Roofing Contractor Serving Chatham Borough, NJ

Chatham Borough is a commuter town of about 9,200 residents on under two and a half square miles in southeastern Morris County. Summit lies to the southeast, Millburn and Short Hills to the northeast across the Passaic River, Chatham Township to the west, and Madison and Florham Park to the north. First settled in 1710 at John Day’s Bridge, the village was renamed in 1773 for William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, and became a borough in 1897. Main Street runs from the river crossing through the downtown, and Chatham station serves NJ Transit’s Morristown Line.

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

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Roofing Chatham’s Pre-War Homes

Most of Chatham Borough was built out before World War II, and many older homes remain, along with colonial-era survivors such as the Paul Day House and the Nathaniel Bonnell House. Roofs on homes of that age call for careful work.

What lies beneath

Pre-war homes usually have board decking, and after decades of re-roofing, some boards may be split, soft, or patched. We remove old roofing completely, inspect the deck, and replace damaged boards before new underlayment goes down.

Chimneys and flashing

Older masonry chimneys lose mortar and develop cracked crowns over time. Flashing that has been patched with tar rather than replaced is a common leak source. We repoint, repair crowns, and install new step and counter-flashing.

Dormers, porches, and finished attics

Dormers and porches add wall joints and low-slope sections, and finished attics often lack ventilation. We check how each part of the roof sheds water and how the attic breathes.

Hillside streets

Streets such as Fairmount Avenue climb Long Hill from Main Street, and homes on slopes can be harder to stage. We plan deliveries and debris removal to protect your property.

Roof Repair in Chatham

We replace damaged shingles, re-flash chimneys, dormers, and walls, repair valleys and porch roofs, and trace leaks to their source. See our roof repair services.

Roof Replacement in Chatham

A replacement includes tear-off, deck repair, underlayment, leak barrier at eaves, valleys, and walls, drip edge, new flashing, new roofing, and a ventilation review.

Chimney Repair and Flashing

We repoint mortar joints, repair or rebuild crowns, rebuild deteriorated chimneys above the roofline, and install new step and counter-flashing where the chimney meets the roof. See our chimney repair and flashing page.

Gutters and Siding

We replace gutters and downspouts, repair rotted fascia, and repair or install siding. Learn more about our gutter and siding services.

Choosing a Roofer

Ask for a written scope of work, ask whether any permit or approval applies, and ask how hidden deck damage will be priced. New Jersey generally requires home improvement contractors working on residential property to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs, and registrations can be verified online.

What Affects the Cost

Roof size, pitch, complexity, deck repairs, chimneys, dormers, materials, and access all affect price. Your free written estimate explains the scope.

Chatham Roofing FAQs

Do you have an office in Chatham?

Our nearest regional office is in Hackettstown, and our main headquarters is at 168 Humboldt St, East Rutherford, NJ 07073.

Is Chatham Borough different from Chatham Township?

Yes. They are separate municipalities, and we serve both.

Do I need a permit?

Usually not. Replacing the roof covering on a detached one- or two-family home is generally treated as ordinary maintenance under New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7), so a construction permit is usually not required. Structural work such as replacing rafters, attached homes, and historic-district or HOA rules can change that, so check with your municipal construction office or ask us during your free inspection.

How do I get an estimate?

Call or text (551) 241-0470, email monarchroofingnj@gmail.com, or use our estimate request form.

Nearby Areas

We also serve Madison, Florham Park, Millburn, Chatham Township, Summit, and other communities in our service area.

Chatham Borough Roofers: Our Regional Office and Headquarters

Monarch Roofing & Construction serves homeowners throughout Chatham Borough, from the Passaic River crossing at the foot of Main Street to the streets climbing Long Hill. Our nearby regional office is located at 303 Grand Ave, Hackettstown, NJ 07840, and our main headquarters is located at 168 Humboldt St, East Rutherford, NJ 07073. Reach us by phone or text at (551) 241-0470 or by email at monarchroofingnj@gmail.com.

Schedule a Roofing Appointment Online

Free roof inspections and free roofing estimates are available to every Chatham homeowner. Choose a time below to schedule a free roofing inspection or estimate.

