So…. your roof is leaking. Or it’s missing a few shingles. Maybe it just looks tired – like it’s had enough Philly winters and deserves a respectful retirement.
Whatever brought you here, welcome. Roofing in Philadelphia is no joke-the weather swings alone, from snowstorms to sideways rain to 90-degree summers-are enough to wear down even the best-built homes. So when it’s time to fix, replace, or just inspect your roof, you want someone who knows what they’re doing.
But hiring a roofing contractor? That’s where things can get dicey.
Let’s walk through the process step by step so that you will know exactly what to look for, and what to run from. By the time you reach the end, you will know how to find a roofer in Philly whom you can actually trust to show up on time and do a solid job, then finish up the job to your satisfaction.
1. Don’t Rush – Even If the Roof is Leaking
When water is dripping from your ceiling onto the dinner table, not much stands in the way of Googling ‘roofers near me’ and hiring the first one that answers. Don’t.
Philadelphia has no shortage of roofing contractors, from legit, licensed pros to one-man crews working out of a van with no insurance. Picking randomly is risky. That quick fix could cost you way more later.
Instead:
- Take a deep breath
- Place a tarp, if that’s needed.
- Take one night and do a little homework.
That small pause? It may save you thousands.
2. Know what type of roofing work you need.
Before you call anyone, get clear on what you’re asking for. You don’t have to be an expert-that’s their job-but knowing whether you need a full roof replacement, a repair, or just a gutter fix can help weed out the wrong contractors.
Here in Philly, most homes have:
- Asphalt Shingle Roofs: Least expensive of all types of roofs; most common
- Flat Rubber Roofs-especially in south Philly rowhomes
- Less common, more expensive: Slate or Metal Roofs
Take note of what you have – or, better yet, take some pictures. It helps when you start calling around.
3. Ask the Right Questions (And Not Just How Much)
A lot of people jump straight to price; we get it, budgets matter, but roofing isn’t like buying a new TV. You’re not just comparing specs. You’re evaluating trust, materials, timelines, and safety.
Here is what you actually want to ask:
- Are you licensed and insured in PA?
(If they hesitate, stop there. This is non-negotiable.)
- How long have you been working in the Philadelphia area?
Local experience counts: roofs here deal with everything from snow loads to squirrels.
- Can you show me recent work or references?
Good roofers are proud of their work. They’ll happily point you to past clients or jobs nearby.
- Who will do the work?
Some companies sub out everything. That’s fine if they supervise properly – but you should know who’s actually climbing up there.
- What kinds of warranties do you offer-materials and labor?
The best roofers offer both. If something goes wrong, you’re covered.
Pro tip: Write the answers down. After three or four calls, they’ll start blending together.
4. Get 2-3 Estimates (But Don’t Always Pick the Cheapest)
Once you’ve talked to a few contractors, ask for written estimates. Not scribbled on a napkin. Actual, itemized quotes. What you want to see:
- Materials costs
- Labor costs
- Timeline start and end date
- Cleanup and removal details: who’s taking away the old roof?
- Payment schedules – beware of large upfront payments.
In Philadelphia, a full roof replacement could cost anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000+, contingent upon the type of roof you have, its size, and material. Fixes are way cheaper, obviously, but it could run from $500 to $2,000, depending on the problem.
If one quote is way lower than the others… that’s not always a win. It might mean they’re cutting corners – or worse, planning to disappear after a deposit. Always balance cost with reputation.
5. Read the Reviews – Then Dig Deeper
A roofer might look great on Google: lots of stars, glowing reviews, a slick website.
But here’s the catch-reviews can be cherry-picked.
Dig a little:
- Look for patterns. Are a number of people mentioning calling in late? Poor cleanup?
- Check the negative reviews. How did the contractor respond? Defensive? Professional?
- Go beyond Google. Check the Better Business Bureau, Angi, Facebook neighborhood groups – even, yes, Reddit threads like r/philadelphia.
And don’t forget to inquire with neighbors, too-if someone had a good or bad experience, they’ll be sure to let you know.
6. Review the Contract Like a Hawk
Once you’ve selected a contractor, they should provide you with a formal contract.
Read. Every. Word. Read, don’t skim. This is where you protect yourself. Make sure the contract includes:
- Scope of work in detail
- Required materials
- Project start and end dates
- Total cost + payment terms
- Cleanup responsibilities
- Warranty Information
If one is not sure, it’s always better to ask.
7. Watch Out for These Red Flags
Not all roofing nightmares come with horror movies. Sometimes the signs are subtle:
- No written estimate
- Advance payment request
- Unwillingness to provide proof of insurance
- No local address
- Making promises that are too good to believe
Never settle for a roofer you aren’t sure about. There are a lot of roofers in Philadelphia – you can find the right one with a little due diligence.
8. Bonus: Ask About Permits
Many roofing jobs require permits, especially replacements or structural work. Your contractor should be aware of this. They should also take care of the permit process for you and include the cost in your estimate. If they tell you ‘you don’t need one’ without checking first? Red flag.
Ready for a Roofer You Can Actually Trust?
Hiring a roofing contractor in Philadelphia doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Sure, it takes a little time. Some research. A few phone calls. But honestly – that’s better than watching your freshly installed roof leak because you trusted the wrong person.
So, take your time. Ask the awkward questions. Say no to people who feel shady. And when you do find the right roofer? Hang onto them. Good roofers in Philly are worth their weight in copper flashing.
Protect your home, money, and peace of mind with Discounted Roofing LLC. We are licensed and insured with three decades of experience and over 30,000 successfully completed roofing projects. Get in touch to discuss your roofing needs with us.