Philadelphia County · Philadelphia, PA
Roofing help in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a city of rowhouses, and most of them have flat or low-slope roofs that share party walls with their neighbors. Freeze-thaw winters, heavy summer rain and the occasional tropical-storm remnant test those roofs, while Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy and parts of the Northeast have detached and twin homes with pitched roofs, slate and stone.
- Same-day inspections when a roofer is available
- Neighborhoods: South Philly, Fishtown, Kensington
Areas in Philadelphia
- South Philly
- Fishtown
- Kensington
- Northern Liberties
- Fairmount
- Manayunk
- Roxborough
- Mount Airy
- Chestnut Hill
- Northeast Philly
ZIP codes: 19103, 19104, 19106, 19107, 19111, 19114, 19115, 19116, 19118, 19119, 19120, 19121, 19122, 19123, 19124, 19125, 19128, 19130, 19131, 19134
Philadelphia homes and their roofs
Rowhouse roofs are typically flat with a slight pitch to the rear, coated or covered with modified bitumen, EPDM or TPO. Party-wall seams and rear gutters are common leak points. Northwest Philadelphia has stone homes with slate roofs and box gutters.
Rowhouse flat roofs
Seams at party walls, rear scuppers and gutters, and aging coatings cause most leaks. Flat roof repair and recoating are the most common jobs.
Roof coatings
Reflective coatings are widely used on rowhouse roofs to extend membrane life and cool top floors. They work only on a sound, dry roof.
Slate and box gutters
Older homes in Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy and Germantown often have slate roofs and built-in box gutters that need specialist repair.
Common calls in Philadelphia
- Flat Roof Repair & Replacement
- Roof Coatings
- Roof Leak Repair
- Flashing & Chimney Leak Repair
- Roof Replacement
Also available in Philadelphia: emergency roof repair and every roofing service.
Philadelphia at a glance
- County
- Philadelphia County
- Storm & insurance
- Heavy rain, freeze-thaw winters and tropical-storm remnants drive most roof problems. Ida in 2021 showed how much water the region can get in a single storm.
- Permits
- Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections issues permits and licenses contractors. Pennsylvania also requires home improvement contractor registration. The Philadelphia Historical Commission reviews work on designated properties.
- ZIP codes
- 19103, 19104, 19106, 19107, 19111, 19114, 19115, 19116, 19118, 19119, 19120, 19121, 19122, 19123, 19124, 19125, 19128, 19130, 19131, 19134
Philadelphia roofing FAQ
How long does a rowhouse flat roof last in Philadelphia?
Membranes typically last about 15 to 25 years, longer with regular recoating and clear drainage.
Will repairing my roof affect my neighbor's?
Rowhouse roofs meet at party walls, so the seam must be tied in properly. Good roofers coordinate the joint carefully.
Guides for Philadelphia homeowners
More roofing help in Pennsylvania
Need a roofer in Philadelphia?
Same-day inspections when a roofer is available. One call connects you with an independent roofer who serves your ZIP.