Roofing questions and answers for Pennsylvania homeowners
Updated · KeystoneProGuide editorial team
How much does a new roof cost?
Around $10,000 for a typical roof, by the published national surveys. Fixr, for example, gives an average of about $10,000, with most projects between $7,500 and $14,000. Slate, metal and tile cost far more. The cost guide sets six surveys side by side.
How much does a roof repair cost?
Usually a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. HomeAdvisor gives an average of $1,176 and a normal range of $395 to $1,971, and says structural repairs can reach $8,000.
Does a leak mean I need a new roof?
Not necessarily. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the trade's association, says leaks can come from flashing that has come loose or from one damaged section, which a repair can fix. It says a complete failure of the whole roof system is a different matter and generally cannot be reversed.
How long does a roof last?
NRCA says most new roofs are designed to give about 20 years of useful service, and that slate, clay tile and some metals can last longer. It adds that the real life span depends on the local climate, the design, the quality and suitability of the materials, how well the roof was installed and how well it is maintained.
Do roofers need a license in Pennsylvania?
There is no state roofing license. Roofers must instead register with the Attorney General as home improvement contractors, because the law's definition of a home improvement names roofs. Small contractors doing less than $5,000 of work a year are exempt. What Pennsylvania requires of roofers explains the rules.
How do I check a roofer is registered?
Ask for the number, which looks like PA123456 and must appear on estimates and contracts. Then check it on the Attorney General's online contractor search or by calling 1-888-520-6680. Registration shows the roofer filed insurance and background information; it does not vouch for workmanship.
How big a deposit can a roofer ask for?
On a job priced over $5,000, the Attorney General says a contractor may not take a deposit greater than one-third of the contract price plus the cost of special-order materials. The office also says a contractor may not demand any payment until the contract contains all the required information and you have signed it.
Can I cancel a roofing contract after signing?
Yes, within three business days. The Attorney General reported in May 2026 that the state Supreme Court confirmed you can cancel by any means, including a phone call, as long as the contractor actually gets the notice.
Does a roof replacement need a permit?
Ask your municipality, because the answer is local. The state regulation says an ordinary repair needs no permit, but its exemptions for home repairs all give way to local ordinances, and the Department of Labor and Industry says more than 90% of municipalities enforce the code themselves.
Can new shingles go over the old ones?
Sometimes. The model building code for houses, the 2021 International Residential Code, does not allow a new covering over a roof that is water soaked or badly deteriorated, over slate or tile, or over a roof that already has two or more layers. Otherwise the new covering must be installed according to its maker's instructions.
Can I do my own roofing?
NRCA says most roofing work should not be done by homeowners, both because of the damage poor technique can cause and because of the risk of falling off or through the roof. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says falls are the leading cause of death in construction. NRCA suggests confining yourself to looking at the roof in spring and fall, from the ladder if possible.
What should I do after storm damage?
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department says to contact your insurer as soon as possible, photograph the damage before cleaning up, make only the repairs needed to prevent further damage, and hold off on permanent repairs until the insurer has inspected and approved them. It also warns that door-to-door offers of free storm inspections follow storms quickly.
Should I let a roofer handle my insurance claim?
Be careful. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners says an assignment of benefits lets a roofer file your claim, make the repair decisions and collect the payment without your involvement, and that you are not required to sign one to get repairs done.
How can I tell hail damage from normal wear?
The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) suggests looking first for dents or spatter marks on gutters, downspouts, flashing or air conditioning units. On the shingles themselves it lists a random pattern of impact marks, soft bruised spots and cracks. It says granule loss along shingle edges or uniform wear is not, by itself, hail damage.
What causes ice dams?
ENERGY STAR says ice dams form when snow melts off a roof over an attic that is too warm and then refreezes at the edge. It says a ventilated attic, with proper insulation and air sealing below it, stays cold and reduces the risk.
Could my old roof contain asbestos?
Possibly. The Environmental Protection Agency lists roofing and siding shingles among the materials that may contain asbestos and says you cannot tell by looking. It advises leaving suspect material alone and having it tested by an accredited professional before work that would disturb it. Local roofers are listed on the roofers directory page, and how to choose a roofer covers what to check.
Sources
- How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost? [2026 Data], Fixr
- How Much Does Roof Repair Cost in 2026?, HomeAdvisor
- Frequently Asked Questions: Home Improvement Contractor Registration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
- AG Sunday Warns of Potential Scams Following Deadly Storms that Impacted Pittsburgh and Surrounding Areas, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
- PA Supreme Court Upholds Consumer Right-to-Cancel Home Improvement Contracts Within Three Days Regardless of Medium, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
- 34 Pa. Code § 403.62. Permit requirements and exemptions., Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Code)
- Uniform Construction Code, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
- Chapter 9 Roof Assemblies, 2021 International Residential Code, International Code Council
- Resources (frequently asked questions), National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)
- OSHA's Fall Prevention Campaign, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Shapiro Administration Provides Advice on Claims, Avoiding Scams Following Strong Storms and Flooding, Pennsylvania Insurance Department
- Assignment of Benefits: Consumer Beware, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
- Is It Hail Damage?, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
- About Attic Ventilation, ENERGY STAR
- Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency