Philadelphia Roofing Contractors

About Philadelphia Roofing

Philadelphia, being the fourth largest urban area in the United States, is served by a huge number of roofing contractors who provide home and property owners with a number of invaluable services. Building solid roof structures for new structures is a common service offered by roofers. They also clean, inspect, maintain, repair and modify existing roofs. Roofers perform necessary maintenance that depends on roofing materials, types of roofs, and the environmental elements that effect roofs in different areas. Weather is an important aspect of roof maintenance.

Typical Climate in Philadelphia

While its temperatures are relatively mild, Philadelphia goes through four distinct seasons during the year. In the winter, the coldest average daily lows do not drop below the mid-twenties and the summertime brings average high temperatures of no more than the mid-eighties. The north suburbs of Philadelphia often have snowfall in the winter. The city center, however, usually sees more sleet and frozen rain than snow. The city gets roughly 42.05 inches of precipitation a year, July being the rainiest month of the year. Both rain and snow can cause damage to roofs from excessive moisture and falling tree branches.

Roofing Contractor Trade Organizations in Philadelphia

The National Roofing Contractors Association is located in Philadelphia. This non-profit organization was established in 1886. According to the NRCA's website, it is recognized as "the voice and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy." The group advocates for its members and the roofing industry, as well as provides consumers with information about choosing a roofing contractor and other aspects of roofing.

Roofing Training in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the location of numerous historical buildings, which often require special care. The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia offers a series of workshops for owners or potential owners of historical buildings with particular roofs. A workshop on the repair, maintenance, and replacement of flat roofs is an example. More information about workshops can be obtained by calling the Preservation Alliance at 215-546-1146.

Environmentally Friendly Roofs in Philadelphia

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, a non-profit organization, ranked Philadelphia eighth in its 2007 list of the top 10 US green roof cities. Part of Philadelphia's "green initiative" has been the installation of a green roof on the city's Free Library. The roof encompasses 5000 square feet of plants, which absorb rainwater, attract wildlife, and keep the building cool.

A $1 million grant from the Home Depot Foundation is set to boost sustainability and affordable housing in North Philadelphia. The City of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society and the Asociacion Puertorriquenos en Marcha have partnered to make improvements in the eastern section of North Philadelphia. Measures include planting of trees, installing more efficient windows on buildings and installing rain catchment barrels. There are also plans to retrofit white roofs, which reflect the sun's rays, reducing heat accumulation in buildings and protecting roof elements.