Complete Roof Replacement for Long Island Homes
Your roof is the single most important line of defense against Long Island's demanding weather. When repairs are no longer enough, a full replacement restores protection and adds significant value.
$1,000 OFF
Complete Re-Roof
$750 OFF
Siding Replacement
$500 OFF
Chimney Rebuild
Limited time. Mention at estimate. Cannot be combined.
Long Island Exterior Co. is a GAF Master Elite® certified roofing contractor serving every community across Nassau County and Suffolk County. We provide complete tear-off and replacement services using industry-leading materials, installed by our trained in-house crew — never subcontractors. Every project includes a free inspection, written estimate, full permit handling, and workmanship warranties backed by both our company and the manufacturer.
Call us at (516) 518-3353 for a free roof inspection, or fill out the form to schedule your estimate.
What Is a Full Roof Replacement?
A full roof replacement involves removing every layer of existing roofing material down to the deck, inspecting and repairing the underlying plywood sheathing as needed, installing new underlayment and ice-and-water shield, and then laying a complete new roof system. This is fundamentally different from a "roof-over" or overlay, where new shingles are placed on top of old ones.
On Long Island, we strongly recommend full tear-off replacements for several reasons. First, Nassau and Suffolk County building codes limit the number of roofing layers to two. Second, an overlay hides potential deck damage, rotted sheathing, and moisture issues that worsen over time. Third, a full tear-off allows us to install modern ice-and-water barrier along eaves, valleys, and penetrations — critical protection in our freeze-thaw climate.
The result is a roof system that performs at its engineered capacity, carries a full manufacturer warranty, and is built to handle decades of Long Island weather.
When Does Your Long Island Home Need a New Roof?
Knowing when to replace your roof versus when to repair it can save you thousands of dollars in emergency repairs and interior water damage. Here are the most common indicators that your Long Island home is due for a full replacement:
- Age: Most asphalt shingle roofs on Long Island last 20 to 25 years. If your roof is approaching or past this age, proactive replacement prevents catastrophic failure during a storm.
- Curling or buckling shingles: This indicates the shingles have lost their structural integrity and can no longer shed water effectively.
- Granule loss: Check your gutters. If they are filled with dark, sandpaper-like granules, your shingles are deteriorating. This is especially common on south-facing slopes that take the most sun exposure.
- Multiple leaks or recurring leaks: A single leak from a damaged flashing may be repairable. Multiple leaks or leaks that return after repair indicate systemic failure.
- Sagging roof deck: Visible sagging between rafters means the decking has been compromised by moisture, and the structural integrity of the entire roof system is at risk.
- Daylight through the roof boards: If you can see light from your attic, water can get in.
- Storm damage: Major events like Hurricane Sandy (2012) and recent nor'easters have caused widespread roof damage across Long Island. If your roof sustained significant wind or impact damage, a full replacement may be more cost-effective than extensive repairs.
- Rising energy bills: A failing roof often causes insulation degradation and air infiltration, which drives up heating and cooling costs.
If you are unsure, we offer free roof inspections with a written assessment. We will always recommend repair when it is the right call.
Roofing Materials We Install
Choosing the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions you will make during a roof replacement. Each option has distinct advantages depending on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and the specific demands of your Long Island home's location and architecture.
Common roofing materials available for Long Island homes
Asphalt Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminated shingles) are the most popular roofing material on Long Island and for good reason. They offer an excellent balance of durability, appearance, and value.
- Wind resistance: Up to 130 mph (GAF Timberline HDZ), ideal for Long Island's nor'easters
- Warranty: Limited lifetime from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed
- Appearance: Multi-dimensional profile that mimics the look of wood shake or slate
- Cost: $4.50 to $7.50 per square foot installed
- Lifespan: 25 to 30 years with proper ventilation
We are a GAF Master Elite contractor and primarily install GAF Timberline HDZ and Timberline UHDZ shingles. We also carry Owens Corning Duration and CertainTeed Landmark product lines.
