Additions and new construction
New Roofs & Additions in Bethlehem, PA
Putting on an addition, closing in a porch or building from scratch? Call and speak with an independent roofing contractor that installs new roofs in and around Bethlehem.
A new roof begins with the frame
On new work the roof is designed along with the structure: slope, framing, snow load and how water leaves the roof. The roofing material has to suit the slope, so a shallow addition roof behind a steep main roof may need a membrane rather than shingles.
Where an addition meets the existing house, the two roofs have to work as one. Step flashing, a cricket behind a chimney or a properly lapped valley keeps water out of the joint, which is where new work most often leaks.
Checklist
Questions to settle before the roof goes on
- Whose drawings the roofer works from, and whether they show the roof-to-roof connection
- Which roofing suits the slope of each roof plane
- How the new roof ties into the old one, and what happens to the old roof near the joint
- Whether the existing shingle or slate can still be matched
- Which inspections happen before the work is covered
- Who coordinates the roofer if a general contractor runs the project
Matching old roofs
Matching is the hard part on older Lehigh Valley houses. Shingle colors fade and get discontinued, and an addition on a slate-roofed house may call for new slate, salvaged slate or a convincing substitute.
In Bethlehem the city says almost any construction or remodeling needs a permit (Residential Construction page), and in the historic and conservation districts an addition visible from the street goes before the city's historic boards first.
Questions
New Roofs & Additions: what people ask
Does a roof on an addition need its own permit?
The addition is normally permitted as one project with the roof included. In the City of Bethlehem that goes through the Bureau of Code Enforcement, (610) 865-7091; townships and boroughs nearby run their own permit offices.
Can the new roof match my existing one?
Often closely, sometimes not exactly. If the old roof is near the end of its life, some owners replace the whole roof at the same time so it all matches and ages together.
Should the builder or a roofer do the roof?
Either can work. What matters is that one party answers for the tie-in, and that whoever does the work is registered as a home improvement contractor with the Pennsylvania Attorney General.
More services
Other roof services
- Roof ReplacementThe old roof comes off, the deck is checked and the new roof goes on, start to finish.
- Asphalt Shingle RoofsArchitectural shingles, the right underlayment and proper ventilation for Pennsylvania winters.
- Slate RoofsOld slate at the end of its life: new slate, synthetic slate, or shingles where the rules allow.
- Metal RoofsStanding seam on houses, porches and farmhouses; snow behavior and noise explained.
- Low-Slope & Rowhome RoofsRowhome rears, porches and additions: membranes, drains and parapet flashing.
- Ice, Snow & New RoofsIce dams and icicles: what to build into a replacement so they stop.
Ready to replace the roof?
Talk to a roofing contractor who works in Bethlehem
One call connects you with an independent roofing contractor serving Bethlehem, Easton, Bethlehem Township, Hellertown and Lower Saucon. Ask for an inspection and a written price for the new roof.
Replacing the roof? Talk it through with a local contractor.
Your call goes to an independent roofing contractor that takes replacement work in the Bethlehem area.
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