
Roof Repair in Philadelphia, PA
A leaking roof never picks a good time. Water gets into ceilings, insulation, and walls, and every rainstorm makes the damage a little worse. Union Roofing handles roof repair across Philadelphia for homeowners and businesses alike, from a single missing shingle to a flat rowhome roof that has started to pond and leak. We are a family-run, fully licensed and insured company with more than 40 years of experience, and every repair starts with a free estimate and an honest look at what your roof actually needs.
Common Roof Problems We Repair in Philadelphia
Philadelphia roofs take a beating. Summer downpours, high winds, winter snow, and constant freeze-thaw cycles all wear roofing materials down, and the city’s mix of older homes and flat-roofed rowhomes brings its own challenges. Roof damage doesn’t always begin with a dramatic leak, either. A lifted shingle, a cracked pipe boot, or loose flashing can let water in long before the problem shows up indoors. These are the problems we see most often when homeowners call us for roof repair in Philadelphia:
- Roof leaks. A water stain on the ceiling or a drip in the attic is usually the first sign something is wrong. Leaks can be active or only show up during heavy rain or snowmelt, and they can start far from where the water appears inside.
- Failed flashing. The metal flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, walls, and roof edges is one of the most common places for water to get in. When it lifts, cracks, or pulls away, even a solid roof will leak.
- Missing or damaged shingles. Wind can lift, crease, or tear off shingles, and hail can crack and bruise them. Once a shingle is gone, the underlayment beneath is exposed to moisture.
- Cracked pipe boots, ridge caps, and vents. Worn pipe collars, damaged ridge caps, exposed fasteners, and damaged or missing venting are small parts that cause a surprising number of leaks.
- Ice dam damage. Winter freeze-and-thaw cycles can back water up under shingles at the roof edge and into the house.
- Flat roof ponding and cracking. Many Philadelphia rowhomes have flat or low-slope roofs. When water sits on the surface instead of draining, it finds every seam and crack. Over time the membrane blisters, splits, and starts to leak.
- Storm damage. Wind, hail, and falling branches can cause sudden damage that needs attention fast. Learn more about our storm damage roof repair services.
- Signs of trapped moisture. Mold, mildew, or moss on the roof, and peeling paint or water stains inside, often point to a slow leak that has been going on for a while.
We repair all of the common roofing systems found in the area, including asphalt shingle, slate, EPDM rubber, TPO, modified bitumen, and metal roofs, on both residential and commercial buildings. Leaks around a chimney are often a flashing or masonry problem, and our chimney repair team can handle both.
Finding the Real Source of a Roof Leak
Water is deceptive. It enters at one point and shows up at another, so the location of a ceiling stain doesn’t always reveal where the roof actually failed. Water can get in near a chimney, a vent, a wall joint, a damaged shingle, or a membrane seam, then travel along the roof deck or framing before appearing several feet away.
That’s why every leak repair starts with an accurate diagnosis, not guesswork. Our team examines the roof surface, flashings, penetrations, transitions, drainage paths, and the accessible areas connected to the leak, so the repair fixes the cause and not just the symptom.
Flat and Low-Slope Roof Repair for Philadelphia Rowhomes
Flat and low-slope roofs fail differently from shingle roofs. Union Roofing works with EPDM, modified bitumen, TPO, PVC, rubber roofing, and roof coatings, and we check for deteriorated seams, ponding water, blocked drains and scuppers, failing patches, punctures, parapet flashing failures, and leaks around roof penetrations. For more detail, see our flat and row-home roof repair page.
Emergency Roof Repair vs. Scheduled Repair
Not every roof problem is an emergency, but some cannot wait. Knowing the difference helps you protect your home and plan your next step.
- Call right away if water is actively coming into your home, a storm has torn off part of your roof, a tree or large branch has come down on it, or there is any sign the structure has been compromised. Union Roofing provides 24/7 emergency roof repair, and most emergencies receive same-day service, often within a few hours depending on weather and traffic. We can tarp the roof and make temporary fixes to stop the water until a full repair is completed.
- Schedule a repair if you have noticed a few missing shingles, minor flashing wear, an old stain that is not growing, or granules collecting in your gutters. These still need attention, because small problems grow, but you have time to get an estimate and plan the work.
If you are dealing with a leak, stay off the roof. Wet and damaged roofs are slippery and unstable. While you wait for help:
- Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the water, and catch drips with buckets and towels.
- Keep clear of sagging ceilings and wet electrical fixtures.
- Photograph the damage inside for your records and any future insurance claim.
Repair or Replace? How We Advise
One of the most common questions we hear is whether a roof can be repaired or needs to be replaced. Our answer always comes from the actual condition of your roof, never from a sales target. In general:
- Repair usually makes sense when the damage is limited to one area, such as an isolated flashing failure, a cracked pipe boot, or a small storm-damaged section, the rest of the roof is in good shape, and the roof still has plenty of useful life left. A good repair can also extend the life of a sound roof while you plan and budget for a replacement.