Three-Tab Shingles
Three-tab shingles are a single-layer, flat asphalt shingle. While they are the most affordable roofing option, they offer lower wind resistance (60 to 70 mph) and a shorter lifespan (15 to 20 years). Given Long Island's storm exposure, we generally recommend architectural shingles over 3-tab for most homes. However, 3-tab shingles can be a practical choice for rental properties, budget-constrained projects, or structures where maximum longevity is not the primary concern.
Standing-Seam Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has grown significantly in popularity on Long Island, particularly in coastal communities along the South Shore and barrier islands. Standing-seam panels interlock with concealed fasteners, creating a watertight, wind-resistant surface.
- Wind resistance: 140 mph or higher
- Corrosion resistance: Modern Galvalume and aluminum panels resist salt air corrosion — critical for South Shore and waterfront properties
- Lifespan: 40 to 70 years
- Energy efficiency: Reflective coatings reduce cooling costs by up to 25%
- Cost: $10.00 to $18.00 per square foot installed
Flat Roof Systems (EPDM, TPO, Modified Bitumen)
Many Long Island homes, particularly those built in the mid-century era, feature flat or low-slope roof sections. These require specialized membrane roofing systems rather than shingles.
- TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): Our preferred choice for flat roofs. Heat-welded seams create a monolithic, watertight membrane. Energy Star rated. $6.00 to $10.00 per square foot.
- EPDM (Rubber Roofing): A proven, time-tested synthetic rubber membrane. Cost-effective at $5.00 to $8.00 per square foot. 20 to 30-year lifespan.
- Modified Bitumen: A torch-applied or cold-adhered asphalt membrane system. Excellent for complex flat roof configurations. $5.50 to $9.00 per square foot.
Slate Roofing
Natural slate is the gold standard of roofing materials — and it is well-suited to the historic Colonials and Tudor-style homes found throughout Long Island's North Shore communities like Manhasset, Great Neck, and Oyster Bay. A properly installed slate roof can last 75 to 100 years or more. However, slate is heavy (requires structural verification), expensive ($20.00 to $40.00 per square foot installed), and requires specialized installation expertise. Our crew is trained in both natural slate and synthetic slate alternatives.
Cedar Shake Roofing
Cedar shake offers a distinctive, rustic aesthetic that complements many Long Island home styles, from waterfront cottages in Greenport to historic homes in the Hamptons. Cedar provides natural insulation and a beautiful weathered patina over time. Lifespan is 30 to 40 years with proper maintenance. Cost ranges from $12.00 to $20.00 per square foot installed. Cedar does require periodic treatment and is subject to local fire codes in some Long Island communities.
Roof Replacement Cost Guide for Long Island
The following table provides estimated cost ranges for roof replacement on a typical 1,500 to 2,000 square-foot Long Island home. Actual pricing depends on roof size, pitch, complexity, number of layers to remove, and structural repairs needed.
| Material | Cost per Sq Ft | Total Estimate (1,500 SF) | Lifespan | Wind Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Shingles | $3.50 – $5.50 | $5,250 – $8,250 | 15–20 years | 60–70 mph |
| Architectural Shingles | $4.50 – $7.50 | $6,750 – $11,250 | 25–30 years | 110–130 mph |
| TPO Flat Roof | $6.00 – $10.00 | $9,000 – $15,000 | 20–30 years | N/A |
| Standing-Seam Metal | $10.00 – $18.00 | $15,000 – $27,000 | 40–70 years | 140+ mph |
| Cedar Shake | $12.00 – $20.00 | $18,000 – $30,000 | 30–40 years | 110+ mph |
| Natural Slate | $20.00 – $40.00 | $30,000 – $60,000 | 75–100+ years | 110+ mph |
* Prices are estimates for the Long Island market as of 2026 and include tear-off, disposal, underlayment, and installation. Additional costs may apply for structural repairs, complex roof geometries, and multiple-story homes.
The Roof Replacement Process on Long Island
Understanding the process helps you plan for the project and know what to expect. Here is how a typical roof replacement works with Long Island Exterior Co.:
- Free inspection and estimate: We inspect your roof from the ground, the attic, and (when safe) on the roof itself. You receive a detailed, written estimate with material options and a clear scope of work within 48 hours.
- Material selection: We walk you through the material options suited to your home's style, location, and budget. You choose colors and profiles from physical samples.
- Permit filing: We file the required building permit with your local town or village building department. On Long Island, this is typically the Town of Hempstead, Town of Oyster Bay, Town of Babylon, Town of Islip, Town of Brookhaven, Town of Smithtown, Town of Huntington, or one of several incorporated villages.
- Scheduling and preparation: We coordinate a start date based on weather forecasts and material delivery. We protect your landscaping, driveway, and property with tarps and plywood.
- Tear-off: Our crew removes all existing roofing material down to the plywood deck. We inspect every square foot of sheathing for rot, damage, or soft spots.
- Deck repair: Any damaged or deteriorated plywood is replaced. This step is critical and is why we never recommend overlays.
- Underlayment and ice shield: We install synthetic underlayment across the entire roof and ice-and-water barrier along all eaves, valleys, and around penetrations (chimneys, vents, skylights). This dual-layer system is essential on Long Island where ice dams form regularly.
- New roof installation: Shingles, panels, or tiles are installed according to manufacturer specifications and local building codes. All flashings, ridge vents, and trim are replaced.
- Cleanup and inspection: We perform a magnetic sweep for nails, remove all debris, and conduct a final quality inspection. Many towns require a final building inspection for permit close-out.
- Warranty registration: We register your manufacturer warranty and provide documentation for your records.
Long Island-Specific Roofing Considerations
Roofing on Long Island is not the same as roofing in other parts of the country. Our maritime climate, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and unique housing stock create challenges that require local expertise.
Salt Air and Coastal Exposure
Homes along the South Shore — from Long Beach and Atlantic Beach through Freeport, Massapequa, Lindenhurst, and out to the Hamptons and Montauk — face constant salt air exposure. Salt accelerates corrosion of metal flashings, fasteners, and components. For coastal homes, we specify stainless steel or aluminum flashings, use salt-rated fasteners, and recommend materials with proven coastal performance (Galvalume metal panels, algae-resistant architectural shingles).
Nor'easters and High Wind Events
Long Island sits directly in the path of Atlantic nor'easters, which can produce sustained winds of 50 to 70 mph and gusts exceeding 90 mph. We install all roofing materials with enhanced fastening patterns that meet or exceed the manufacturer's high-wind specifications. GAF Timberline HDZ shingles, our primary recommendation, are rated for 130-mph winds and carry a StainGuard Plus algae protection warranty.
Ice Dams and Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Long Island's winters bring repeated freeze-thaw cycles that create ice dams — ridges of ice that form along roof eaves and prevent melted snow from draining. Ice dams force water under shingles and into your home. We combat this with proper ice-and-water shield installation (minimum 3 feet past the exterior wall line), adequate attic ventilation to maintain uniform roof temperatures, and sufficient attic insulation to minimize heat loss through the roof deck.
Long Island Housing Stock
Long Island's housing inventory is dominated by post-war construction from the late 1940s through the 1960s — Cape Cods, split-levels, ranch homes, and Colonials built during the suburban boom. Many of these homes are on their second or third roof and may have underlying deck damage from decades of exposure. Our tear-off process includes thorough deck inspection and repair, ensuring the new roof sits on a solid structural foundation.
Storm Damage Roof Replacement and Insurance Claims
Long Island experiences significant storm activity, from summer thunderstorms and tropical remnants to winter nor'easters. When a storm damages your roof, navigating the insurance claim process can be overwhelming. Long Island Exterior Co. provides comprehensive storm damage assistance:
- Emergency tarping: We can secure your roof within 24 hours of a storm to prevent further interior damage.
