Get Quotes from Top Roofing Contractors in Philadelphia, PA

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Roofing Contractor in Philadelphia?

In the City of Philadelphia, roofers must obtain a contractor license before carrying out any roofing services. Any roofer who offers services in the city without a valid license will be committing a Class II offense and could attract civil and criminal penalties of up to $1,000 or 90 days imprisonment. The Philadelphia Department of License and Inspections is responsible for issuing contractor licenses to eligible individuals.

To be considered for a contractor license, individuals must meet various requirements, such as completing an OSHA-approved training course, disclosing the names of their subcontractors, and proof of insurance. Interested roofers can apply for a contractor license online through the eCLIPSE portal. Applicants who have difficulties navigating this online platform can schedule a virtual appointment with DLI. Alternatively, applicants can schedule an appointment to apply in person at:

For more information about licensing requirements and procedures for roofers in Philadelphia, you can contact the DLI at 311 or (215) 686-8686 if calling from outside Philadelphia. If you are planning on hiring a roofer in Philadelphia, you can confirm if they have been licensed as contractors via the DLI's find a licensed contractor platform. You can also confirm if there are any subsisting disciplinary actions against your roofer via the DLI's suspended contractor's directory.

In addition to being licensed as contractors, roofers in Philadelphia also need to register with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General as home improvement contractors per the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA). Roofers can register online or mail their completed application form to:

To complete the registration process, applicants must pay a non-refundable processing fee of $50. For more information about the registration process, contact the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General at (888) 520-6680.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Roofers in the City?

In Philadelphia, the cost of repairs, replacements, and installation for roofs can vary significantly due to various factors. These include:

• The size of the roof
• The expertise of the roofing contractor
• The labor intensity of the work
• The extent of the roof damage
• Roof design
• Location within the city

Before you hire a roofing contractor, it is vital that you thoroughly compare multiple bids or quotes from different roofing contractors in the city. Doing so will ensure that you get the best possible rate. However, it is also essential to always ask for an explanation of the difference between the bids and the prices of these different roofers. Avoid hiring roofers with low bids.

Roofers in Philadelphia earn an average wage of $51,470 annually. The average hourly wages of roofers in Philadelphia and those of roofers in other areas of Pennsylvania, as well as other major cities in the country, are compared below:

Will You Get the Roofing Permits Required as per the Philadelphia Building Code?

When planning to carry out a project that involves the construction of a new building, changes to the exterior of an existing structure, or an addition to an existing structure, you must obtain a building permit. The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (DLI) is responsible for issuing building permits. A project owner or a roofing contractor can apply for a building permit.

To submit a permit application successfully, the applicants must include the complete details of the project's scope of work and the current owner's name. Applicants must also ensure that the project is within the boundaries of Philadelphia as established by the city's Office of Property Assessment (OPA). In addition, applicants may need to get a pre-approval letter from other government agencies, depending on the scope of the projects. It is important to note that a zoning permit is required for most building projects and must be obtained where required before a building permit can be issued.

If the project does not require plan submission, the applicants can submit a building permit application through the EZ permit application. If the project requires the submission of plans, the applicant must submit the plans along with the appropriate building permit application form and fee in person after booking an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center at:

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday

Alternatively, an applicant can complete a building permit application and submit relevant plans online using eCLIPSE. Applicants who need help completing their application on eCLIPSE can get guidance by scheduling a virtual appointment with the DLI. After receiving a building permit, inspections must be carried out by building officials at relevant stages of the projects to ensure the work being carried out complies with the city's Building Code. The applicants can book an inspection online or by contacting their local inspection office at (215) 255-4040.

You can get additional information on the permitting and inspection requirements and procedures for roofing projects in Philadelphia by contacting the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections at 311.

What Kind of Roofing Services Do You Offer?

In Philadelphia, a professional roofing contractor can offer various roofing services in residential and commercial buildings. These include:

• Roof maintenance
• Roof replacement
• Roof repair and restoration
• New roof installation

A roofing contractor carries out these services using different skills and materials like metal, asphalt, slate, and concrete. Although a professional roofing contractor typically offers these services, verifying that the contractor's specialization fits your project's requirements is important. You must confirm that the roofer has the necessary experience to complete your project successfully. This ensures that the work is completed to your satisfaction and helps avoid potential misunderstandings.

Below is a list of common costs that professional roofing contractors in Philadelphia can charge for various types of roof services. These costs can be adjusted based on various factors, such as the job's complexity, the facility's location, and the roofer's reputation.

Estimates based on task:

Estimates based on roof pitch (per square feet):

Estimates for roof repair/replacement based on roofing material (per square feet):

Estimates for roof repair/replacement based on shape (per square feet):

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Roofing Companies in Philadelphia?

In Philadelphia, roofing contractors must have met certain insurance requirements before obtaining a contractor license from the Philadelphia Department of License & Inspections. This requirement includes providing a Certificate of Insurance that includes these minimum amounts:

• General liability: $500,000 per occurrence
• Automobile liability insurance: $300,000 aggregate
• Worker's compensation:
  • $100,000 per accident
  • $100,000 per employee
  • $500,000 policy limit

Hiring a roofing contractor with the proper insurance coverage is very important to protect yourself from potential legal and financial liabilities arising from property damage or work-related injuries. In 2020, there were over 88 fatal and over 1,600 non-fatal occupational injuries reported in the United States among roofers. As such, ensure your intended roofing contractor has the proper insurance coverage. You should also ask them to provide proof of their insurance coverage and take further steps to authenticate the certificate of insurance from the issuing provider.

To learn more about insurance requirements for roofing contractors, contact the Philadelphia Department of Licensing and Inspections by submitting an online request to 311 or calling 311. If you are outside the city, contact DLI at (215) 686-8686.