Roofing Companies in Highlands, NJ

Highlands is a small borough of about 4,600 residents and 2,900 homes on less than a square mile of land, where Raritan Bay meets the Shrewsbury River across from Sandy Hook. It was incorporated in 1900 from part of Middletown Township. Clamming sustained the area long before and after European settlement, and in the 1920s Highlands became known for sport fishing. On the high bluff at the east end of town stand the Twin Lights of 1862, the Navesink Light Station, credited as the first twin lighthouse and the first in the nation to use an electric light with a Fresnel lens. Below the bluff, the waterfront took a storm surge of nearly ten feet in Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and about 80 percent of homes were severely damaged. Route 36 runs through town and crosses the Highlands–Sea Bright Bridge. The borough borders Atlantic Highlands, Middletown, and Sea Bright.

Monarch Roofing & Construction serves Highlands from our office at 168 Humboldt St in East Rutherford, our headquarters. We repair and replace residential roofs, repair chimneys and flashing, and replace gutters and siding.

Two Different Highlands

Highlands is really two towns for roofing purposes: homes on the bluff, and homes along the low waterfront.

On the bluff

Homes on the high ground near the Twin Lights face open ocean and bay winds. High-wind installation, sealed starter strips, secure ridge caps, and corrosion-resistant metal are the priorities. Steep driveways and slopes affect staging.

Along the waterfront

After Sandy, waterfront homes were repaired, rebuilt, or in some cases elevated. Raised homes are taller and more exposed, and roof work on them needs proper staging and fall protection.

Older homes

Older homes that survived the storm may have been enlarged in stages over the decades. Each addition adds a joint that needs good flashing.

Salt air

Close to the water on three sides, corrosion-resistant fasteners, drip edge, and flashing last longer.

Roof Repair in Highlands

We repair wind damage, missing shingles, lifted flashing, and leaks at walls, valleys, and vents. See our roofing services.

Roof Replacement in Highlands

We remove all layers, repair the deck, and install leak barrier, synthetic underlayment, corrosion-resistant drip edge and flashing, shingles, and ventilation.

Chimneys

We repair chimneys above the roofline and replace their flashing. See chimney services.

Gutters and Siding

We replace gutters and downspouts, repair fascia, and repair or install siding. See siding and gutters.

What to Check on a Rebuilt or Raised Home

When a house is lifted or heavily rebuilt, the roof is often left as it was or patched where it was disturbed. Years later, those patches can be weak spots. If your home was raised or repaired after the storm, have someone look at the places where the roof was opened or reattached: plumbing and exhaust vents that were relocated, new chimneys or flues for replacement heating equipment, porch and stair roofs added at the new height, and flashing where new walls meet old roof sections. Check the attic for stains around these spots. On a raised house, gutters and downspouts also have farther to drop, so make sure they are secured and discharge away from the new foundation and stairs.

Bluff-Top Wind

Homes near Lighthouse Hill sit high above the water with little to slow the wind. Roofs here benefit from shingles rated for high winds and installed exactly to the manufacturer’s high-wind instructions, with every edge sealed. After strong storms, look for lifted shingle tabs along the rakes and ridge, which are the first to go.

Hiring Tips

Confirm whether any permit or approval applies from the Borough of Highlands, get the full scope in writing, and check the contractor’s New Jersey home improvement registration with the Division of Consumer Affairs. After storms, be wary of unsolicited contractors demanding immediate signatures.

Highlands Roofing FAQs

Is Highlands the same as Atlantic Highlands?

No. They are neighboring boroughs. See our Atlantic Highlands page.

Can you reroof an elevated home?

Yes. We include extra staging and safety setup in the estimate.

Where is your office?

In East Rutherford. We also have a regional location in Red Bank that serves Highlands.

Nearby Areas We Serve

Neighboring pages: Atlantic Highlands, Sea Bright, and Middletown. See all of our service areas.

Roofers for Highlands, NJ: Our Nearby Regional Office

Monarch Roofing & Construction serves Highlands homeowners on both the bluff near the Twin Lights and the low waterfront along the Shrewsbury River and Sandy Hook Bay. Our nearby regional office is located at 170 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701, and our main headquarters is located at 168 Humboldt St, East Rutherford, NJ 07073. When a storm passes over the tip of Monmouth County, that nearby office lets us schedule inspections quickly and come back to make sure repairs are holding.

Schedule a Roofing Appointment Online

Every Highlands homeowner can get a free roof inspection and a free roofing estimate. Choose a time online, or call or text us to describe what you are seeing.

Straightforward Advice in a Storm-Tested Town

Honest Roof Assessments. Clear Recommendations. Repairs When Possible. Replacement When Necessary. Highlands has been through more than its share of storms, and many homes have been repaired, rebuilt, or raised as a result. That means the roofs in town vary enormously in age and condition. A newer roof on a rebuilt home may need nothing more than a flashing correction, while an older roof that survived the storm may finally be ready for replacement. We give you an honest answer based on what we find, not on what is easiest to sell.

Monarch Roofing & Construction is a registered New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor, registration #13VH12036000. Inspections and estimates are free.

Water on Three Sides: How Highlands Weather Affects Roofs

Few Monmouth County towns are as surrounded by water as Highlands. Raritan Bay lies to the north, the Shrewsbury River to the east, and Sandy Hook and the ocean beyond. That setting brings constant exposure.

Wind is the most obvious factor. On the bluff, homes face the open water directly and catch strong, steady wind during nor’easters and coastal storms. Along the waterfront, elevated homes stand taller than they once did, which puts their roofs higher into the wind. In both places, shingle edges, rakes, and ridges take the most uplift.

Salt air is the quieter factor. Salt carried on the breeze settles on roofs, gutters, and flashing and speeds up corrosion of metal parts. Fasteners and flashing that would last for decades inland can deteriorate much sooner near the water.

Moisture matters too. Damp air keeps roofs wet longer, encourages algae, and adds humidity to attics. Freeze-thaw cycles in winter work on any small opening, and wind-driven rain can push water into gaps that stay dry during ordinary storms.

What Our Free Roof Inspection Covers

• Shingle condition on every slope, with close attention to edges and ridges
• Whether shingles remain sealed or can be lifted by wind
• Flashing at chimneys, walls, dormers, and vents, including signs of corrosion
• Drip edge, gutters, and gutter hangers
• Transitions on homes that were enlarged, rebuilt, or elevated
• Attic conditions where accessible: stains, damp insulation, airflow

We provide photos and a written summary so you can see the condition of your roof without climbing up.

A Clear Estimate Before Any Work Begins

A useful estimate tells you exactly what will happen on your roof. It should include the scope of work, number of layers to remove, how damaged decking will be identified and replaced, where ice and water shield will go, underlayment and drip edge, corrosion-resistant flashing and fasteners, the shingle product and color, ventilation changes, staging and safety setup for tall or bluff-top homes, and cleanup. If something is missing, ask.

Roof Leak Diagnosis in Highlands

Water rarely drips directly below where it enters. It can travel along a rafter, the top of the deck, or behind siding before it shows up. We start at the interior stain, check the attic, and follow the water uphill to its entry point.

On rebuilt or raised homes, frequent culprits include step flashing that was not properly integrated where new walls meet the roof, missing kick-out flashing, and pipe boots that were not fully sealed. On older homes, the usual sources are chimney flashing, dormer walls, valleys, and joints between additions and the original structure. On bluff-top homes, wind-lifted shingles along the edges let wind-driven rain underneath.

Missing Shingles and Documenting Storm Damage

After a storm, look for missing or creased shingles, loose flashing, and bent gutters. Creased shingles may look intact from the ground but no longer seal, so they can let water in during the next storm. Replace damaged shingles promptly.

Before cleanup, take dated photos of the roof, debris in the yard, and any interior water marks. If you file a claim, your insurance company decides what is covered. An inspection with photos simply gives you accurate documentation.

Flashing Built for Salt and Wind

Chimney flashing combines step flashing along the sides, counterflashing set into the mortar joints, and an apron across the front, with a cricket behind wider chimneys. Step flashing is woven with each shingle course where a roof meets a wall. Pipe flashing seals around plumbing vents. Kick-out flashing at the bottom of a roof-to-wall joint sends water into the gutter instead of down the wall. In Highlands, every one of these details should be made from corrosion-resistant material and fastened with corrosion-resistant nails.

Decking, Underlayment, Ice and Water Shield, and Drip Edge

Beneath the shingles, a roof depends on several layers. The deck must be solid; soft, rotted, or delaminated sections are replaced after tear-off. Ice and water shield is installed along the eaves, in valleys, and around penetrations, where it seals around nails and resists water driven under the shingles. Synthetic underlayment covers the remaining deck, and drip edge protects the edges of the roof and guides water into the gutters. In a town that sees as much wind-driven rain as Highlands, these underlayers do a lot of work.

Ventilation in a Damp Coastal Setting

Humid air finds its way into attics. Without enough ventilation, it condenses on the underside of the deck in cold weather, which can lead to mold and soft sheathing. Balanced intake at the soffits and exhaust near the ridge keeps air moving. On rebuilt homes, it is worth confirming soffit vents are open and not blocked by insulation.

