December 27, 2024

How to choose the best roofing company in the Philadelphia area

By Umbrella Roof

Provided Courtesy/Umbrella Roof

Navigating the options for roofing materials, understanding technical details, and selecting a reliable contractor can feel overwhelming. That’s why Philadelphia roofing experts Ed McDevitt and Rocky Ilasvhili, owners of Umbrella Roof, decided to simplify the process. With decades of experience in roofing and property development (via umbrellaroof.com and libertybellinvestments.com), they’re familiar with all of a home's components so you can rest assured that you’re getting the best solution. In this article, we’ll focus on one of Philadelphia's most common roofing systems: the flat roof.

FLAT ROOFING MATERIAL OPTIONS

Modified Bitumen Roofing

The most common material for residential flat roofs is modified bitumen, an asphalt-based product with polymer additives. It’s highly water-resistant and can withstand ponding water for up to 48 hours, but long-term ponding can lead to leaks. This is why it is so important for modified bitumen roofs to drain properly. This is also the reason so many contractors fail to keep them from leaking. There are many fail points on a flat roof, and without addressing them all, these roofs can be susceptible to leaks. Make sure your contractor is experienced with altering pitch as needed to ensure no ponding areas. Modified bitumen does require maintenance to ensure cements along penetrations and edges remain intact. With proper installation and upkeep, these roofs can last over 20 years.

TPO and EDPM Roofing

Waterproof options are available (if installed properly) such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) or TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin). These systems are generally used in commercial settings and are far more expensive than modified bitumen options. If your contractor is quoting you a “rubber roof,” this is generally a misnomer, as they’re usually referring to modified bitumen, which is essentially asphalt with polymers additives — not a rubber roof. A true “rubber roof” would be an EPDM roof. Always be sure to ask to clarify which material they are using! Umbrella Roof sometimes will recommend TPO or EPDM for residential homes in situations where the roof is difficult to access for maintenance, prone to frequent drain clogging, unsuitable for torch application, or preferred by the homeowner for its low-maintenance benefits.

Like any construction material there are levels of quality when it comes to the material. Ask your contractor what brand they are using. High-end modified bitumen rolls (we like GAF or Firestone brand) are going to be much thicker and last much longer. High-end accessory products like roof cement are also critical to a great installation. These brand name materials and accessories are more expensive, this is one reason why it’s never a good idea to take the cheapest quote as it may be the contractor using cheap materials – always ask!

Flat Roofing Application Details

Modified bitumen rolled roofing can be applied with hot tar, torch welded, cold adhesive, as well as a peel and stick option. We prefer torch welding, which requires special “hot work” insurance. Be sure to ask for hot work or torch insurance certification if the contractor plans to use a torch weld application.

There are essentially two approaches to a flat roof installation. Tearing the roofing down to the structural decking. In some cases, a combination of the two methods will be suggested.

• Overlay: This is a more budget-friendly approach if your existing roof fits the criteria. According to Residential Building Code, no more than two layers of flat roofing can be installed on your roof at any one time. The pitch should also be consistent and true for drainage. The existing materials must also be in fair enough condition to adhere to.

• Tear Off: A tear off will be necessary if the above criteria is not met. While more expensive, it allows the contractor to access the decking to make structural repairs to decking or joists and allows for improved roofing insulation panels to be installed.

• Combination: If you meet the above criteria but small areas (generally by the drain) are deteriorated, select areas can be torn off and married with the overlay approach.

There are countless measures of a good flat roof system. But to keep it simple, excellent materials, fully and properly welded material, flashed walls, and primed metals are some details you should ask about. You should also ask your contractor to go through their detailed installation approach. — especially how they handle the most problematic areas: drains, walls, chimneys etc.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR

Even the best materials won’t matter if your contractor cannot prove that they can install a quality roof. A reliable roofing contractor should have a strong online presence with positive reviews, be responsive, provide detailed estimates, and arrive on time.

Key Traits of a Reliable Contractor

Your estimator should be friendly and knowledgeable, provide a detailed estimate in terms of scope of work, materials used, and warranty information. Red flags to avoid include:

• Verbal or vague estimates.
• Poor communication or unprofessional behavior.
• Inability to provide necessary documentation.

Why the Cheapest Estimate Isn’t Always the Best

Reputable companies invest in proper licensing, insurance, and premium materials, which is reflected in their pricing. A lower quote may mean cutting corners with inferior materials or unskilled labor. After completion of your job, if you have prior interior damage from leaks, Umbrella Roof can even provide their highly-rated interiors partner, Groovy Hues Painting, to complete your home improvement experience.

The Value of a Well-Maintained Roof

Umbrella Roof Owners Ed McDevitt and Rocky Ilasvhili

Even if you plan to sell your home in Philadelphia, a well-maintained roof adds significant value to your property. Companies like Liberty Bell Investments, which specialize in buying homes in Philadelphia, often emphasize that a well-kept roof is one of the key factors buyers consider.

Ed and Rocky tell customers, "At the end of the day, go with your gut!" Working with Umbrella Roof will feel different from the beginning. Trust is built from the first phone call and our team delivers excellence at every step, ensuring you’re confident in your investment. "As we say here, trust is built in droplets and lost in buckets! We look forward to working with you!"

Umbrella Roof