Get matched with top roofers in Cliffside Park, NJ

Heated roofs are a preventative measure and don’t have an outsized effect on your home’s value, so there is no definitive answer to this question. If you diligently monitor your roof in colder months, ensuring there is never snow or ice buildup then no, maybe they aren’t worth it. However, who really watches their roof every day or goes out in freezing weather to rake the roof? For most people worried about roof damage in the winter, heated roofs are a good investment. 

Roofing estimates and inspections are not the same thing. Roofing inspections (whether done with a drone or by the traditional method) help you find any damage or defects on a roof. You will pay a set fee for a roofing inspection and use it to get certification or to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary. Beware of unsolicited contractors coming to your home and offering a so-called free roof inspection—these are often scams.

Roofing estimates, on the other hand, are typically free and offered by a roofing company hoping to earn your business. Some roofing estimates are performed with drones, while other companies will still opt to send people up onto the roof. Either way, the estimate is for roof repair or replacement costs the company wants you to hire them for.

Roofing material costs vary depending on the type of material you choose and whether you install it yourself or hire a roofer. Shingles are the most affordable option and cost between $70 and $400 per square, metal roofing is between $100 and $1,500 per square, and concrete tile is between $300 and $1,000 per square.

A roof replacement can take anywhere from one to 14 days. For most homes, a full replacement that includes tearing off old materials takes about one to two days, though the average project can last up to 12 days. The exact timeline depends on several factors, including the roof's size and complexity, the type of roofing material, the crew size, and weather conditions. Certain materials take longer to install; for example, metal roofs can take seven to 14 days because the material is more difficult to work with than asphalt shingles, wood, or tile. A re-roofing project, where new shingles are installed over old ones, can take half the time or less. It's also important to factor in the time needed to obtain necessary permits. A professional roofing contractor will typically complete the job faster than a DIY approach.