Best Roof Replacement & Installation in New York Ranked

Replacing a roof in New York is a significant investment in protecting your home from the state's demanding climate. From the heavy snows of the Adirondacks to the driving rain and wind along the coast, your roofing system must be built to last. The process involves selecting the right materials, navigating local permits, and understanding the factors that influence both cost and timeline. This guide provides a clear overview of what to expect when planning a roof replacement or new installation project in New York.

Right Angle Roofing & Siding

448 Medford Ave, Patchogue, NY 11772

Right Angle Roofing & Siding is a roofing and exterior improvement company serving New York, NY, and the Suffolk County area. They specialize in residential and commercial roofing, including installation and repair of asphalt shingles and metal standing seam roofing. The company also offers siding, gutters, trim, skylights, chimneys, and window and door replacement services. Right Angle Roofing & Siding is a GAF Master Elite® certified roofer, recognized for using high-quality materials and providing roofing systems designed to last 50 years or more. With over 10 years of experience, they employ their own trained staff rather than subcontractors and assist customers with insurance claims and financing options.

5.0

809 Reviews

Paragon Chimney and Roofing

312 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Paragon Chimney and Roofing provides roofing and chimney services in New York, NY, including roof repairs, installations, leak detection, chimney cleaning, and masonry work. They serve residential and commercial clients across New York City and surrounding areas such as Long Island, Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, and Queens. The company is experienced in handling the region's unique climate challenges and offers customized solutions to enhance durability and safety. Paragon is known for its comprehensive inspections, precise installations, and thorough maintenance work. Their team uses high-quality materials and proven techniques to ensure lasting protection and efficiency for homes and businesses.

5.0

786 Reviews

Splendor Roofing and Gutters

25-06 Waverly Ave, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410

Splendor Roofing and Gutters is a roofing contractor serving New York, NY, and surrounding counties in New Jersey. They provide roof installation, roof leak repair, and specialize in various roofing types including asphalt shingle, flat, slate, and metal roofing. The company offers 24/7 emergency repair services to address urgent roofing needs. Splendor Roofing and Gutters emphasizes licensed and insured work to ensure compliance with local building codes and safety standards.

5.0

643 Reviews

Paragon Chimney and Roofing of NYC

197 7th Ave, New York, NY 10012

Paragon Chimney and Roofing of NYC provides comprehensive chimney, roofing, and masonry services in New York, NY. They specialize in roof installation, repair, leak repair, metal roofing including standing seam, roof inspections, and chimney services such as inspections, repairs, relining, and total rehabilitation. The company also offers masonry work including brick repair, façade restoration, and concrete patching. With over 10 years of experience, Paragon serves both residential and commercial clients across New York City and surrounding areas. They provide 24/7 emergency roofing services for urgent repairs, ensuring properties remain safe and weatherproof.

5.0

610 Reviews

All State Roofing and Chimney

19 Farnham Ave, Garfield, NJ 07026

All State Roofing and Chimney is a roofing contractor based in New York, NY, offering a range of roofing services including installation, replacement, repair, leak repair, and roof inspection. They provide various roofing options such as flat, asphalt shingle, slate, and metal roofing, including standing seam metal roofs. The company serves multiple counties in New Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex, Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren. They are known for handling all types of roofing services and offer free inspections to customers.

5.0

541 Reviews

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Understanding New York's Climate and Roofing Demands

New York's varied weather presents unique challenges for roofing materials and installation quality. A roof here must be engineered to handle more than just occasional rain.

• Snow and Ice Loads: Upstate regions and even parts of the Hudson Valley experience substantial snowfall. A roof must be structurally sound to bear heavy snow loads without risk of collapse. Proper attic ventilation and ice and water shield underlayment are critical to prevent ice dams, which can force water back under shingles and cause interior damage. ^{1 2 3}
• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Rapid temperature fluctuations are common, especially in early spring and late fall. Water seeps into small cracks, freezes and expands, then thaws, gradually degrading roofing materials over time. This cycle makes material durability and proper sealing paramount. ^{2 4}
• Wind and Rain: Coastal areas and open regions face strong winds that can test the fastening strength of shingles or panels. Driving rain requires watertight flashing details around chimneys, vents, and valleys. ^{3 5}

Choosing a roofing system designed for these conditions is the first step toward a long-lasting, worry-free roof.

Popular Roofing Materials for New York Homes

The right material balances durability, aesthetics, budget, and suitability for your home's architecture and local climate.

