How a New Roof Can Lower Your Winter Heating Bills in Allentown

Heating costs climb fast when your roof and attic aren’t working as a system. In Allentown and the greater Lehigh Valley—where we see long cold snaps, freeze–thaw cycles, and plenty of shade—a properly designed roof replacement can tighten your home’s thermal envelope, reduce moisture problems, and help stop the sneaky heat loss that inflates winter bills.

Why the roof system affects energy costs

• Stack effect: Warm air rises and escapes through attic leaks; cold air gets pulled in at the bottom of the house.

• Wet insulation = wasted heat: Leaks and ice dams soak insulation so it performs like a blanket that’s been left in the rain.

• Hot, stale attics: Poor ventilation traps moisture and heat, shortening shingle life and creating conditions for ice dams—both of which lead to heat loss and repairs.

A new roof—done right—addresses water, air, and heat movement together.

Energy-smart upgrades to include in an Allentown re-roof

1) Balanced ventilation (ridge + soffit intake)

Proper airflow keeps the attic close to outdoor temperature, which reduces ice dams and moisture that degrades insulation. We ensure continuous soffit intake (with baffles to keep insulation clear) and a continuous ridge vent for exhaust.

2) True eave/valley protection (ice & water shield)

Self-adhered membrane at eaves and valleys blocks wind-driven rain and meltwater from reaching the deck and insulation. Dry insulation = steady R-value and fewer drafts along exterior ceilings.

3) Sealed deck and high-quality synthetic underlayment

Modern synthetics resist moisture better than old felt. On older decking, seam taping or peel-and-stick at joints can help limit air movement through the deck—small detail, big comfort gain.

4) Airtight penetrations and flashing resets

Re-flashing chimneys, sidewalls, and skylights (not just smearing sealant) stops chronic leaks that compress insulation and create cold spots.

5) Venting bath & kitchen fans outdoors

Fans must vent through the roof or wall, never into the attic. During a re-roof we correct improper vents—huge for reducing attic humidity, frost, and heat loss.

6) Attic hatch upgrades (simple but powerful)

Weather-strip and insulate the attic access. A leaky hatch is a chimney for your heat. We can add this to the scope or coordinate with your insulation contractor.

Note on shingle color: In our climate, winter savings come far more from air sealing + ventilation + dry insulation than surface color. Choose the shingle color you love; prioritize the system details above.

Signs your roof is driving up winter bills

• Uneven snow melt on the roof (bare patches over warm spots)

• Ice dams at eaves and icicles on cold days

• Frost in the attic or musty smells

• Ceiling edge drafts or cold rooms under roof valleys

• Recurring chimney/skylight stains after snow or wind-driven rain

If you’re seeing two or more of these, a system-level re-roof can meaningfully stabilize comfort and costs.

A practical plan for Allentown homeowners

1. Roof + attic inspection (photos, not guesses). Ask for documentation of ventilation paths, soffit blockages, wet insulation, and flashing conditions.

2. Include energy-smart details in the scope. Ridge/soffit balance, ice & water locations, underlayment type, chimney/sidewall re-flash, bath-fan venting, and attic hatch sealing.

3. Coordinate insulation/air-sealing. If your attic needs more R-value or air-sealing, schedule the insulation crew right after the re-roof so baffles and vents stay clear.

4. After the first snow: Do a quick check for even snow cover (good) vs. early melt lines (investigate).

   
   

FAQs

Will a new roof alone lower my bill? Yes—when paired with correct ventilation and leak control. If attic insulation is thin or wet, add insulation/air-sealing for best results.

Can ventilation make my house colder? Counter-intuitive, but no. Proper attic ventilation reduces moisture and ice dams while keeping insulation dry so your living space stays warmer.

Do I need to replace skylights during a re-roof? Not always, but older units are best replaced when the roof is open. Better seal, less heat loss, and no double labor later.

The bottom line

In the Lehigh Valley, energy savings come from a dry, well-ventilated attic, airtight penetrations, and durable eave protection—all standard features of a quality fall roof replacement. Get those right and you’ll feel steadier room temps, fewer drafts, and less risk of ice dams.

Want an energy-aware roof & attic plan for your Allentown home? Call 610-587-2709 for a same-week inspection in Allentown, Whitehall, Emmaus, Macungie, and nearby. We’ll document issues and design a roof system that protects your comfort and your wallet.

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