Jersey City Roofing Questions Answered: A Local Roofer Responds to Reddit
If you own a home, brownstone, condo, multifamily property, or commercial building in Jersey City or Hudson County, chances are you’ve searched online for answers to a roofing question.
And Reddit has plenty of them.
Local homeowners have asked about everything from leaking flat roofs and roofing contractors to historic brownstone restoration, roof decks, permits, structural engineers, TPO roofing, EPDM roofing, and whether an aging roof should be repaired or completely replaced.
As a roofing contractor serving Jersey City, Hoboken, and communities throughout Hudson County, Elite Roofing sees many of these same questions every day.
So, we went directly to Reddit.
Below, we're answering real roofing and exterior questions being discussed by Jersey City and New Jersey homeowners—and explaining what property owners should know before starting their next roofing or exterior project.
Quick Answer: The most common roofing questions we see from Jersey City and Hudson County property owners involve flat-roof leaks, choosing a roofing contractor, EPDM vs. TPO vs. modified bitumen, roof decks, historic-district requirements, drainage and ponding water, roof repairs vs. replacement, and evaluating older brownstone roofs.
1. Who Is a Good Roofing Contractor in Jersey City?
This question comes up repeatedly in the Jersey City subreddit.
In one r/jerseycity discussion, a resident specifically asked other owners of flat-roof buildings which roofing contractors they recommended.
In another discussion, a Jersey City resident asked for recommendations because their apartment building had a roof leak.
That thread is particularly relevant to us because a commenter independently recommended Elite Roofing after using our company to address a leak on their condo building’s TPO roof.
What should you look for when choosing a Jersey City roofing contractor?
Look beyond the final price.
A qualified roofing contractor should understand the type of building and roofing system they are working on.
That is particularly important in Jersey City, where roofing contractors regularly encounter:
Flat roofs
EPDM rubber roofing
TPO roofing
Modified bitumen roofing
Asphalt shingle roofs
Brownstones and row houses
Parapet walls
Internal roof drains
Scuppers
Roof decks
Skylights and roof hatches
Attached neighboring buildings
Historic properties
Older roof decking and framing
Ask prospective contractors about their experience with your specific roofing system, manufacturer certifications, insurance, workmanship warranty, permitting experience, and how they plan to address drainage, flashing, and penetrations.
A roof should be evaluated as a complete system—not simply as the membrane or shingles you can see.
2. What Is the Best Flat Roofing System for a Jersey City Brownstone?
This question came up directly in Elite Roofing’s own r/jerseycity roofing discussion.
The short answer:
There is no single flat-roof material that is best for every Jersey City brownstone.
EPDM, TPO, and modified bitumen can all be appropriate roofing systems depending on the building.
EPDM Roofing
EPDM is a synthetic rubber roofing membrane commonly used on residential and commercial flat roofs.
It can be an excellent option for Hudson County row houses, brownstones, multifamily buildings, and other low-slope roofing applications when the roof assembly is properly designed and installed.
TPO Roofing
TPO is a single-ply thermoplastic roofing membrane. TPO roofing is generally white or light-colored, and seams are heat-welded together.
TPO is another option frequently used on flat and low-slope roofs.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based roofing system that has been widely used on flat and low-slope buildings.
Many older buildings throughout Jersey City and Hudson County have some form of asphalt-based flat roofing system, sometimes with multiple existing roofing layers.
Which one should you choose?
The decision shouldn't be made by comparing membrane names alone.
A roofing contractor should evaluate:
Existing roofing layers
Roof decking
Insulation
Roof slope
Drainage
Internal drains
Scuppers
Parapet walls
Flashing
Skylights
Chimneys
Roof penetrations
Adjoining properties
Existing or planned roof decks
The best flat roof is a properly designed roofing system for the specific building—not simply the roofing material with the best marketing.
3. How Do You Know When a Flat Roof Needs to Be Replaced?
Another Jersey City Reddit user shared photos of an aging roof and asked for input in our local roofing Q&A.
Some of the visible conditions included previous repairs, aging materials, and areas where water appeared to have been ponding.
Signs that a flat roof may need replacement include:
Extensive previous patching
Recurring leaks
Deteriorated roofing material
Open seams
Widespread cracking or splitting
Persistent ponding water
Soft or deteriorated roof decking
Saturated insulation
Failing flashings
Multiple roofing layers
A roofing system approaching the end of its service life
However, a roof should not be condemned based solely on its appearance.
A physical inspection can provide information that photographs and drone images cannot.