Deciding Between Repair and Replacement

Repair makes sense when damage is limited to one area, such as a section of blown-off shingles or one failed flashing detail, and the rest of the roof is in good condition. Replacement makes sense when shingles are unsealed or worn across the roof, leaks are recurring in multiple places, corrosion has compromised flashing throughout, or the deck shows widespread damage.

The Roof Replacement Process

1. Free inspection, photos, and written estimate
2. Selecting shingles and scheduling around weather
3. Staging and safety setup for elevated or bluff-top homes
4. Protecting landscaping, siding, and neighboring properties
5. Tear-off to the deck
6. Deck inspection and replacement of damaged sheathing
7. Drip edge, ice and water shield, and underlayment
8. New corrosion-resistant flashing at chimneys, walls, and vents
9. Asphalt shingles installed to the manufacturer’s wind specifications, with ridge caps and ventilation
10. Cleanup and final walkthrough

Asphalt Shingle Roofing Near the Water

Architectural asphalt shingles are a practical choice for Highlands homes. Their wind performance depends heavily on installation: sealed starter strips at all eaves and rakes, nails placed exactly where the manufacturer specifies, and ridge caps fastened securely. Algae-resistant options help on roofs that stay damp.

Seasonal Maintenance for Waterfront and Bluff Homes

In spring, look for shingles lost over the winter. Before hurricane season, check that gutters are firmly attached and flashing is tight. In fall, clean gutters and valleys. After any major storm, walk around the house and look for damage from the ground. Watch for rust on flashing and gutter hangers year-round.

More Highlands Roofing Questions

Are roof inspections free in Highlands?

Yes. Roof inspections and roofing estimates are free, with photos and a written summary.

Can I schedule an inspection online?

Yes. Use the scheduling button on this page, or call or text (551) 241-0470.

Which Monarch office is nearest to Highlands?

Our regional office in Red Bank is the closest. Our main headquarters is in East Rutherford.

Why does my flashing corrode so fast?

Salt air speeds up corrosion. Corrosion-resistant metals and fasteners last much longer near the water.

What is a creased shingle?

A shingle lifted and folded back by wind. It may stay on the roof but no longer seals, letting water underneath.

Does wind damage get covered by insurance?

That depends on your policy, and your insurer makes the decision. We can provide inspection photos and a written report.

Can you repair just a section of my roof?

Yes, when the rest of the roof is in good condition. We explain whether a section repair makes sense.

Explore our roofing services, chimney repair and chimney flashing, siding and gutter work, and all locations. Nearby: Atlantic Highlands roofers and roof repair in Sea Bright.

Highlands, NJ Roofing Questions Answered

Who provides roofing services in Highlands, NJ?

Monarch Roofing & Construction serves Highlands homeowners on the bluff near the Twin Lights and along the low waterfront with roof repair, roof replacement, roof installation, roof leak repair, asphalt shingle roofing, chimney repair and chimney flashing, and siding. Highlands is served through our nearby regional office in Red Bank, backed by our headquarters in East Rutherford. We are registered as a New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor, #13VH12036000, we provide free roof inspections and estimates, and our phone is (551) 241-0470.

Where can I find roof repair near me in Highlands?

Monarch Roofing & Construction repairs roofs throughout Highlands, including wind damage, corroded flashing, creased shingles, and leaks on rebuilt or elevated homes.

Who offers free roof inspections in Highlands?

Free roof inspections and free roofing estimates are available from Monarch in Highlands. Schedule online or call or text (551) 241-0470.

What are the signs of roof damage?

Look for missing or creased shingles, rust on flashing and gutter hangers, and stains where new walls meet older roof sections.

How can I schedule a roofing estimate?

Book with the scheduling button on this page, call or text (551) 241-0470, or email monarchroofingnj@gmail.com.

How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Highlands?

There is no single price for a roof in Highlands, because homes here range from older houses on the bluff near the Twin Lights to rebuilt and elevated homes along the waterfront. The number on a written estimate comes from a handful of factors that can be measured on your specific house.

• Size and pitch. Larger roofs need more material and labor, and steeper roofs take more time and safety setup.
• Layers to remove. Each existing layer of shingles adds tear-off labor and disposal.
• Decking condition. Soft or rotted sheathing found after tear-off has to be replaced before new shingles go on.
• Flashing and penetrations. Chimneys, walls, dormers, and vents all need new flashing, and near salt water, corrosion-resistant metal and fasteners are worth specifying.
• Ventilation. Adding or balancing intake and exhaust vents changes the scope.
• Shingle line. Different architectural shingle lines vary in cost.
• Access and staging. Tall elevated homes and steep bluff-top lots need more staging and fall protection, and narrow waterfront streets affect dumpster placement.
• Approvals. Replacing the roof covering on a detached one- or two-family home is generally treated as ordinary maintenance under New Jersey’s construction code, so a permit is usually not required; structural work, attached homes, and local rules can change that, so check with your municipal construction office.

