Types of Roofing for New Jersey Homes
Clifton-based, NJ HIC #13VH11720500. 2-year workmanship warranty.
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What goes back on a roof is decided less by preference than by what the framing underneath will carry and what the house already is. Here is how the common systems actually behave on North Jersey houses.
Architectural Asphalt Shingle
The default on most North Jersey homes, and for good reason: it suits the pitches these houses were framed for, the material warranties run long, and the repair path is straightforward years later. This is what the majority of our replacements use.
Slate
You find real slate on the steep Victorians and estates, Upper Montclair, the historic districts in Plainfield and Belvidere, older Summit and Westfield streets. It outlasts everything else and it is heavy, which is exactly the issue: the framing has to carry it, and at tear-off the old slate slides off and shatters on the walk, so debris and safety planning happen before the first course comes up.
Cedar and Wood Shake
Common on older homes framed before plywood existed. Cedar cups and splits as it ages until daylight shows through in the attic, which is usually the point at which someone calls. Going back to cedar is possible on the right house; whether it is sensible depends on the framing and on how the roof is ventilated.
Metal
Long service life and it sheds snow well. It is a different fastening and flashing system entirely, so it is not a swap you make casually on a house that was built for shingle.
Tile and Faux Tile
Weight is the whole conversation again. Genuine tile needs framing that will carry it; the synthetic profiles exist precisely to give the look without the load.
Flat and Low-Slope
A different material system from anything pitched, membrane rather than shingle, and it fails in different ways. We treat it as its own service rather than an add-on. Flat roof repair covers it properly.
How the Decision Actually Gets Made
We get on the roof, look at the framing, the deck and the existing system, and tell you what it will carry. Then the itemized estimate shows the material tier as its own line so you can compare options rather than being handed one number.
What Backs the Work
Licensed in New Jersey
NJ HIC #13VH11720500, registered to FOUR SEASON CONSTRUCTION INC. You can look it up on the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs register before you hire anyone, including us.
2-year workmanship warranty
If something fails because of how we installed it, we come back and fix it. Manufacturer material warranties run up to fifty years depending on the product line.
Products we install
We install GAF and Owens Corning materials. We are not currently enrolled in their contractor certification programs and do not claim to be.
Rated 5.0
100+ Google reviews from homeowners across North Jersey, at an average of 5.0 out of 5.
Questions We Get Asked
Can I put a heavier material on my existing roof?
Only if the framing carries it. That is the first thing we check on any house with slate or tile in the conversation, because the answer decides everything downstream.
Which material lasts longest?
Slate, by a wide margin, and it is also the heaviest and the most involved to tear off. Architectural asphalt is the practical choice on most North Jersey houses.
My house has cedar. Do I have to go back to cedar?
No, and often it is not the sensible choice. It depends on the framing, the ventilation and what you want out of the next thirty years. We will lay out the options rather than pick for you.
Do you handle flat roofs?
Yes, as a separate service, a membrane system is nothing like a shingle roof. See <a href="/nj/flat-roof-repair">flat roof repair</a>.
Get a free roof estimate
We inspect first and photograph what we find, then put an itemized number in front of you. No obligation either way.
- Free inspection before any quote
- Written estimate, itemized line by line
- 2-year workmanship warranty
Rather talk it through? (862) 318-3997
What Homeowners Say on Google
5.0 · 121 Google Reviews
“I hired Four Seasons Construction for my roof replacement project they did a great job and the crew was very professional. I would highly recommend them.Great Roofing Services”
“Thank you Ben for saving me in a pinch. Not only was he able to come out and fix the problem with very short notice they did a stellar job. Additionally, Ben was super friendly and explained everything he was going to do before they did it. 10 out of 10 Would definitely recommend!”
“I had a great experience getting my roof redone with Four seasons construction. Ben was very professional and great at communication from start to finish. I'd recommend their service for any roofing needs”