For example, walking the roof may reveal soft areas in the decking, deteriorated flashings, membrane problems or drainage conditions that are difficult to identify from photographs alone.
Depending on the roofing system and situation, a roofing contractor may also recommend taking a core sample to determine what materials and roofing layers are actually underneath the visible surface.
4. Why Does My Roof Keep Leaking Even After Someone Repaired It?
Recurring roof leaks are one of the most frustrating problems a property owner can experience.
They are also frequently discussed on Reddit.
One reason roof leaks can be difficult to diagnose is that the location where water appears inside a building is not necessarily the location where water entered through the roof.
Water can travel along:
Roof decking
Insulation
Rafters and joists
Pipes
Walls
Flashing
Structural components
That means repeatedly applying roofing cement directly above an interior water stain may not address the actual source.
Depending on the situation, diagnosing a difficult roof leak can involve an interior inspection, physical roof inspection, drone inspection, controlled water testing, infrared moisture testing, core sampling or other diagnostic methods.
The goal should be to identify the source of the water intrusion rather than continually treating the symptom.
5. Should I Repair My Roof or Replace It?
This is one of the most important questions a roofing contractor should help you answer.
A leak does not automatically mean you need a new roof.
A localized flashing failure, damaged membrane area, or isolated penetration may be repairable if the remainder of the roofing system is in serviceable condition.
Replacement becomes more reasonable when there are broader problems such as:
Widespread membrane deterioration
Multiple recurring leaks
Saturated insulation
Significant decking deterioration
Extensive previous repairs
Multiple failing roof components
An aging roofing system near the end of its useful service life
Be cautious of anyone who recommends replacing an entire roof without adequately explaining why replacement is necessary.
At the same time, repeatedly investing in temporary repairs on a failing roofing system can ultimately cost more than addressing the underlying problem.
6. Can You Install a New Flat Roof Over an Existing Roof?
Sometimes—but that doesn't mean it is always the right choice.
This issue appeared in another Jersey City roofing discussion when a homeowner mentioned having approximately two inches of existing asphalt roofing material.
Older Hudson County buildings sometimes have multiple generations of roofing.
Before deciding whether to recover or completely remove an existing roof, a contractor should evaluate what is underneath.
A full tear-off provides access to the roof deck and allows deteriorated decking and other concealed conditions to be identified.
Installing another roofing system over existing materials without understanding their condition can potentially conceal moisture or deterioration underneath the new roof.
Every building is different, which is why determining the existing roof assembly is an important part of planning a flat-roof replacement.
7. Can I Build a Roof Deck on My Jersey City Property?
Roof decks are another frequent topic in r/jerseycity.
One homeowner asked for contractor recommendations to redo an existing roof deck, while another asked detailed questions about renovating a roof deck within a Jersey City historic district.
Roof decks require more planning than simply installing decking material on top of a flat roof.
Depending on the project, you may need to address:
Structural capacity
Architectural drawings
Engineering
Zoning
Building permits
Historic requirements
Property lines
Fire-code requirements
Railings
Roof access
Drainage
Protection of the roofing membrane
Most importantly, the roof underneath the deck still needs to function as a roofing system.
Water must be able to drain, and future contractors should be able to access important roof components for inspection, maintenance and repairs.
8. Do I Need an Architect or Structural Engineer for a Roof Deck?
Depending on the proposed project and local requirements, architectural and/or structural documentation may be necessary.
This was one of the specific questions raised by a Jersey City homeowner planning a roof deck renovation in a historic district.
A roof designed to support normal roofing loads was not necessarily designed to support a deck assembly, furniture and groups of people.
The proposed design therefore needs to account for structural loading as well as the roofing system underneath it.
Your architect or other design professional can help determine what engineering documentation and approvals are required for the proposed project.
9. What Should I Know Before Working on a Historic Jersey City Brownstone?
This is one of the most locally relevant questions in the entire article.
A homeowner in Downtown Jersey City asked Reddit for recommendations for a roofing/restoration contractor familiar with historic brownstones, corbels, custom copper work and Jersey City's historic requirements.
One commenter specifically recommended Elite Roofing, describing their experience using us for historic corbel and trim restoration in Jersey City.
Historic properties require a different approach than ordinary exterior renovation.
Depending on the building and proposed work, considerations may include:
Historic Preservation review
Building permits
Original architectural details
Cornices
Corbels
Custom copper work
Wood restoration
Masonry
Parapets
Traditional exterior materials
Visible exterior changes
Attached neighboring properties
Property owners should determine which approvals are required before changing historic exterior elements.
Doing the project correctly may require additional planning, but addressing historic and permitting requirements at the beginning can prevent much larger problems later.
