Roofing contractors in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
A public directory of roofing contractor businesses serving greater Philadelphia. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Roofing jobs in Philadelphia
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Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Pennsylvania requires roofers to be licensed through the PA Department of Labor & Industry. There are two license types: Roofer (journeyman) and Roofer Supervisor. For a Roofer Journeyman license: must complete 4 years of apprenticeship (8,000 hours) under a licensed supervisor or equivalent work experience, pass written exam covering safety, building codes, materials, and techniques. Exam administered by PA licensing board. Roofers Supervisor license requires journeyman credential plus 2 additional years supervisory experience. Licenses renew every 3 years; continuing education requirements vary. Application fees run $100-150 for initial license, $75-100 for renewal.
Permit Requirements
Philadelphia requires a Roofing Permit from the Department of Licenses & Inspections for any roof work exceeding $5,000 in value or involving structural changes. Permit applications must include contractor license number, homeowner authorization, project scope, material specifications, and architectural drawings for complex jobs. Permit fees typically $75-300 depending on project scope. Applications processed in 3-5 business days. Emergency permits available for storm damage (expedited 24-48 hours). Asbestos surveys required for pre-1980s roofs before removal.
Inspection Schedule
Initial inspection by L&I required before permit issuance. Mid-project inspection mandatory if work extends beyond 10 days or involves structural work. Final inspection required upon completion before certificate of occupancy issued. Inspector verifies code compliance, material specifications, flashing details, and ventilation requirements. Typical inspection turnaround 2-3 business days after request.
Insurance Minimums
Pennsylvania does not mandate specific liability minimums by statute for roofers, but Philadelphia and most general contractors require subs to carry: General Liability minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate. Workers Compensation insurance required for any employees (no independent contractor exemption in PA for roofers). Property damage coverage minimum $500,000. Most municipal bonds and larger projects require additional umbrella coverage of $2,000,000.
Local compliance path
Source status: verified · 8/2/2026
Roofing contractors operating in Philadelphia must navigate a dual-layer regulatory environment. At the state level, you must be registered with the Pennsylvania Attorney General under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA). This ensures you are legally authorized to perform residential work within the Commonwealth. At the municipal level, the City of Philadelphia requires contractors to hold a Commercial Activity License issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). All permit applications, inspections, and compliance filings are managed through the city's online ECLIPSE system. Failure to maintain these credentials or perform work without the necessary permits can lead to stop-work orders and significant fines.
Timeline
- Day 0Register with PA AGPA AG
- Day 14Obtain City LicenseL&I
- Day 21Secure InsurancePrivate
- Day 30Submit Permit via ECLIPSEL&I
- Day 45Permit ApprovalL&I
- Day 60Project Closeout/InspectionL&I
Checklist
- Register with the PA Attorney General (HICPA)
- Obtain Philadelphia Commercial Activity License
- Secure proof of General Liability Insurance
- Verify Workers' Compensation coverage
- Submit permit application via ECLIPSE portal
- Post permit card visibly at the job site
Local market snapshot
Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 7/17/2026.
How to Get Licensed
Document Work Experience or Apprenticeship
Accumulate either 4,000 hours (2 years) of documented work experience as a roofer under a licensed supervisor, or enroll in and complete a registered apprenticeship program (typically 8,000 hours over 4 years). All hours must be verified by your employer and signed off. Keep detailed time records; PA licensing board will audit. If pursuing apprenticeship, register with PA Department of Labor & Industry Bureau of Apprenticeship Training.
Complete Required Training and Safety Certifications
Obtain OSHA 30-hour construction card (covers fall protection, ladders, electrical hazards). Complete CPR/First Aid certification. Take a Pennsylvania-approved roofing safety and techniques course (offered by trade schools and community colleges). Document all certifications with dates and instructor sign-offs. These are not always mandatory for exam entry but significantly improve pass rates and employer credibility.
Submit License Application to PA Department of Labor & Industry
Fill out Form LS-308 (Application for Roofer License). Include proof of 4,000+ hours experience with employer signatures, copy of identification, and application fee ($100-150 for initial license). Mail to PA Department of Labor & Industry, Bureau of Occupational & Professional Regulation. Processing time is 4-6 weeks. You will receive notice when your application is deemed complete and you are eligible to sit for exam.
Schedule and Pass the Written Exam
Once application is approved, schedule your exam through PA Department of Labor & Industry testing vendor (currently Pearson Vue). Exam covers Pennsylvania Building Code roofing sections, material identification and specifications, flashing installation, ventilation requirements, safety protocols, and ladder/fall protection. Exam is 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours, 75% passing score required. Cost is approximately $100-150. Testing centers available in Philadelphia. Study guides available from PA licensing board website.
Receive License and Register with Philadelphia
Upon passing exam, PA Department of Labor & Industry issues Roofer Journeyman license (valid 3 years). License number is mailed within 2-3 weeks. Register as a contractor with Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections using your PA license number and proof of insurance (liability and Workers Comp minimum). File business structure documentation (sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation). Register for Philadelphia Business Tax Account. You are now authorized to pull permits and perform roofing work in Philadelphia. Renew PA license every 3 years.