Schedule a Free Roofing Inspection or Estimate

Call or Text (551) 241-0470

Our Commitment to Chatham Homeowners

Honest Roof Assessments. Clear Recommendations. Repairs When Possible. Replacement When Necessary. Pre-war homes deserve an approach that starts with understanding, not selling. We look at the whole roof, the attic beneath it, and the chimney, walls, and gutters around it. If a repair is the right fix, that is what we recommend. If replacement is warranted, we explain why and provide a detailed written scope.

Monarch Roofing & Construction holds New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor registration #13VH12036000. Inspections and estimates are free.

Undoing Years of Quick Fixes

Roofs on homes that have stood for many decades often carry the marks of earlier repairs. Some were done well. Others were stopgaps that solved a leak for a season and then created new problems. When we inspect older Chatham roofs, these are the patterns we look for:

Tar and roofing cement smeared over flashing. Thick patches of black mastic around chimneys, vents, and walls usually mean the original flashing failed and was sealed over instead of replaced. Mastic dries, cracks, and pulls away within a few years.
Face-sealed counter-flashing. Flashing caulked to the surface of the brick instead of set into a mortar joint will eventually separate and let water behind it.
Mismatched shingle patches. A scattering of different-colored shingles suggests repeated repairs, which may point to a roof nearing the end of its life.
Exposed nails. Nail heads left uncovered on ridge caps or flashing rust and leak.
Layered roofing. New shingles installed over old ones hide deck problems and make every future repair harder.
Missing kick-out flashing. Often never installed in the first place, its absence can lead to hidden wall rot.

Correcting these properly means removing the patchwork and installing new flashing that integrates with the shingles and masonry.

Weather and Terrain in Chatham Borough

Along the Passaic River

The eastern edge of the borough meets the Passaic River, where low ground and humidity make attic ventilation and good roof drainage especially important.

On the hillside

Homes climbing Long Hill can see more wind on exposed sides and more runoff from uphill properties. Gutters and downspouts that move water away from foundations protect these homes.

Trees and seasonal debris

Mature trees shade roofs and drop leaves into gutters and valleys. Shaded roofs dry slowly and can grow moss.

Winter conditions

Snow and freeze-thaw cycles cause ice dams on homes where attic heat escapes, and they slowly wear down chimney mortar and crowns.

Working on Close Lots

Many Chatham homes sit on modest lots with neighbors close by. A roof project in this setting needs extra planning:

Positioning the dumpster or debris trailer to avoid blocking neighbors and sidewalks
Protecting fences, shrubs, and adjacent property from falling debris
Keeping the work area tidy each day
Sweeping for nails on your property and along shared boundaries

These details are part of a good roof replacement in Chatham, not an afterthought.

Free Roof Inspections

Our inspections cover:

All roof slopes, including signs of past patchwork
Chimney flashing, crowns, and mortar
Dormer and wall flashing, and kick-out flashing
Porch roofs and their transitions to the house
Valleys and pipe boots
Gutters, fascia, soffits, and drip edge
Attic ventilation, insulation, and board decking

A Clear Estimate for an Older Home

A roof replacement estimate in Chatham NJ should state:

Number of layers to be removed
Plan and pricing for damaged board decking or new sheathing
Ice and water shield at eaves, valleys, walls, and chimneys
Underlayment and drip edge
New flashing throughout, with counter-flashing set into mortar
Ventilation improvements for attics and finished spaces
Shingle product, line, and color
Debris handling on a close lot, any permit or approval fees that apply, and cleanup

Finding the Real Source of Leaks

In older homes, water can travel through plaster walls and along framing before it shows. A stain on a second-floor ceiling may come from a chimney, a dormer, or a valley several feet away. Roof leak repair in Chatham starts in the attic, following the water back to its entry point, then examining the roof above. Fixing the true source, rather than smearing on more mastic, is what stops the leak.

Storm damage documentation

After a storm, photograph missing shingles, fallen branches, and interior stains, and note the date. Save any debris. The insurance company decides whether damage is covered; we can inspect and describe the roof’s condition in writing.