A free roof inspection and free written estimate from Monarch Roofing & Construction turns these factors into a real number for your home. Book online with the scheduling button on this page, or call or text (551) 241-0470.

A Closer Look at Roofs in Highlands

Highlands is really two places when it comes to roofs: homes on the high bluff near the Twin Lights, built in 1862, and homes along the low waterfront where Raritan Bay meets the Shrewsbury River. Hurricane Sandy brought a storm surge of nearly ten feet to that waterfront in 2012, and about 80 percent of homes were severely damaged. The sections above cover the bluff and the waterfront, rebuilt and raised homes, bluff-top wind, inspections, flashing, and cost. This section adds angles not yet covered: what a bluff-top roof asks of its owner, how roofs on rebuilt homes age, estimating roof age, preparing for and reading an inspection, buying or selling, siding, and living at home during the work.

Owning a Roof on the Bluff

Homes near the Twin Lights look out over open water, and their roofs take wind from the ocean and the bay without much to break it. On these houses, the edges of the roof matter most: the first course of shingles along the eaves, the rakes at the gable ends, the corners, and the ridge. Owners can help by watching those areas after every major storm from the ground with binoculars, keeping gutters firmly attached, and having lifted tabs resealed or replaced promptly before the next storm turns a small problem into missing shingles. Steep driveways and slopes also affect how work is staged, so mention access when you schedule.

How Rebuilt Roofs Age

Many waterfront homes received new roofs, or new sections of roof, in the years after Sandy. Those roofs are now well into their service life. A rebuilt roof is not automatically trouble-free; the details installed during a busy rebuild period, especially flashing where new walls meet roofs on raised homes, are worth checking. Where only part of a roof was replaced, the older section will reach the end of its life first, and the joint between old and new deserves attention.

Estimating Your Roof’s Age

Rebuild paperwork, contractor invoices, and leftover shingle bundles often reveal when a roof was installed and what product was used. If the roof was replaced in stages, note which parts were done when. Flat three-tab shingles usually indicate older installations, while thicker architectural shingles are typical of recent ones.

Getting Ready for an Inspection

Write down what you know about each roof section’s history and any leaks since the rebuild, and gather photos. On raised homes, point out where a ladder can be set safely; on the bluff, mention steep access. Clear attic access and keep pets inside.

Reading the Results

A clear report sorts findings into items to fix now, items to plan soon, and normal aging to watch. On bluff homes, lifted edges or loose ridge caps may be urgent; on rebuilt waterfront homes, wall-to-roof flashing may be the priority.

Buying or Selling in Highlands

Buyers should ask when the roof was replaced, whether the house was raised or rebuilt, and whether any leaks have appeared since. Sellers benefit from organized rebuild records and from fixing small issues before listing.

Siding Near the Water

Siding on raised waterfront homes and exposed bluff houses takes wind-driven rain and salt. Loose panels let water reach the sheathing, and siding resting on lower roofs can wick water. Siding should stop slightly above the shingles with step flashing behind it. Monarch Roofing & Construction repairs and installs siding, which keeps roof and wall details consistent.

Choosing Shingles and Color for an Exposed Site

On the bluff and along the water, appearance and performance both matter. Architectural asphalt shingles offer a dimensional look, and their wind performance depends heavily on installation: sealed starter strips, correct nailing, and securely fastened ridge caps. For color, consider how the roof will look from the water and from neighboring homes on the hill, and view full-size samples in daylight. Algae-resistant options can help on damp, shaded slopes near the river.

Living at Home During the Work

On raised homes, clear the space under the house if it will be used for staging, move vehicles, take down top-floor wall hangings, and keep pets inside. On bluff lots, discuss where trucks and the dumpster can safely sit on a slope.

Choosing a Season

Spring and early fall offer mild weather that helps shingles seal before winter storms. If a roof is leaking, a repair now protects the house until a full replacement can be scheduled.

Highlands Roof Planning Questions

What should bluff-top owners watch after storms?

The roof’s edges, corners, and ridge, where wind damage begins. Check from the ground with binoculars and address lifted tabs promptly.

Is a roof installed after Sandy still in good shape?

Many are, but flashing details on raised and rebuilt homes are worth checking as roofs age.

How do I find out when my roof was installed?

Check rebuild paperwork, invoices, and leftover shingle bundles, and ask the inspector to estimate each section’s age.

Where should a dumpster go on a sloped lot?

On firm, level ground where it will not roll or block the street. Discuss placement during the estimate.

Request a Free Roofing Estimate in Highlands

Monarch Roofing & Construction
168 Humboldt St, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Call or text: (551) 241-0470
Email: monarchroofingnj@gmail.com