Philadelphia, PA is a city defined by its historic row houses, which stretch across neighborhoods from South Philly to Fishtown and West Philly. While these brick homes are beautiful and space-efficient, their structural layout presents unique roofing challenges. Most Philly row houses feature flat or low-slope roofs (typically covered with asphalt, rubber EPDM, or TPO membranes) that share party walls with neighbors. When a leak occurs, locating the source can be incredibly difficult, and a poorly repaired roof can quickly cause water damage to your home and your neighbor's property.
Combined with our harsh seasons—ranging from freezing winter snow and ice dams to heavy summer rainstorms—proper roof maintenance is essential for Philadelphia homeowners. Hiring a licensed, insured local roofing contractor who understands flat roof systems, historic slate, and row house party wall flashing is critical. Whether you have a dripping ceiling or are searching for the best roof repair near me Philadelphia has to offer, choosing the right contractor keeps your home dry. Here is a guide to five highly rated roofing companies in the Philadelphia area.
Top 5 Best Roof Repair Companies in Philadelphia
1. Philadelphia Roofing — Center City, Philadelphia
Headquartered at 1500 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia Roofing is a premier residential and commercial contractor serving the entire metropolitan area. They specialize in flat row house roof installations, including rubber EPDM membranes, modern white reflective TPO coatings, and historical slate restorations. They are known for their fast response times, detailed safety inspections, and upfront, flat-rate quotes.
Why you should hire them: Philadelphia Roofing offers exceptional expertise in flat row house roofing systems, providing highly trained, licensed crews and clean, professional installations.
2. Pace Roofing — Northeast Philadelphia, Philadelphia
Operating from 2900 Comly Rd in Northeast Philly, Pace Roofing is a family-owned business that has been serving the local community for over 20 years. They specialize in residential shingle roofing, flat roof coatings, and emergency leak repairs. They are highly rated for their rapid response during major storms, their clean work habits, and their honest diagnostics.
Why you should hire them: Pace Roofing is the top local choice for emergency repairs and shingle replacements, offering fast, reliable service throughout the Northeast and Center City.
3. Union Roofing — Northeast Philadelphia, Philadelphia
Located at 12260 Townsend Rd, Union Roofing is a household name in Philadelphia, having served local neighborhoods for decades. They are flat roof specialists, famous for their traditional hot-asphalt roofing (hot tar) and modern rubber membrane systems. They also provide comprehensive siding, gutter, and masonry services to protect your home's exterior.
Why you should hire them: Union Roofing is a highly experienced, large-scale contractor capable of handling major row house flat roof replacements and multi-family commercial projects.
4. Rebuild Exteriors — South Philadelphia, Philadelphia
Operating from their dispatch hub in South Philly, Rebuild Exteriors is a modern roofing and home exterior contractor. They specialize in diagnosing difficult-to-locate row house leaks, repairing flashing along shared party walls, and replacing damaged skylights. They are highly praised for their clear communication, using digital photos to show homeowners exactly what needs to be repaired.
Why you should hire them: Rebuild Exteriors is the ideal choice for South Philly residents seeking honest, transparent leak diagnostics and high-quality party wall flashing repairs.
5. Industrial Roofing — West Philadelphia, Philadelphia
Located at 4600 Lancaster Ave in West Philly, Industrial Roofing has been a trusted community contractor for years. This locally owned company offers affordable roof repairs, silver coat painting (to protect and cool flat asphalt roofs), and gutter cleaning. They are known for their budget-friendly rates, honest evaluations, and commitment to supporting neighborhood homeowners.
Why you should hire them: Industrial Roofing is an excellent, community-first choice for routine flat roof maintenance, silver coating, and budget-friendly leak repairs.
Insider Tip: If you have a flat row house roof, have a professional apply a fresh layer of silver reflective coating (elastomeric paint) every three to five years. This simple maintenance step blocks UV rays, extends the lifespan of the underlying asphalt, and keeps your upper floor significantly cooler during hot Philly summers.
How to Find the Best Roof Repair in Philadelphia Near You
To ensure your roofing project is handled safely and legally, keep these local row house tips in mind:
- Check for Flat Roof Experience: Make sure the contractor specializes in flat roofing systems (EPDM, TPO, or modified bitumen). Residential contractors who primarily install shingle roofs in the suburbs often lack the specialized equipment and knowledge required to seal row house roofs properly.
- Inspect the Party Wall Flashing: Most row house leaks occur at the "party wall"—the shared brick wall that rises above the roofline between you and your neighbor. Ensure your roofer inspects and replaces the metal flashing along these joints to prevent leaks.
- Verify Licensing and Insurance: Pennsylvania requires home improvement contractors to register with the Attorney General's office (PAHIC). Always verify their registration number and request proof of active General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance.
- Coordinate with Your Neighbor: Because row houses share structural walls, a leak on your roof can sometimes originate from your neighbor's side. If you share a gutter or a downspout, coordinate with your neighbor before starting work.
Average Cost of Roof Repair in Philadelphia
Roofing costs in Philadelphia depend on the roof type (flat vs. shingled), the size of the home, and the complexity of the repair:
| Project / Service | Average Cost (Standard Row House) | Average Cost (Large Detached / Suburban) |
|---|---|---|
| Service Call & Diagnostic Leak Check | $99 – $150 | $99 – $150 |
| Minor Leak Repair (Flashing / Patching) | $250 – $450 | $350 – $600 |
| Flat Roof Silver Coating (Paint protection) | $350 – $600 | N/A |
| Flat Roof Replacement (Rubber EPDM / TPO) | $4,500 – $6,500 | N/A |
| Shingle Roof Replacement | $5,500 – $7,500 | $8,500 – $14,000+ |
Final Thoughts
A dry, well-insulated roof is the most important defense against water damage and high energy bills in a historic home. Whether you need a quick patch from Industrial Roofing in West Philly or a full rubber roof installation from Philadelphia Roofing, local experts are available to help. Find a licensed roofing contractor near me today and keep your Philadelphia row house protected for years to come.