• Asphalt Shingles: The most common and cost-effective choice. Architectural or dimensional shingles are highly recommended for New York due to their heavier weight, better wind resistance (often rated 130 mph), and longer lifespan (25-30 years) compared to basic 3-tab shingles. They also offer improved aesthetic appeal. ^{1 6 7}
• Metal Roofing: An excellent choice for snow country. Metal roofs shed snow easily and are extremely durable, with lifespans of 40-70 years. Standing seam metal roofs provide a clean, modern look and superior weathertightness, while metal shingles can mimic the look of slate or wood. They are fire-resistant and energy-efficient, reflecting solar heat. ^{1 2 8}
• EPDM (Rubber) and TPO (Thermoplastic) Membranes: The standard for flat or low-slope roofs common on row houses, additions, and commercial-style residential buildings in NYC and urban areas. These single-ply membranes are seamless, highly resistant to water, and require relatively low maintenance. TPO membranes also offer reflective, energy-saving properties. ^{1 6 4}
• Slate and Clay/Concrete Tile: Premium, long-lasting options (75-100+ years) ideal for historic homes or high-end properties. They are incredibly durable, fireproof, and aesthetically distinctive. However, they are the heaviest and most expensive options, requiring a reinforced roof structure. ^{1 8 7}
• Synthetic Composite Slates: A modern alternative to natural slate. Made from engineered polymers or rubber, they replicate the look of slate or wood shakes at a lower cost and weight, with good impact resistance and durability. ⁷

The Roof Replacement Process: What to Expect

A professional roof replacement is a multi-stage project that requires careful planning and execution.

1. Estimation and Planning: A reputable contractor will perform a thorough inspection, discuss material options, and provide a detailed written estimate. This is the time to ask about warranties, both on materials and labor.
2. Securing Permits: In nearly all New York municipalities, a building permit is required for a full roof replacement. ^{9 10} Your contractor should typically handle this process, which ensures the work will be inspected for code compliance.
3. Material Delivery and Preparation: Materials are delivered to your site. The crew will set up safety equipment, including protection for your landscaping, gutters, and property.
4. Tear-Off and Deck Inspection: The old roofing materials are removed down to the wood decking. This critical step allows for inspection of the deck for rot, water damage, or weak spots. Any compromised wood must be replaced before proceeding. ^{1 10}
5. Installation of Underlayment and Flashing: A high-quality synthetic or felt underlayment is installed as a secondary water barrier. Metal flashing is meticulously installed in vulnerable areas (valleys, walls, chimneys) to direct water away. In New York, using an ice and water shield underlayment along eaves and in valleys is a wise investment. ^{2 3}
6. Primary Roofing Material Installation: Shingles, metal panels, or membrane are installed according to manufacturer specifications. Proper fastening (nailing patterns, screw placement) is crucial for wind resistance.
7. Ventilation and Final Details: Proper attic ventilation (soffit vents, ridge vents) is installed or verified to regulate temperature and moisture, which is key to preventing ice dams and extending roof life. ² Finally, the job site is cleaned thoroughly, and a final inspection is often conducted.

Cost Considerations for New York Roofing Projects

Roof replacement costs in New York vary widely based on size, material, labor, location, and project complexity. Prices are often higher in the New York City metro area due to labor costs, permit fees, and logistical challenges. The figures below are estimates for a typical 2,000 square foot roof. ^{1 6 8 11}

• Asphalt Shingles: $8,000 - $18,000+. This is the most common price range. Architectural shingles will be at the higher end of this scale. ^{1 11}
• Metal Roofing: $20,000 - $38,000+. Standing seam systems are more expensive than metal shingles. The longevity and performance often justify the higher initial investment. ^{1 8}
• Flat Roof (EPDM/TPO): $12,000 - $25,000+. Cost depends on membrane type, insulation requirements (energy code), and the complexity of the roof layout. ^{1 6}
• Tile or Slate Roofing: $30,000 - $60,000+. This is a premium investment for a lifetime roof. The cost includes the heavy materials and specialized labor required for installation. ^{1 8}

Always obtain multiple detailed quotes from licensed and insured contractors. The cheapest bid is not always the best value; consider the contractor's reputation, warranty, and the quality of materials specified.

Timeline for Roof Replacement

For a standard asphalt shingle roof on a single-family home, the physical installation typically takes 3 to 7 days, barring major weather delays. ¹⁰ More complex projects-such as those involving steep pitches, multiple stories, intricate architectural details, or premium materials like slate or complex metalwork-can take two weeks or more. The timeline from signing a contract to completion also includes time for permit acquisition (1-2 weeks in some areas) and material ordering.

Frequently asked questions

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