- Replacement may be the better value when leaks keep coming back in different places, the damage is widespread, the decking underneath has been compromised, or the roof is near the end of its lifespan and repairs would only buy a little time.
We walk you through what we found and explain the options plainly, so you can make the call that is right for your home and budget. If replacement is the smarter choice, our roof installation team can take it from there, and financing plans are available.
Our Roof Repair Process
Every Philadelphia roof repair we take on follows the same straightforward process:
- Inspection. We assess the roof to find the source of the problem, not just the symptom. Our roof inspection covers shingles or membrane, flashing, and every penetration point.
- Clear report and free estimate. We explain the likely cause and the recommended work, and you get a free written estimate before any work begins, with no pressure to commit.
- Protection if needed. If water is getting in, we secure the area with tarps or temporary fixes so the damage does not spread while the repair is scheduled.
- The repair. Our crew completes the work using quality materials and professional installation standards.
- Final check and clean-up. We check that the repair is sound, clean up the work area, and share tips to help you prevent future damage.
What Affects the Cost of a Roof Repair
The cost of a roof repair depends on the failure you’re dealing with and what we find when we look closely. The main cost factors are:
- The size and location of the damaged area
- Your roofing material and the repair method it requires
- Chimney, skylight, vent, parapet, or transition work
- Roof pitch, height, and safe access, since a steep slate roof or a tight rowhome roof takes more care than a simple, open one
- Wet or deteriorated decking beneath the surface
- Emergency tarping or after-hours service
The only way to get an accurate number is to look at your roof, which is why every estimate is free. You’ll see the price in writing before any work starts, and financing is available to help spread the cost of larger repairs.
Storm Damage and Insurance Claims
Wind, hail, falling limbs, and heavy rain can cause damage that isn’t obvious from the ground. If the damage came from a storm, we document it with photos and a detailed written estimate, and when it’s helpful our team can attend your insurance adjuster’s inspection to point out roofing conditions and answer contractor questions.
Union Roofing is a roofing contractor, not a public adjuster. We don’t interpret policies or promise claim approval, and coverage always depends on your policy and your insurer’s findings. Report suspected damage promptly, and keep your photos, dates, receipts, and repair paperwork.
Why Philadelphia Homeowners Choose Union Roofing
- More than 40 years of experience protecting homes and businesses in the region
- A family-run, fully licensed and insured company
- Roofers with GAF and ATLAS certifications, some of the most rigorous training in the industry
- 24/7 emergency roof repair, with tarping and temporary fixes to stop active leaks
- Hands-on experience with both pitched and low-slope roofs
- Honest repair-or-replace recommendations, free written estimates, and financing plans available
Areas We Serve
Union Roofing is based at 12260 Townsend Road in Philadelphia, and we provide roof repair throughout the city, from Northeast Philadelphia to South Philly rowhomes. We also serve Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County in Pennsylvania, and Atlantic County and Cape May County in South Jersey, along with the surrounding areas. If you are not sure whether we reach you, give us a call and we will confirm.
Roof Repair FAQs
How much does roof repair cost in Philadelphia?
It depends on the extent of the damage, the type of roof, and how accessible it is. We give you a free written estimate after looking at your roof, so you know the cost before any work begins.
How long does a roof repair take?
It depends on how severe the problem is. Simple repairs may take a few hours, while more extensive repairs can take a day or longer. Scheduling also depends on urgency, weather, safe access, and materials.
Do you offer emergency roof repair?
Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency roof repair. Most emergencies receive same-day service, often within a few hours depending on weather and traffic, and we can tarp your roof to stop active leaks.
Can you repair a roof in any weather?
Most repairs can be done in most weather conditions, but heavy rain, snow, or high winds can delay the work. Safety and quality come first, and in the meantime we can tarp the roof to stop an active leak.
Can you repair flat roofs on Philadelphia rowhomes?
Yes. We repair flat and low-slope roofs, including EPDM rubber, TPO, PVC, and modified bitumen systems, as well as shingle, slate, and metal roofs. See our flat roof repair page for more.
Will you help with my insurance claim?
Yes. For storm-related damage, we document everything with photos and a detailed estimate, and we can attend the adjuster’s inspection when it helps. Your insurer decides coverage under your policy; normal wear and deferred maintenance are generally not covered.
Can you repair my roof if it’s still under warranty from another contractor?
Possibly. Check the original workmanship and manufacturer warranty first, because outside repairs could affect your coverage, and you may need approval from the original contractor or manufacturer. We’re happy to talk through your options.
Do you repair commercial roofs too?
Yes. We handle roof repairs for both homes and businesses across Philadelphia and the surrounding area. Business owners can find more on our commercial roof repair page.
Schedule Your Philadelphia Roof Repair Today
Small roof problems do not stay small. Whether you have an active leak or just a few shingles that do not look right, Union Roofing is ready to help. Call us at 215-464-6425 or book online for your free estimate.