Pennsylvania Roofing Contractors

About Pennsylvania Roofing

Roofing contractors are essential to the building process. They are responsible for consulting, new roof installation and repairing damaged roofs. Roofing contractors often know and recommend the best roofing system for your area. On the residential side, roofing contractors work with metal and asphalt. Roofing contractors also work with cedar shank in certain climates. Other responsibilities include both waterproofing and winterizing roofs.

Typical Climate

Pennsylvania experiences a varying range of climate. In the southern part of the state, temperatures are usually warmer. This area is also marked by a lower elevation. The areas with higher elevation experience cooler temperatures year around. The average yearly temperatures range from a minimum of 41 degrees to a maximum of 64 degrees. The record cold in Pennsylvania was -42 degrees on January 5, 1904. The record heat in the state was 111 degrees on July 10, 1936. Philadelphia experiences about 42 inches of rainfall yearly, making it the wettest part of the state. However, it does have its share of sunshine, averaging 56 percent of sunny days through the year. In the Lake Erie region, annual snowfall reaches 54 inches, with a winter that can last until April.

Licensing

The state of Pennsylvania doesn't require its roofing contractors to be licensed. There are organizations that provide information for the consumer, concerning roofing contractor reliability. The most prominent of these organizations is the Better Business Bureau. Another valuable place to check are professional organizations like the North East Roofing Contractors Association. Although not a consumer advocacy group, this association provides an additional resource for homeowners searching for a reputable roofing contractor.

Energy Efficient Roofs

In Pennsylvania, there are several ENERGY STAR-rated roofing manufacturers. These include Fabral, Everlast Roofing Inc. and Drexel Metal Corp. Metal, single-ply roofing systems provide the most energy efficient roofs. When choosing a residential roofing contractor, select one who uses metal-based roofs, specifically those systems from ENERGY STAR partners.

Unusual Roofs

Pennsylvania has a fair share of unusual rooftops. The Lang Music building at Swarthmore College has a glass roof. The Vanna Venturi House has an asymmetrical rooftop. Its most unusual feature is the fact that the chimney rises through the gable.