Maintain Continuing Education and Insurance
Renew General Liability and Workers Compensation insurance annually; provide proof to clients and municipal contractors. Pennsylvania does not currently require CE hours for roofer license renewal, but industry best practice is 8-16 hours every 3 years covering code changes, new materials, and safety. File renewal application 60 days before license expiration. Renewal fee is $75-100. Track all invoices and project records for audit purposes. Keep documentation of all work performed.
About This Market
Philadelphia roofing is steady, competitive work. You've got a dense urban market with around 843 licensed establishments statewide, but Philadelphia concentrates maybe 15-20% of that. Mix of old rowhouses with slate and tar, post-war residential with asphalt shingles, and commercial flat-roof inventory. Storm damage from nor'easters and summer thunderstorms keeps work flowing, but insurance claims cycles create feast-or-famine patterns. Material costs are stable but labor is tight—median roofers here earn $27.15/hr, which puts experienced crews around $56,500/year, but shortages mean good contractors can charge 10-15% above market rates. Competition is real but fragmented; most jobs come through insurance adjusters, contractors, or direct homeowner referral. Seasonal work dominates—expect March slowdown after winter, then full capacity April through September.
To work Philadelphia, get your PA Roofer license through 4,000 hours apprenticeship or equivalent experience, pass the exam, and file with L&I. Budget $200-300 for licensing. Carry $1M liability and Workers Comp—non-negotiable. Permits are mandatory over $5K; apply early because L&I will hold you if paperwork is loose. Learn Philadelphia Building Code Appendix R (roofing) cold—inspectors here are thorough. Schedule work around weather; spring storms are your best revenue window but also your busiest competition. Subcontractors must be licensed; no skirting this one. Keep crews at 3-4 people max on residential; anything bigger gets scrutiny. Invoice upfront, get signed scope of work, and document material delivery. Insurance claims work requires fast turnaround and clean documentation—that's where repeat money lives. Don't undercut labor on storm jobs; you'll get hammered on quality callbacks.
- Median hourly wage for roofersU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2023
- Number of licensed roofing establishments in PennsylvaniaPA Department of Labor & Industry, Bureau of Occupational & Professional Regulation, 2024 licensee database
- Pennsylvania roofing licensing requirements and examPA Department of Labor & Industry, Roofing License Regulations and Application Guidelines
- Philadelphia permit requirements and feesPhiladelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections, Building Code Chapter 3401 and Permit Fee Schedule
- Workers Compensation insurance requirementsPennsylvania Workers Compensation Act and Philadelphia Standard Contractor Requirements
- Roofing material costs and market pricingPhiladelphia roofing contractor market survey and RSMeans National Average Construction Costs
- Peak season and weather patternsPhiladelphia National Weather Service and regional contractor scheduling data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum experience required to get a Pennsylvania roofing license?
Pennsylvania requires 4,000 hours (2 years) of documented apprenticeship or equivalent work experience under a licensed roofer supervisor to qualify for the Journeyman Roofer exam. Alternatively, 8,000 hours (4 years) of apprenticeship under structured program satisfies the requirement. Hours must be documented and verified by employer. You then pass a written exam administered by the PA Department of Labor & Industry covering safety, building codes, materials, and installation techniques. Source: PA Department of Labor & Industry Roofing License Requirements.
Do I need a permit for roof repairs in Philadelphia?
Yes, if the repair cost exceeds $5,000 or involves structural changes. Minor repairs under $5,000 do not require a permit, but the contractor must still be licensed. For permitted work, submit an application to the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections with contractor license number, scope of work, and material specs. Permit fees run $75-300. Emergency permits for storm damage are expedited to 24-48 hours. Source: Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections Building Code Chapter 3401.
What insurance does a roofing contractor need in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not mandate specific liability minimums by statute, but Philadelphia and most general contractors require: General Liability minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate, Workers Compensation insurance (required for all employees, no exemptions for roofers), and property damage coverage minimum $500,000. Many municipal projects and bonds require additional $2,000,000 umbrella coverage. Proof of insurance must be provided before starting work. Source: PA Workers Compensation Act and Philadelphia Standard Contractor Requirements.
What is the typical cost to replace a roof in Philadelphia?
Asphalt shingle roof replacement (1,500 sq ft) ranges $7,500-$12,000. Metal roofing runs $12,000-$18,000 for the same area. Costs vary by roof pitch, access, existing material removal, and material grade. Storm damage claims often trigger insurance coverage but require timely permit and inspection. Labor is roughly 50-60% of total cost; material is 40-50%. Gutter replacement adds $1,500-$3,000 for 150 linear feet. Get 3 licensed quotes to compare. Source: Philadelphia contractor market survey and BLS wage data ($27.15/hr median roofer wage).
When is the best time to do roofing work in Philadelphia?
April through September is peak season. March can be slow as contractors ramp up. May-July sees the heaviest demand due to spring storms, warm dry weather, and insurance claim volume. Winter work is possible but slow—expect 20-30% fewer jobs. Storm damage in spring (nor'easters) and summer (thunderstorms) spikes urgency and pricing. Schedule non-emergency work before June if possible to avoid peak rates and scheduling delays. Most contractors quote 3-5 business days during peak season; off-season turnaround is 2-3 days. Source: Philadelphia roofing contractor market data and weather patterns.
Roofing contractors in Philadelphia
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