QUESTIONS
Elizabeth Roof Questions
About the Phone Line
Who am I talking to when I call?
A roofing company that works in Elizabeth and nearby Union County towns. It's a separate business from this website.
Do I pay anything to call?
No. You only pay a roofer if you hire one, and only what the two of you agree on.
If calling costs nothing, how is the site paid?
Roofing companies or marketing partners pay this site when a call becomes a qualified lead. The roofer sets their own prices and is responsible for their own work.
Flat Roofs and Weather
How soon after a storm should standing water dry up?
On a healthy flat roof, most water should be gone within a day or two of the rain stopping. Puddles that last longer usually mean a blocked drain or a low spot. See ponding and drains.
Should I shovel snow off my flat roof?
Not yourself. Shoveling can cut the membrane, and roofs are dangerous in winter. If you're worried about the weight or a leak, call a roofer.
Is a white flat roof worth it?
A white surface reflects more summer sun, which can help top-floor rooms stay cooler. Whether it's worth it depends on the building and the roof's age. See coating or a new flat roof.
Houses and Small Roofs
Why is the upstairs of my Cape so hot in summer?
Often because the roof over those rooms has little room for insulation and airflow. See Cape Cod roofs.
Is it worth fixing an old garage roof?
If the framing is sound, usually yes. See detached garage roofs.
Rentals
My landlord won't fix the roof. What can I do?
Keep reporting it in writing, with dates and photos, and keep copies. The state's Department of Community Affairs publishes a guide to tenant and landlord rights: Truth in Renting. For advice on your situation, talk to a lawyer or a tenant legal service.
Can a roofer come through my apartment to reach the roof?
Only with the owner's arrangement and reasonable notice to you. Many city buildings have the roof hatch in a top-floor unit, so landlords usually set a time with tenants.
Planning and Money
Do I need a permit for a new roof?
Often, yes, and it depends on the town and the work. Ask the roofer who files for it.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
Panels installed properly don't have to, but an old roof under new panels is a problem waiting to happen. See solar on an older roof.