Allentown Roofing FAQs (Fall 2025): Your Roof Repair & Replacement Questions—Answered

Thinking about a roof project before winter? Here’s a straight-talk FAQ for Allentown homeowners. Clear answers, local context, and what to expect—from price per square to permits, timelines, and ice-dam prevention.

How much does a new roof cost per square in Allentown?

For a standard asphalt tear-off & replacement, our typical range is $675–$875 per square (1 square = 100 sq. ft.), depending on materials and scope. Complexity (steep pitch, multiple layers, chimney/skylight work, decking repairs, tight access) can adjust final pricing.

Quick math examples

• 16 squares (small ranch): $10,800–$14,000

• 22 squares (typical 2-story): $14,850–$19,250

• 30 squares (larger/steep): $20,250–$26,250

We’ll also give you a line-item scope so the per-square number actually means something.

How long does a roof replacement take?

Most single-family asphalt re-roofs take 1–2 working days. Add time for steep/complex roofs, multiple skylights, or carpentry repairs. In fall, we also build in a weather buffer to keep your deck dry and the process smooth.

Do I need to be home?

Nope. Please clear the driveway (2–3 car lengths for materials and a dump trailer), secure pets, unlock gates, and move patio items away from the house. We’ll handle the rest and send progress photos if you’d like.

Can you roof over my old shingles to save money?

We strongly recommend a full tear-off. It exposes hidden rot, lets us reset flashing correctly, install modern underlayments, and balance ventilation—crucial for Allentown winters and long-term performance.

What causes winter leaks and ice dams here?

• Poor ventilation (blocked soffits, no ridge exhaust)

• Missing eave protection (no ice & water shield)

• Bad or reused flashing (chimneys, walls, skylights)

• Clogged gutters pushing water back under shingles

Our scopes address all four: balanced ridge/soffit ventilation, self-adhered ice & water at eaves/valleys, proper flashing resets, and drainage tune-ups.

What’s included in a proper Allentown re-roof scope?

• Tear-off & disposal (layers counted)

• Ice & water shield at eaves/valleys; synthetic underlayment elsewhere

• Starter, field, and ridge shingles (architectural asphalt)

• New flashing: pipe boots, step & counter-flashing at chimneys/walls

• Balanced ventilation: ridge vent + soffit intake (with baffles as needed)

• Decking allowance: clear per-sheet price if rot is uncovered

• Site protection & cleanup: driveway protection, tarps, magnet sweep

• Permits/inspections: handled and closed out by us

Should I replace skylights during a re-roof?

If they’re aging or drafty, yes—it’s cheaper and more reliable while the roof is open. If they’re newer and in great shape, a re-flash may be fine.

What happens if it rains during my project?

We stage jobs around stable fall windows and dry-in your roof the same day: underlayments installed, penetrations protected, and materials secured. If weather shifts, we pause and return on the next dry day to maintain quality.

How far in advance should I schedule a fall project?

Aim for 2–3 weeks lead time. Fall fills quickly—especially after the first cold snap—so earlier is better if you want a guaranteed window before winter.

Do you handle permits and inspections?

Yes. We pull the permit, coordinate inspections, and provide close-out documentation for your records (helpful at resale).

Do you offer financing?

Yes—options include same-as-cash promos and fixed-term loans. We’ll walk you through monthly examples based on your scope so you can pick what fits your budget and timeline.

Can I do small repairs instead of replacing?

Absolutely—if damage is isolated and your roof is relatively young. When leaks repeat, multiple slopes are affected, or the roof is ~20–25+ years old, a replacement is usually the smarter spend heading into winter.

What about low-slope porch or addition roofs?

Shingles don’t belong on low slopes. We use EPDM or TPO and tie the membrane into adjacent shingle flashing correctly. Many “mystery leaks” start at these transitions.

Are estimates free? What do I get?

Yes. You’ll get:

• Roof + attic photos (not guesses)

• A line-item scope with per-square pricing if you want it

• A repair vs. replace comparison when appropriate

• Clear allowances (decking per sheet) and a target timeline with weather buffer

What can I do to prepare the day before?

• Clear driveway space

• Move patio/yard items off the work zone

• Cover attic valuables beneath steep slopes (dust precaution)

• Notify close neighbors; secure pets; mark delicate landscaping/irrigation

Bottom line

A winter-ready roof in Allentown isn’t just new shingles—it’s the system: tear-off, eave protection, synthetic underlayment, balanced ventilation, and proper flashing. Get those right and you avoid mid-January emergencies.

Have a question we didn’t cover—or want a same-week inspection? Call 610-587-2709. We serve Allentown, Whitehall, Emmaus, Macungie, and nearby with transparent scopes and clean installs.

P.S. Keep water moving and surfaces clean: we also offer gutter cleaning and soft/pressure washing as recommended maintenance.