Most homeowners think they are buying shingles.
They are not.
They are buying a complete roofing system.
Two houses can have the exact same shingles installed. One roof fails in 10 years. The other lasts 30 to 35 years. Why?
Because shingles are only one part of the system. A proper roof replacement includes seven critical components. When contractors cut corners on any of these, your roof will not last as long as the manufacturer says it should.
If you are researching roof replacement in New Jersey or comparing roofing contractors, this guide will help you understand what to look for before signing a contract.
The most important part of your roofing system is the roof deck. This is usually plywood and it is the foundation of your entire roof.
If the decking is weak, rotted, or damaged, everything installed on top of it will eventually fail.
During a proper roof replacement, your contractor should tear everything down to the decking. This allows for a full inspection to make sure it is solid and safe to nail into.
Sometimes only one sheet of plywood needs to be replaced. Other times dozens may need to be replaced. You do not know until the roof is opened up.
Red flag: If a contractor tears off shingles but reuses old underlayment or skips a full deck inspection, that is cutting corners.
Ask this question:
Are you tearing everything down to the decking and inspecting it?
In New Jersey, ice and water protection is critical.
Ice and water shield is installed around roof edges, chimneys, valleys, and any roof penetrations such as pipes or vents. It protects your home from leaks caused by ice dams and wind driven rain.
During winter, snow melts and refreezes at the edges of your roof. This creates ice dams. Without proper leak barrier protection, water can back up under shingles and enter your home.
If your roofing contractor is not installing ice and water shield in vulnerable areas, you are at risk for future leaks.
Ask:
Are you installing ice and water shield around edges and penetrations?
Underlayment covers the entire roof deck. It acts as a secondary layer of protection if water ever gets past the shingles.
There are two types:
Felt underlayment
Synthetic underlayment
Felt is older technology. Synthetic underlayment is stronger, more durable, and more resistant to moisture.
In modern roof replacement, synthetic underlayment should be installed. It is your last line of defense before water reaches your decking.
Red flags:
Reusing old underlayment
Installing felt instead of synthetic
Ask:
Are you installing brand new synthetic underlayment?
Starter strip shingles are installed along the edges of your roof.
Their job is simple but critical. They prevent wind from lifting the first row of shingles.
Some contractors try to cut costs by flipping regular shingles upside down and using them as starter strips. This is not proper installation.
Starter strip shingles are specifically designed to seal and secure the first layer.
Ask:
Are you using actual starter strip shingles?
This is the part most homeowners focus on.
Shingles matter, but the type and brand matter even more.
There are two common types:
Three tab shingles
Architectural shingles
Three tab shingles are an older, thinner product. They are cheaper but less durable.
Architectural shingles are thicker, stronger, and designed to last longer. Most modern roof replacements should use architectural shingles.
Brand matters as well. Well known manufacturers such as GAF and Atlas have established track records and strong warranty systems.
If your estimate simply says architectural shingles without listing the brand, ask for clarification.
Ask:
What brand of shingles are you installing?
Ventilation is one of the most overlooked parts of a roofing system.
Proper attic ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture.
In winter, poor ventilation can contribute to ice dams and condensation.
In summer, it can cause shingles to overheat and age prematurely.
Many contractors simply replace what is already there without evaluating whether it is the best system.
In many cases, ridge vent systems provide superior ventilation, but not every roof qualifies. Proper intake and exhaust balance must be evaluated.
Ask:
Are you evaluating and upgrading my ventilation if needed?
Ridge cap shingles are installed at the peak of your roof.
This area is highly exposed to wind. Ridge caps are specifically designed to seal and protect the top of your roofing system.
Some contractors cut costs by using standard three tab shingles on the ridge. This is not ideal and can lead to blow offs during high winds.
Ask:
Are you installing actual ridge cap shingles?
If a contractor offers you a very low price per square, you must understand what materials and methods are being used.
Are they:
Tearing down to the decking
Replacing damaged plywood
Installing synthetic underlayment
Using proper starter strips
Installing quality architectural shingles
Evaluating ventilation
Installing ridge cap shingles
A roofing system is only as strong as its weakest component.
When corners are cut, the roof may look good on day one but fail years earlier than expected.
If you are researching roof cost or comparing roofing contractors, do not focus only on price.
Focus on the system.
A properly installed roofing system should last as long as the manufacturer states. But that only happens when every component is installed correctly.
If you have questions about your roof replacement or would like a detailed inspection in New Jersey, contact Tetti Roofing.
Call or text 908 617 1544 to schedule an estimate or consultation.
An educated homeowner makes a better decision.
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