- Detailed damage documentation: Our inspection report includes high-resolution photos, measurements, and a scope of work formatted to align with insurance adjuster requirements.
- Adjuster coordination: We meet with your insurance adjuster on-site to walk through the damage and ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Supplement filing: If your initial claim does not cover the full scope of necessary work, we file supplements with supporting documentation.
- Direct billing: In most cases, we work directly with your insurance company so you only pay your deductible out of pocket.
We have extensive experience working with all major insurance carriers operating on Long Island, including State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, USAA, and the NY FAIR Plan.
Certifications and Warranty Programs
Long Island Exterior Co. holds the following industry certifications:
- GAF Master Elite® Contractor: Only 2% of roofing contractors nationwide qualify. Enables us to offer GAF's Golden Pledge warranty — 25 years of workmanship coverage backed by GAF, plus a 50-year non-prorated material warranty.
- Owens Corning Preferred Contractor: Access to Owens Corning's enhanced warranty programs.
- CertainTeed ShingleMaster: Certified in CertainTeed product lines with extended warranty eligibility.
- NYS Licensed Home Improvement Contractor: Fully licensed with the State of New York, with HIC registration in both Nassau and Suffolk County.
- Fully insured: General liability and workers' compensation coverage on every project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Replacement on Long Island
How much does a roof replacement cost on Long Island?
A full roof replacement on Long Island typically ranges from $8,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the size of your home, the roofing material selected, and the complexity of the job. Asphalt architectural shingles for a standard 1,500-square-foot roof generally cost between $9,000 and $15,000 installed. Metal, slate, and cedar roofs command higher price points. We provide free, itemized estimates for every project.
How long does a roof replacement take on Long Island?
Most residential roof replacements on Long Island take between 2 and 5 days, depending on the size of the home and the material being installed. A straightforward asphalt shingle tear-off and replacement on a single-family Cape Cod or Colonial can often be completed in 2 to 3 days. More complex jobs involving multiple layers, structural repairs, or specialty materials like slate or metal may require a full week.
Do I need a permit for roof replacement in Nassau or Suffolk County?
Yes. Both Nassau County and Suffolk County require building permits for roof replacements. The permit is typically filed with your local town or village building department — for example, the Town of Hempstead, Town of Oyster Bay, or Town of Babylon each have their own permitting process. Long Island Exterior Co. handles all permit applications on your behalf as part of our standard service.
What is the best roofing material for Long Island homes?
For most Long Island homeowners, GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles offer the best combination of durability, wind resistance (up to 130 mph), and value. They carry a limited lifetime warranty and are specifically engineered to withstand the kind of nor'easters and coastal storms we experience here. For homeowners seeking premium options, standing-seam metal roofing and James Hardie fiber cement slate profiles deliver exceptional longevity.
Does Long Island Exterior Co. help with storm damage insurance claims?
Absolutely. We assist Long Island homeowners with the entire insurance claim process for storm damage roof replacement. This includes a free initial inspection, detailed documentation with photos and measurements, a written scope of work matching insurance adjuster requirements, and coordination with your insurance company throughout the process. Our team has extensive experience working with all major carriers operating on Long Island.
What roofing warranties does Long Island Exterior Co. offer?
As a GAF Master Elite certified contractor — a distinction held by only 2% of roofing contractors nationwide — we offer GAF's Golden Pledge Warranty, which provides 25 years of workmanship coverage backed by GAF plus a 50-year, non-prorated material warranty. We also provide our own 10-year labor warranty on every installation. Warranty specifics vary by material; we review all coverage details before work begins.
Can I get a new roof installed in winter on Long Island?
Yes, roof replacements can be performed during Long Island winters, though there are considerations. Asphalt shingles require temperatures above 40°F for proper adhesive activation, and we monitor forecasts carefully. Many homeowners actually benefit from winter scheduling due to shorter wait times. We never compromise installation quality for speed — if conditions are unsafe or suboptimal, we reschedule.
