Best Roof Replacement & Installation in Pennsylvania Ranked

Replacing your roof in Pennsylvania is a significant investment that requires careful planning to navigate the state's demanding climate and material choices. The project involves selecting a durable roofing system that can withstand hot summers, heavy precipitation, and freezing winters, all while fitting your budget and aesthetic preferences. Understanding the key factors-from seasonal timing and material options to cost breakdowns and project timelines-is essential for a successful outcome that protects your home for decades.

Kanga Roof

2911 Ford Rd, Bristol, PA 19007

Kanga Roof is a roofing contractor based in Philadelphia, PA, serving residential and commercial clients in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding counties. Established in 1987, the company offers comprehensive roofing services including installation, replacement, and roof leak repair. Kanga Roof is certified, bonded, and insured in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with trained and background-checked contractors who focus on quality workmanship and safety.

5.0

785 Reviews

MY Pittsburgh Roofing

4560 McKnight Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

MY Pittsburgh Roofing is a roofing contractor based in Pittsburgh, PA, specializing in roof installation, replacement, repair, leak repair, inspection, and certification. They serve residential customers in the Pittsburgh area, offering comprehensive roofing services including full roof replacements and detailed roof inspections with photographic documentation. The company is known for completing roof installations efficiently, often within a day, and providing additional services such as gutter and downspout installation. MY Pittsburgh Roofing emphasizes thorough communication and transparency throughout the roofing process, with the owner Gino personally involved in assessments and estimates. The team also addresses related issues like chimney repairs and flashing replacement when needed.

5.0

457 Reviews

V&M Power Construction & Remodeling LLC

3 Maryland Cir #310, Whitehall Township, PA 18052

V&M Power Construction & Remodeling LLC is a licensed and insured contractor based in Allentown, PA, serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey since 2005. They specialize in roofing installation and replacement, along with comprehensive home remodeling services including kitchen and bathroom renovations. With over 20 years of experience and more than 500 projects completed, they offer expertise in local building codes and architectural styles, ensuring projects meet community standards. Their capabilities include roofing, siding, flooring, and full home remodeling, supported by a strong track record and an A+ BBB rating.

5.0

312 Reviews

Porter Family Exteriors

1305 N Providence Rd, Media, PA 19063

Porter Family Exteriors is a roofing contractor based in Philadelphia, PA, specializing in roof installation and replacement as well as exterior remodeling services including stucco, windows, and decks. They serve the Philadelphia area and focus on comprehensive exterior projects with attention to detail and neighborhood consideration. Their capabilities include full exterior remodels combining multiple services for a seamless finish.

5.0

312 Reviews

East Coast Roofing Systems

373 E Main St Suite M104, Collegeville, PA 19426

East Coast Roofing Systems is a roofing contractor serving Philadelphia, PA, and the Delaware Valley area. They provide residential and commercial roofing services including installation, replacement, repairs, leak repair, inspections, and certifications. The company emphasizes quality craftsmanship and uses high-grade materials backed by industry-leading warranties. Founded by experienced professionals with backgrounds in roofing and landscape architecture, East Coast Roofing Systems focuses on educating customers about roofing options and delivering tailored solutions. They also offer convenient financing options and a customer referral program.

5.0

270 Reviews

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Pennsylvania's Climate and Your Roof

Pennsylvania's four distinct seasons present a unique challenge for any roofing system. The combination of high summer heat, heavy rainfall, snow accumulation, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles stresses roofing materials, flashings, and underlayment ^{1 2}. This climate makes material durability and proper installation techniques non-negotiable.

A primary concern in many parts of the state is the formation of ice dams along the eaves during winter. These occur when heat from the attic melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes at the colder eaves, creating a dam that traps water and can force it under shingles. Preventing this requires a combination of adequate attic insulation, proper roof ventilation, and the installation of an ice and water shield-a self-adhering membrane-in vulnerable areas ^{1 3}. Furthermore, regional differences exist; a roof in the snowier regions of Western Pennsylvania may have different requirements than one in Eastern PA, making local contractor expertise invaluable ⁴.

Choosing the Right Roofing Material

The material you choose is the most critical decision, balancing longevity, cost, appearance, and performance against Pennsylvania's weather.

• Asphalt Shingles: The most popular and affordable choice, asphalt shingles offer a good balance of performance and cost, typically lasting 20-30 years. They are versatile, available in many styles and colors, and cost-effective, with material prices around $4.42 per square foot ^{5 6}. This makes them a reliable option for most homes.
• Metal Roofing: Gaining popularity for its exceptional durability and longevity, metal roofing (steel or aluminum) can last 40-70 years. It excels at shedding snow and resisting high winds and fire. While the upfront cost is higher (starting around $8.11+ per square foot for materials), its energy-reflective properties and minimal maintenance can offer long-term savings ^{5 7}.
• Wood Shakes/Shingles: Offering a classic, natural aesthetic, wood provides good insulation. However, it requires more maintenance to prevent moss, mold, and decay, and it carries a higher material cost (approximately $11.77+ per square foot) ⁵. It may also be subject to local fire code restrictions.
• Slate & Clay Tile: These are premium, historic materials known for an extremely long lifespan of 50 to over 100 years. They are fireproof and offer a distinctive look. The drawbacks are significant cost (material around $14.61+ per square foot) and immense weight, often requiring a structural evaluation of your home's framing to support the load ^{5 7}.

Understanding Roof Replacement Costs

The total cost of a new roof in Pennsylvania varies widely based on material, roof size, pitch, and complexity. Here's a general breakdown of what homeowners might expect:

• Asphalt Shingle Roof: $5,700 - $12,000+ for a typical home ^{4 8}.
• Metal Roof: $10,000 - $25,000+ ⁴.
• Slate or Tile Roof: $20,000 - $40,000+ ^{4 9}.

These totals encompass several cost components:

• Materials (40-60%): The shingles, tiles, or metal panels themselves.
• Labor (40-60%): Removal of the old roof and installation of the new one.
• Incidentals: This includes underlayment, drip edge, flashing, ventilation components, and disposal fees for the old roofing material (often $1-2 per square foot) ^{4 9}.

The Roof Replacement Timeline

How long the project takes depends primarily on the material and the weather.

• Asphalt or Metal Roofs: A standard replacement on an average-sized home typically takes 1 to 3 days from tear-off to final cleanup ^{1 5}.
• Slate or Tile Roofs: These intricate installations require 3 to 5 days or more, as the work is more detailed and may involve structural preparation ⁵.
• Factors Affecting Timeline: Unpredictable Pennsylvania weather is the most common cause of delay. Other factors include the roof's pitch and complexity (multiple valleys, dormers, skylights), crew size, and material delivery schedules ^{2 5}.

Planning and Preparation for Your Project

Proper planning ensures a smoother process for you and the roofing crew.

• Best Time to Replace: Contractors are often busiest in late spring, summer, and early fall. Scheduling in late winter or early spring (the "off-season") can sometimes yield scheduling flexibility or better rates. The key is to book early, regardless of season, to secure your preferred timeline ^{1 10}.
• Homeowner Preparation:
  • Clear your driveway and the perimeter of your home for equipment and dumpsters.
  • Remove wall hangings and fragile items from attic spaces, as the work can create significant vibration.
  • Plan for noise and consider making arrangements for pets and young children.
  • Mow your lawn short before the project starts to make post-job cleanup easier.
  • Notify your neighbors as a courtesy ¹⁰.

Frequently asked questions

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