation. Premium underlayment and proper ridge and soffit vents prevent this costly damage in future seasons.
What's Included
- ✓ Free roof inspection and damage assessment with photographic documentation of all findings
- ✓ Manufacturer warranty registration on all asphalt shingles, activating 25–50 year coverage
- ✓ Building permit pulled and filed with local inspection coordination
- ✓ Complete tear-off of old shingles, nails, underlayment, and felt with proper disposal
- ✓ Full substrate inspection and replacement of damaged plywood or OSB sheathing
- ✓ Magnetic nail sweep of the entire job site for safety and cleanup
- ✓ Dumpster and debris removal included in the price
Related Services
Ready to get started? Call us today at 9086766663 for a free estimate.
☎ Call 9086766663