Flashing Done Right

Chimney flashing: new step flashing, a front apron, a back pan or cricket, and counter-flashing cut into mortar joints.
Pipe boots: replaced with each new roof.
Step flashing: integrated with each shingle course at walls and dormers.
Kick-out flashing: added at the bottom of roof-wall joints to protect siding and framing.

Board Decking and the Layers Above It

Pre-war homes typically have board decking. During tear-off, boards are inspected; split or soft boards are replaced, and new sheathing can be installed over boards when needed. Drip edge, ice and water shield, and synthetic underlayment are then installed before the shingles.

Ventilation in Finished Attics

Finished attic rooms are common in older Chatham homes, and they often leave little space for airflow. Baffles between rafters, soffit intake, and a ridge vent create a continuous path for air above the insulation, helping control moisture, reduce ice dams, and keep upstairs rooms more comfortable.

Repair or Replacement?

Repairs make sense when the roof is sound overall and a specific detail has failed. Replacement makes sense when the roof has layers of patchwork, shingles are worn throughout, or decking is deteriorating.

The replacement process

Free inspection and written estimate.
Permit, if required, and scheduling.
Site planning for a close lot and protection for landscaping and neighbors.
Tear-off to the deck.
Deck repairs.
Drip edge, ice and water shield, and underlayment.
New flashing.
Asphalt shingles, ridge vent, and caps.
Cleanup and nail sweep.
Final walk-through.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Architectural asphalt shingles offer depth and color options that suit Chatham’s older homes. Installation should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for nailing, starter strips, exposure, and ventilation.

Hiring a Roofer in Chatham

Ask contractors how they will handle flashing that was previously patched with tar, whether counter-flashing will be set into mortar, and how they plan to protect neighboring properties. Ask about decking repairs and whether any permit or approval applies. Verify Home Improvement Contractor registration with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, and compare written scopes carefully.

Seasonal Maintenance

Clean gutters after fall leaf drop.
Inspect chimneys each spring.
Watch for ice dams in winter.
Trim branches back from the roof.

Explore More From Monarch Roofing

Visit our roofing services, chimney services, and siding and gutters, or see all our locations. Nearby, we also serve Chatham Township homeowners, roofers in Madison, and Florham Park.

Chatham, NJ Roofing Questions Answered

Who provides roofing services in Chatham, NJ?

Monarch Roofing & Construction serves Chatham Borough homeowners with roof repair, roof replacement, roof installation, roof leak repair, asphalt shingle roofing, chimney repair and chimney flashing, and siding. Chatham is served through our nearby regional office in Hackettstown and our headquarters in East Rutherford. NJ Home Improvement Contractor registration #13VH12036000; call or text (551) 241-0470.

Where can I find roof repair near me in Chatham?

Monarch Roofing & Construction provides roof repair throughout Chatham Borough, from Main Street near the river to the streets climbing Long Hill. Call or text (551) 241-0470 or book online.

Who offers free roof inspections in Chatham?

Monarch Roofing & Construction offers free roof inspections and free roofing estimates in Chatham. Schedule online or call or text.

How do I choose a reliable roofing contractor?

Verify New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor registration with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Ask for a written scope that explains how tar-patched flashing will be replaced, ask whether any permit or approval applies, and request proof of insurance.

Should I repair or replace my roof?

A single chimney or dormer leak on a pre-war home can often be fixed with proper new flashing. Layers of patchwork, worn shingles throughout, or deteriorated board decking usually point toward replacement.

How much does roof replacement cost in Chatham?

Cost depends on roof size and pitch, layers, board decking repairs, flashing and chimney work, ventilation for finished attics, the shingle line, and staging on close lots. A free written estimate after an inspection gives you the real figure.

What are the signs of roof damage?

Look for tar smeared around flashing, mismatched shingle patches, exposed nails, ceiling stains, and loose chimney mortar.

How can I schedule a roofing estimate?