How do I know if my roof needs replacement versus repair?
Several signs indicate a full replacement is needed rather than a repair: your roof is 20 or more years old, shingles are curling, buckling, or missing granules, you can see daylight through the roof deck, there is sagging or structural deflection, or you are experiencing recurring leaks in multiple areas. A single isolated leak or minor wind damage may be repairable. We provide honest assessments during our free inspection and will always recommend repair when it is the appropriate solution.
What is the difference between a 3-tab and architectural shingle?
Three-tab shingles are a single-layer, flat shingle with a uniform appearance. Architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminated shingles) are thicker, multi-layered, and create a more textured, dimensional look on your roof. Architectural shingles offer significantly better wind resistance (typically rated for 110 to 130 mph versus 60 to 70 mph for 3-tab), longer warranties, and improved durability. On Long Island, where nor'easters and high winds are common, we strongly recommend architectural shingles as the minimum standard.
Does Long Island Exterior Co. use subcontractors?
No. Every roof replacement is performed by our trained, in-house crew. We never use subcontractors. This ensures consistent quality, direct accountability, and clear communication throughout your project. Our installers are GAF certified and carry full workers' compensation coverage.
Related Exterior Services
A roof replacement is often the ideal time to address other exterior components of your home. Coordinating services saves on mobilization costs and ensures cohesive workmanship.
Siding Replacement
Vinyl, James Hardie fiber cement, LP SmartSide, and cedar siding for Long Island homes. Boost curb appeal and energy efficiency.
Chimney Services
Chimney repair, rebuilding, cap installation, flashing, liners, and waterproofing across Nassau and Suffolk County.
Learn More About Roofing on Long Island
Visit our blog for in-depth guides, seasonal maintenance tips, and expert insights on protecting your Long Island home's exterior. Recommended reading:
- The Complete Guide to Roof Replacement on Long Island: Costs, Materials & What to Expect
- How Long Island's Coastal Weather Affects Your Roof, Siding & Chimney
- Best Time of Year to Replace Your Roof on Long Island
Roof Replacement Shingle Options Guide
Compare 6 roofing materials side-by-side — costs, lifespan, wind ratings, and which is best for Long Island homes. From budget-friendly 3-tab to century-lasting slate.
- ✓ Cost per sq ft and total estimates
- ✓ Wind resistance ratings for each material
- ✓ Best materials for coastal Long Island homes
- ✓ Side-by-side comparison table
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Why Long Island Homeowners Choose Us
Licensed, insured, and certified — with a decade of protecting Long Island homes.
GAF Master Elite® Certified
Only 1% of roofers nationwide earn this distinction — better materials, stronger warranties, superior workmanship.
Local Long Island Expertise
We understand nor'easters, salt air, ice dams, and the building codes across every Nassau and Suffolk County town.
No Subcontractors — Ever
Every project is completed by our trained, in-house crew. Your home is never handed off to strangers.
Lifetime Warranty Options
GAF Golden Pledge® lifetime coverage — the industry's strongest manufacturer warranty, available on qualifying installations.
Roof Replacement Service Areas
Long Island Exterior Co. provides roof replacement services across all of Nassau County and Suffolk County. From Great Neck to Montauk, our crews serve every community on Long Island.
Nassau County
Hempstead, Levittown, Garden City, Freeport, Valley Stream, Massapequa, Rockville Centre, Long Beach, Mineola, Great Neck, and all Nassau County communities.
Suffolk County
Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown, Islip, Commack, Patchogue, Riverhead, Hampton Bays, Southampton, East Hampton, Montauk, and all Suffolk County communities.
Ready for a New Roof?
Call us today at (516) 518-3353 or fill out the form above to schedule your free roof inspection and estimate. No obligation, no pressure — just honest, expert advice from Long Island's trusted roofing pros.
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