Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Roof Replacement in Bethlehem, PA
Leaks in more than one spot, shingles losing their grit, a roof you have patched once too often? Call and speak with an independent contractor that replaces roofs across Bethlehem.
What happens on a full replacement
A proper replacement starts by stripping the old roofing down to the deck. On older Bethlehem houses that deck is often board sheathing rather than plywood, and it is only visible once the shingles are off. Soft or broken boards are replaced, loose ones are re-nailed, and only then does new material go down.
Next comes the underlayment and, in this climate, a self-sealing membrane along the eaves and in the valleys where ice and meltwater sit. Flashing at chimneys, walls and vents is renewed, ventilation is set up at the ridge and the soffits, and the finished roof covering goes on last.
Checklist
What the written quote should cover
- Tear-off to the deck, how many layers are coming off, and where the debris goes
- How damaged sheathing is handled and priced once it is exposed
- Underlayment, eave and valley membrane, and drip edge
- Flashing: new at chimneys, walls and skylights, or reused (and why)
- Ridge and soffit ventilation
- The roofing product by name and color, and both warranties: the manufacturer's and the contractor's own
- Who applies for any permit and, inside a historic district, any Certificate of Appropriateness
Roofs in an old steel city
Bethlehem's housing runs from buildings of the Moravian settlement near the center to the brick houses built for steelworkers on the South Side and newer houses farther out. Plenty of older roofs here are slate, and some houses already carry a second layer of shingles over the first; both change what a replacement involves.
Permits come from the city's Bureau of Code Enforcement, whose building permit application lists reroofing as one of its work types. In the historic and conservation districts a roof replacement also needs a Certificate of Appropriateness first. The permits guide explains both.
How it works
From one call to a finished roof
- 1
You call
Say where the house is and what is on the roof now. You are put through to an independent contractor serving that address.
- 2
They inspect
The contractor looks at the roof, and the attic where they can, then gives you a written scope and price.
- 3
Paperwork
If you go ahead, you sign a written contract. The contractor arranges the permit and any historic district approval.
- 4
New roof
The old roof comes off, the new one goes on, and the job ends with the site cleaned and any inspection passed.
Roof types
Roof replacement by material
Asphalt Shingle RoofsArchitectural shingles, the right underlayment and proper ventilation for Pennsylvania winters.Read the guide
Slate RoofsOld slate at the end of its life: new slate, synthetic slate, or shingles where the rules allow.Read the guide
Metal RoofsStanding seam on houses, porches and farmhouses; snow behavior and noise explained.Read the guide
Low-Slope & Rowhome RoofsRowhome rears, porches and additions: membranes, drains and parapet flashing.Read the guide
Questions
Roof Replacement: what people ask
How long does a roof replacement take?
The roofing itself is often a few working days on a typical house; slate, steep roofs and rowhome rears take longer. Permits, material orders, weather and, in a historic district, the approval process add time before work starts. Ask for the whole timeline.
Can new shingles go over the old ones?
Sometimes, but most contractors in the area recommend a tear-off, because it is the only way to see and fix the deck. A second layer also adds weight and can shorten the life of the new shingles. Ask the contractor what they propose and why.
Do I need to be home while the roof is replaced?
Usually not, but someone should be reachable. Move cars away from the house, take pictures and fragile items off upstairs walls, and keep pets and children clear of the work area.
More services
Other roof services
- New Roofs & AdditionsAdditions, new homes and enclosed porches: framed, sheathed and tied into the old roof.
- 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.
Call (855) 365-0164Calls answered Mon–Fri 8:30am–7pm, Sat 9am–4pm (Eastern)
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