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

A Closer Look at Roofs in Chatham

Chatham Borough was largely built out before World War II, and its streets climb from the Passaic River crossing on Main Street up the slopes of Long Hill. The sections above deal with pre-war construction, past patchwork repairs, close lots, and finished attics. This section turns to other questions Chatham homeowners ask: what is happening behind the siding, how to evaluate a pre-war house before buying, how ventilation is sized, what chimney brick reveals, how to describe a leak, what to ask during an inspection, how the storm seasons play out, keeping visible repairs consistent, and staying safe.

Behind the Siding on Pre-War Homes

Many Chatham houses began with wood clapboard or cedar shingles, and some were later covered with aluminum or vinyl. Those layers can hide water damage. When roof water has run behind the siding for years, through missing step flashing at dormers, overflowing gutters, or rusted head flashing above windows, the sheathing beneath may have softened even though the surface looks fine. Wavy siding, persistent stains below roof edges, and musty closets on exterior walls are worth investigating. We repair and install siding, so wall damage traced to the roof can be fixed along with the roof.

Evaluating a Pre-War House Before You Buy

Buying a home that has stood for close to a century calls for a careful look at the roof. Read the roof section of the inspection report, and ask the seller when the roof was last replaced and whether past repairs involved tar patching around chimneys or dormers. Notes about multiple layers, board decking, or attic staining deserve follow-up. A dedicated roof inspection can tell you what the next few years are likely to bring.

How Attic Ventilation Is Sized

Building codes commonly set minimum ventilation by attic floor area, often one square foot of net free vent area per 150 square feet of attic, or one per 300 when intake and exhaust are balanced and other conditions are met. About half belongs at the soffits and half near the ridge. In finished attics, baffles keep that air path open above the insulation.

What Chimney Brick Reveals

White, powdery deposits on the brick, called efflorescence, mean water is moving through the masonry. Brick faces that flake or pop off, called spalling, come from trapped water freezing. A chimney that leans or shows wide cracks may need rebuilding above the roofline. These signs often appear before a leak shows inside.

Describing a Leak

Note the room, how far the stain is from outside walls, and what the weather was doing. Wind-driven rain leaks usually point to flashing; thaw-time leaks point to ice dams; cold, dry-morning stains suggest condensation. Photos from the day the stain appeared are useful.

Questions to Ask During an Inspection

How many layers are on the roof? Where has tar been used in place of flashing? Is the board decking sound where it can be seen from the attic? How is the finished attic ventilated? What should be addressed first?

The Storm Seasons on the Hill

Nor’easters bring wind-driven rain and wet snow from late fall into spring, and homes higher on Long Hill feel the wind more. Winter adds ice dams. Summer thunderstorms bring gusts that drop limbs from mature street trees, and late-summer tropical remnants can bring heavy rain over a short time.

Keeping Visible Repairs Consistent

On a borough street where front roofs face the sidewalk, new shingles that do not match the old ones can stand out. Shingles fade with years of sun, so exact matches are rare. Repairs on rear slopes blend best; for front slopes, replacing a full plane gives a uniform look.

Staying Safe

Pre-war roofs are often steep. Use binoculars from the street to check for missing shingles or lifted edges, and leave climbing to professionals.

Gutters on Pre-War Homes

Older Chatham homes sometimes have gutters hung on fascia boards that have been patched and repainted for decades. When the fascia softens, hangers loosen and gutters sag, sending water over the edge and down the walls. Replacing rotted fascia, using closely spaced hangers, and adding downspouts where runs are long restore the system. Downspouts should carry water away from old stone or block foundations, especially on homes downhill from their neighbors.

Living at Home During a Project

Expect noise during tear-off, particularly in finished attic rooms directly under the roof. Cover belongings stored in knee-wall spaces, keep pets indoors, clear the driveway, and take pictures off upper-floor walls. A note to neighbors on close lots about the schedule is always appreciated.

Can water damage hide behind my siding?

Yes. Water from roof edges and dormers can soften sheathing behind siding that looks fine on the surface.

What should I check before buying a pre-war home?

The roof’s age, layers, past tar patching, board decking, and attic staining.

What does spalling on a chimney mean?

Trapped water has frozen and expanded, causing brick faces to flake.

Will a front-slope repair match my roof?

Rarely exactly; replacing the full front plane gives a uniform look.

Request a Free Roofing Estimate in Chatham

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

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