scope of work
What do you need done?
the guide
What a complete roof includes
Shingles are the visible part. Performance comes from the system beneath: sound decking, ice-and-water membrane at eaves and valleys, underlayment, metal flashing at every wall, chimney and penetration, and balanced attic ventilation.
What affects the price
Roof size and pitch, the number of layers to remove, how much decking is rotted, the material chosen, and how many chimneys, skylights and valleys have to be flashed.
After a storm
Document damage with photos, call your insurer before signing anything, and be cautious of anyone who knocks on the door offering to “handle the claim”. A local contractor with a registration number and references will still be there next year.
Rules and paperwork in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act requires most contractors who perform home improvements to register with the Attorney General’s office and to give you a written contract for any job over $500. The registration number belongs on the estimate and the contract — ask for it.
- Building permits in Pennsylvania are issued under the Uniform Construction Code by each municipality or the inspection agency it appoints, so the local building or codes office decides what needs a permit and an inspection.
- Pennsylvania does not issue a statewide license for this trade. Some municipalities register or license it locally, which is one reason to confirm requirements with your own municipality.
Sources: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General — Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act; Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry — Uniform Construction Code; Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. Rules change — confirm current requirements with the agency and with your municipality.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Will you strip to the deck and replace bad sheathing?
- What flashing will be replaced, and with what?
- Who handles the permit, and what does the warranty cover?
- What is your Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor registration number?
Frequently asked questions
Do roofers need a license in my town?
There is no statewide roofing license in Pennsylvania. Roofers working on homes must be registered as Home Improvement Contractors with the Attorney General; some municipalities add their own registration.
Is a permit needed to re-roof?
It depends on the municipality and on whether sheathing or structure is being replaced. Ask your building office before work starts.
What time of year is best?
Roofs are replaced year-round, but shingles seal best in warm weather, and spring through fall offers the most reliable scheduling.
the crew
Verified roofing contractors
We are still onboarding verified roofing contractors. You can submit a request and we will tell you honestly if we cannot match it — your details are never shared unless a verified contractor is available.
This trade typically requires a license or state registration. Contractors receive roofing requests only after we have reviewed theirs.