New Jersey Roof Replacement Cost Guide (2025 Update)

Introduction

In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in New Jersey in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years reviewing contractor bids and researching roofing costs for my clients. The roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, New Jersey labor costs, and other relevant factors, including roofing project values from actual New Jersey building permit data. The roof systems covered here include asphalt shingles, metal roofing, slate, tile, synthetic composite, cedar shakes, and all of the common types of low-slope commercial roofing.

Roof replacement costs in New Jersey tend to run significantly higher than the national average, with statewide construction costs averaging about 25% to 30% higher than the U.S. average. This reflects a combination of higher labor rates, taxes, material markups, and business operating expenses in the state. See national average roof replacement costs here.

Actual roof prices will vary depending on location, roof size, roof slope, complexity, and, of course, the type of roof system installed. Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular residential roof covering in New Jersey, but alternatives like standing seam metal, cedar shingles and shakes, and natural slate are also fairly common. Commercial “flat” (low-slope) roofs use single-ply membranes (EPDM, TPO, and PVC roofing), modified bitumen, or spray-applied polyurethane foam roofing systems.

On average, New Jersey residential roof replacement prices in 2025 typically range from around $7 per square foot for basic asphalt shingles to around $44 per square foot for high-end copper roofing. This means a typical 1,700-square-foot pitched roof may cost between $12,000 and $75,000, depending on the material selected.

Commercial roofing typically costs less per square foot, with New Jersey commercial roof replacement prices ranging, on average, from around $6 per square foot for a ballasted EPDM overlay system with no insulation included to around $22 per square foot for a 2-ply modified bitumen system with enough insulation to meet the New Jersey R-30 energy code requirement for roofs with above-deck insulation.

The tables below provide cost information for all roof types and systems.

Climate Considerations for New Jersey Roofs

New Jersey’s climate is largely humid subtropical in the southern half of the state and along the coast, while the northern interior and higher elevations experience a humid continental climate. Winters are cold and snowy in the north, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while southern coastal areas are typically milder with lighter snowfall. Nor’easters can bring heavy snow, wind, and coastal flooding, especially in the northeastern counties. Summers are warm to hot and humid statewide, with frequent thunderstorms and occasional tropical storm or hurricane winds along the Shore. Annual precipitation generally ranges from 40 to 50 inches, with snowfall amounts highest in the northern highlands and lowest near the coast.

Heating degree days outnumber cooling degree days in most of New Jersey, especially in the northern half of the state, but cooling demand is greater here than in many northern states due to hot, humid summers. As a result, roofing choices need to account for both heating and cooling performance. White, reflective “cool roof” products can help reduce cooling costs in the south, while in the north darker roofing materials may provide benefits in winter by absorbing solar heat.

Asphalt shingle roofs in New Jersey can develop Gloeocapsa magma colonies (roof algae), especially in very humid and/or shaded areas; black or dark gray shingles can help hide these dark stains better than lighter colors.

Homeowners and property managers in New Jersey should consider the following:

• Asphalt shingles remain the most popular and cost-effective choice. Algae-resistant shingles are recommended in New Jersey to prevent black streaks and stains from Gloeocapsa magma, particularly in shaded or coastal areas.
• Ventilation and underlayment are critical. Roof assemblies should include adequate attic ventilation, high-quality underlayment, and properly installed ice-and-water shield to reduce the risk of moisture intrusion during freeze-thaw cycles. Note that improper ventilation can void your roof warranty.
• Metal roofing performs well, particularly in regions prone to snow and wind. PVDF-coated steel panels offer long-lasting color retention and aluminum panels resist corrosion in salty coastal air.
• Slate, tile, and cedar perform well when installed with proper flashing and drainage to handle both heavy snow and corrosive coastal moisture. For cedar products, Class A fire-rated assemblies are strongly advised, and copper strips can help minimize algae, moss, and mildew growth.
• Insulation and air sealing are important across the state. A properly insulated and sealed attic lowers heating and cooling costs while helping to prevent ice dams.

Things to Keep in Mind

These roof cost estimates should be fairly accurate; I make an effort to update them regularly using current material prices and labor data specific to New Jersey. Keep in mind that the costs listed below are averages, and actual costs can vary significantly depending on your specific location and the size, configuration, accessibility, and condition of your particular roof.

The residential roof cost estimates provided here are for roof replacements on roofs with a 6/12 pitch and include all standard roof components (underlayment, ice & water shield, fasteners, flashing, etc.). Steeper roofs or roofs with complex designs can increase costs by as much as 30%.

Removal of an existing commercial or residential roof typically adds between $1 and $3 per square foot. For the estimates in the tables below, $1.50 per square foot for tear-off and disposal has been included in all pricing.

Table 1: Residential Roof Costs in New Jersey

Table 2: Commercial Roof Costs in New Jersey

For energy code purposes, New Jersey spans climate zones 4 and 5, with a few northern counties in 5 and the rest of the state in 4. For low-slope commercial roofs with insulation entirely above the deck, both zones require a minimum R-30 continuous insulation. When performing a roof recover (installing a new roof over an existing one), this insulation requirement typically does not apply. Roof recover projects generally involve installing a layer of cover board over the existing system to provide a suitable substrate, followed by the new roof membrane. Keep in mind that roof recovery is not always permitted or advisable.

Further Reading: Roof Cost Details by Roofing Type

• Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost Guide
• Cedar Shake & Shingle Roof Cost Guide
• Copper Roof Cost Guide
• EPDM Rubber Roof Cost Guide
• Metal Roof Cost Guide
• Modified Bitumen Roof Cost Guide
• PVC Membrane Roof Cost Guide
• Shingle Roof Cost Guide
• Single-Ply Roofing Cost Guide (EPDM, PVC, TPO)
• Slate Roof Cost Guide
• Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing Cost Guide
• Standing Seam Metal Roofing Cost Guide
• Tile Roof Cost Guide
• TPO Membrane Roof Cost Guide

About the Author

Jack Gray spent 20 years as a principal roof consultant with the Moriarty Corporation, an award-winning building enclosure consultant firm founded in 1967. Mr. Gray has worked in the roofing industry for over 25 years, with training and practical experience in roof installation, roof inspection, roof safety, roof condition assessment, construction estimating, roof design & specification, quality assurance, roof maintenance & repair, and roof asset management. He was awarded the Registered Roof Observer (RRO) professional credential in 2009. He also served as an infantry paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and has a B.A. from Cornell University.