Roof Replacement in Lodi, NJ

Tear-Off, Layers and Decking on Lodi’s Older Houses

According to the 2020–2024 American Community Survey, 16.7 percent of Lodi’s roughly 10,100 housing units were built in 1939 or earlier, and another 37 percent between 1940 and 1959. Most of those houses have been re-roofed at least once, and some twice. What we find under the shingles on a Lodi replacement typically falls into three cases.

Two layers of shingles

A second layer was a common shortcut decades ago. We tear both off. Going down to the deck is the only way to see the sheathing, re-flash properly and give the new shingles a flat base.

Board sheathing

Pre-war roofs were often decked with planks rather than plywood. Sound boards can stay, but wide gaps or soft sections need new sheathing. That is also the point where the paperwork changes, as explained below.

Hidden water damage

Around chimneys, at addition seams and along the eaves we often find sheathing that has been wet for years. We show you photos of anything we replace so the line item on the invoice matches what you saw.

Permits for a Roof Replacement in Lodi

New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7) lists replacing the existing roof covering on a detached one- or two-family dwelling as ordinary maintenance. No construction permit is needed for that work. In Lodi that applies to the many detached two-families and single-family houses, which together hold more than 60 percent of the housing units.

Materials for Lodi Roofs

Architectural asphalt shingles

For the pitched roofs on most Lodi houses, architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles are the standard. They are thicker than the old three-tab shingles, hide minor deck irregularities on older houses, and come in colors that suit both brick-front and sided homes.

Flat and low-slope roofs

Rear additions, porch roofs, many apartment buildings and the mixed-use and commercial buildings along Route 17 and Route 46 have flat or low-slope roofs where shingles do not belong. We replace those with membrane systems; see flat roof repair and replacement for the options.

Ventilation

Older houses often have little or no attic ventilation, or a converted top floor with no attic at all. A replacement is the right time to add intake at the eaves and exhaust at the ridge where the framing allows. Better airflow keeps the deck drier and shingles cooler, and it helps with ice dams.

Ice barrier: what the code says and what we recommend

New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs (Bulletin 07-3) requires an ice barrier membrane only where the average January temperature is 25°F or lower, which in New Jersey means Sussex County. Bergen County, Lodi included, is not in that zone. We still recommend ice and water membrane at the eaves of low-slope sections, around chimneys and in valleys on houses that have had ice-dam leaks before.

How a Lodi Roof Replacement Runs

1. Inspection and estimate. We measure, check layers and deck from the attic where possible, and give you a written scope with options.
2. Paperwork. We confirm whether your building is ordinary maintenance or permitted work and plan the container.
3. Tear-off and deck repair. Old roofing comes off down to the sheathing; damaged boards or plywood are replaced and photographed.
4. New roof system. Underlayment, membrane where needed, new flashing at chimneys and walls, drip edge, shingles and ridge ventilation.
5. Clean-up and walk-through. Magnetic sweep for nails, gutters cleared of debris, and a final look with you or your property manager.

Not sure where your roof stands? Our roof inspection service gives you a clear answer before you commit, and our roof cost calculator offers a rough number to plan around.

Roof Replacement Questions from Lodi Owners

More Roof Replacement Help in Lodi

Start with our Lodi roofing contractor page for a full picture of our work in town, or browse other towns in Bergen County. Our New Jersey roof replacement page covers materials and process in more depth, and roof replacement in Bergen County covers the wider area.

If your roof may still be repairable, read about roof repair in Lodi. A replacement is also a good time to plan new siding in Lodi and new gutters for Lodi homes.

We replace roofs nearby as well: see roof replacement in Garfield, roof replacement in Wallington and roof replacement in Elmwood Park.