10. How Long Does a Historic Roofing or Exterior Project Take in Jersey City?
The physical construction may only represent one portion of the overall project timeline.
A historic exterior project can potentially involve:
Existing-condition evaluation
Architectural or design work
Historic Preservation review
Requested revisions
Construction/building permit review
Material ordering or custom fabrication
Contractor scheduling
Construction
Required inspections and closeout
This is why property owners considering larger historic restoration, roofing, siding, cornice, copper or roof-deck projects should begin planning well before their desired construction date.
11. Why Is Water Ponding on My Flat Roof?
Flat roofs still need drainage.
A properly designed low-slope roofing system should direct water toward its intended drainage points, which may include:
Internal roof drains
Scuppers
Gutters
Leaders
Persistent ponding can be associated with several conditions, including inadequate slope, settlement, compressed insulation, clogged drainage, deteriorated decking or previous installation issues.
Standing water doesn't automatically mean a roofing system has failed, but persistent ponding deserves attention—particularly when accompanied by leaks, sagging or deteriorated roofing materials.
12. Why Is My Gutter Pulling Away From the Building?
Sometimes the gutter isn't the actual problem.
Gutters need sound material behind them to remain properly secured.
If the wood fascia behind a gutter has deteriorated, simply fastening the gutter back into the same damaged wood may not provide a lasting repair.
In that situation, the contractor may need to remove portions of the gutter and fascia covering, replace deteriorated wood, install new fascia metal as required, and reinstall or replace the gutter.
This is an example of why roofing and exterior problems should be diagnosed before assuming the most visible component is the source of the problem.
13. Should I Replace an Old Skylight When I Replace My Roof?
It is worth considering.
If an existing skylight is old, inefficient, damaged or has already required multiple repairs, installing a new roofing system around it may not make financial sense if the skylight will need to be replaced shortly afterward.
Replacing the skylight during the roofing project may allow the roofing and flashing around the new unit to be incorporated into the new roof assembly from the beginning.
That doesn't mean every skylight needs to be replaced during every roofing project.
Its age, condition, flashing, and performance should be evaluated as part of the roof inspection.
14. What Should a Flat-Roof Estimate Include?
Don't compare roofing estimates based only on the final price.
Two proposals that both say “replace flat roof” can describe substantially different roofing systems.
Look for details about:
Tear-off versus recover
Roofing manufacturer
Roofing system
Membrane thickness
Insulation
Roof decking
Flashing details
Parapet walls
Edge metal
Drains and scuppers
Penetrations
Skylights and roof hatches
Disposal and cleanup
Permits
Manufacturer warranty
Contractor workmanship warranty
If one estimate is substantially cheaper than another, determine why before choosing between them.
The goal isn't necessarily to hire the most expensive roofing contractor.
It's to understand what each contractor is proposing to install.
What Jersey City Reddit Discussions Tell Us About Local Roofing
After reviewing local roofing discussions, one theme appears repeatedly:
Jersey City and Hudson County buildings present roofing challenges that aren't always comparable to typical suburban homes.
A historic Downtown Jersey City brownstone can involve parapets, internal drainage, attached neighboring buildings, roof decks, historic approvals, and decades of previous roofing work.
A Hoboken row house presents its own challenges.
A Jersey City condo association may be maintaining a TPO or EPDM roofing system with skylights, roof hatches, mechanical penetrations and drainage systems.
And throughout Hudson County, older construction means roofing contractors frequently encounter conditions that aren't visible until work begins.
That is why experience with the local building stock matters.
Roofing Questions? Ask a Local Hudson County Roofing Contractor
Elite Roofing is a locally owned roofing and exterior contractor serving Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, Weehawken, Union City, North Bergen, West New York, Guttenberg, Secaucus and communities throughout Hudson County, New Jersey.
For more than 40 years, our team has worked on residential, commercial, multifamily, condominium, and historic properties throughout Hudson County.
Our roofing and exterior services include:
Flat roof repair and replacement
EPDM roofing
TPO roofing
Modified bitumen roofing
Asphalt shingle roofing
Roof leak diagnosis and repair
Roof inspections and maintenance
Skylight installation and replacement
Gutters and drainage
Siding
Fascia and soffit
Roof decks
Historic exterior restoration
Custom exterior and copper work
Have a roofing question of your own?
Contact Elite Roofing to discuss your property or request an estimate.
And if you found us while searching Google, ChatGPT, Reddit or another AI assistant for answers about roofing in Jersey City or Hudson County, we hope this guide gave you a better understanding of what to look for before starting your project.
