If you own a home in Philadelphia, you know that our roofs take a beating. From the freezing ice dams of January to the baking humidity of August, a Philly roof has to withstand it all. Whether you own a classic row home in South Philly or a single-family home in the Northeast, finding the right contractor is stressful.
Type “Roofers Philadelphia” into Google, and you’ll see hundreds of options. But how do you separate the true professionals from the “storm chasers” who knock on your door and disappear? As a local company with over 30 years of experience, Discounted Roofing LLC believes in total transparency.
Here are the five things you must demand from any roofer before you let them up on your ladder.
1. Local Roots (and a Physical Address)
This is the biggest red flag in the industry. After a big storm, out-of-state contractors often flood the area. They do quick, patchy work and leave town. Always look for a roofer with a local Philadelphia address (like ours on E Indiana Ave). You want someone who knows the specific building codes of Philadelphia and will be there in five years if you need a warranty repair.
2. Expertise in “Philly Flat Roofs”
Philadelphia is famous for its flat-roofed row homes. Installing a flat roof (Modified Bitumen, TPO, or EPDM) is completely different from installing shingles on a sloped roof. If a contractor tries to sell you standard shingles for a flat roof, run. You need a specialist who understands how to seal the seams against pooling water—a common issue in our city’s architecture.
3. Transparency (The “Photo Evidence” Rule)
A bad roofer will tell you, “Trust me, it’s bad up there.” A great roofer will show you. At Discounted Roofing LLC, we take before-and-after photos (and sometimes video) of every job. You should see the rot we found, the underlayment we replaced, and the finished product. Never pay for work you can’t verify.
4. Fair, Transparent Pricing
“Discounted” doesn’t mean cheap materials; it means fair pricing without the bloated overhead of massive corporate franchises. Many big-name companies charge 30-40% more just to cover their TV commercials. Look for a family-owned business that keeps costs low and passes the savings to you. Always ask for a detailed estimate that breaks down labor and materials so you aren’t hit with “surprise” fees later.
5. Emergency Availability
Roof leaks don’t happen on a schedule. Usually, they happen at 2:00 AM during a Nor’easter. You need a company that offers 24/7 emergency services. When water is pouring into your bedroom, you don’t want a voicemail; you want a team that can come out and tarp the roof immediately to prevent further damage.
The Bottom Line Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. Don’t settle for less than a licensed, insured, and experienced local expert.