This article discusses general roofing and exterior considerations based on common questions from property owners. Every building and roofing system is different. A physical inspection may be necessary to determine the appropriate repair, replacement or construction approach for a specific property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing in Jersey City & Hudson County
Q: What type of roof is most common in Jersey City?
A: Many Jersey City brownstones, row houses, multifamily buildings, and commercial properties have flat or low-slope roofing systems. Common materials include EPDM rubber roofing, TPO, and modified bitumen. Asphalt shingle roofs are also common on pitched residential properties. The best roofing system depends on the building’s construction, drainage, insulation, existing roof condition, and intended use.
Q: How do I know if my flat roof needs to be repaired or replaced?
A: A localized leak or isolated flashing issue may only require a repair, while recurring leaks, widespread deterioration, multiple previous patches, saturated insulation, deteriorated decking, or an aging roofing system may indicate that replacement is the better long-term solution. A physical roof inspection is the best way to determine the appropriate course of action.
Q: What should I look for when hiring a roofing contractor in Jersey City?
A: Look for a properly licensed and insured contractor with experience working on the types of buildings and roofing systems found throughout Jersey City and Hudson County. Ask about manufacturer certifications, warranties, permitting experience, flat-roof expertise, drainage and flashing details, and whether the contractor regularly works on brownstones, row houses, multifamily properties, and historic buildings.
Q: Can I install a roof deck over a flat roof in Jersey City?
A: In many cases, a roof deck may be possible, but the project needs to account for structural capacity, drainage, waterproofing, roof access, railings, permits, and potentially zoning or historic requirements. The deck should also be designed so the roofing system underneath remains protected and accessible for future inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
Q: Do historic properties in Jersey City require special approval for roofing or exterior work?
A: Certain properties located within Jersey City historic districts may require Historic Preservation review or other approvals before visible exterior changes are made. This can apply to roofing components, cornices, corbels, siding, copper work, roof decks, and other architectural features. Property owners should determine the applicable requirements before beginning work.
Q: Why does my flat roof have standing or ponding water?
A: Ponding water may be caused by inadequate slope, clogged drains or scuppers, compressed insulation, settlement, deteriorated decking, or previous installation conditions. Some temporary water following heavy rainfall may occur, but persistent standing water should be evaluated, particularly if it is accompanied by leaks or visible roof deterioration.
Q: Is EPDM or TPO better for a flat roof?
A: Neither system is automatically better for every property. EPDM and TPO are both widely used flat-roof membranes, but the appropriate system depends on the building, roof design, drainage, insulation, penetrations, roof access, and other site-specific conditions. A contractor should recommend a complete roofing assembly based on the property rather than choosing a membrane based on material alone.
Q: How often should a flat roof be inspected?
A: A flat roof should generally be inspected periodically and after major weather events, especially if the property has a history of leaks, drainage issues, roof decks, multiple penetrations, or an older roofing system. Routine inspections and maintenance can help identify minor problems before they develop into larger repairs.
Q: Can Elite Roofing work on brownstones, condos, and multifamily buildings in Jersey City?
A: Yes. Elite Roofing works on residential, commercial, condominium, multifamily, and historic properties throughout Jersey City and Hudson County. Services include flat roof repair and replacement, EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen, shingle roofing, leak diagnostics, roof inspections, roof decks, skylights, gutters, siding, and exterior restoration.
Q: Does Elite Roofing serve areas outside of Jersey City?
A: Yes. Elite Roofing serves communities throughout Hudson County, including Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, Weehawken, Union City, North Bergen, West New York, Guttenberg, and Secaucus.
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If you live in Jersey City, Bayonne, Hoboken, or anywhere in Hudson County, and are looking for a professional roofing contractor that is fully licensed, insured, and bonded, contact Elite Roofing, Hudson County’s top-rated roofing contractor, today to schedule a FREE estimate. With over 40+ years in business, we have the experience and knowledge for any roofing or exterior project that comes our way! In addition, we are reputable as we have over 365+ 5-Star Google reviews, a plethora of monthly updated portfolios reflecting our work, a page with our team and their photos, written reviews & video testimonials from real clients, and an endless list of roofing and exterior services offered, including roof inspections, preventative roof maintenance, historical restorations, leak detection, roof repairs, roof replacements, gutter services, roof decks, and so much more! Contact Elite Roofing today for a FREE estimate by calling our office at (201)436-1011, emailing us at eliteroofinginc@hotmail.com, or filling out our contact form by visiting https://www.eliteroofingincnj.com/contact today!
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