Homeowners in Lehigh Valley—from Allentown to Bethlehem and Easton—face unique remodeling needs: older masonry row homes, colonial rooflines, and freeze‑thaw damage from cold winters. This guide focuses on roofing and whole‑home remodelers who understand local building codes, neighborhood historic districts, and practical upgrades that improve comfort, curb appeal, and resale value. Here’s why choosing a contractor familiar with Lehigh County permits, inspection processes, and storm‑season prep matters.
Top 5 Roofing Companies in Lehigh Valley, PA
These five roofing companies have strong local reputations, serve neighborhoods across the Valley—including Whitehall, SouthSide, and Center City Allentown—and handle everything from insurance claims to shingle replacement and roof venting upgrades.
Lehigh Valley Roofing & Exteriors
Lehigh Valley Roofing & Exteriors focuses on full roof replacements, storm repairs, and exterior remodeling. The company emphasizes GAF and CertainTeed certified installers, which helps homeowners secure manufacturer warranties. They work with homeowners on insurance documentation and coordinate with municipal permit offices in Allentown and Bethlehem for quick inspections.
Pro tip: They offer attic ventilation assessments and ice‑dam prevention packages—important for older homes along the Lehigh River where freeze‑thaw cycles cause recurring leaks.
South Mountain Roofing
South Mountain Roofing serves Easton and surrounding townships with specialty in historic roof restoration, slate repair, and copper flashing replacement. Familiar with local historic district guidelines, the team helps property owners in Bethlehem’s South Side and Historic District get approvals when needed.
Here’s why they stand out: an emphasis on durable materials and custom flashing details for stone and brick homes that are common in the Valley’s older neighborhoods.
Kline’s Roofing & Remodeling
Kline’s Roofing & Remodeling provides combined roofing and whole‑home remodel solutions—ideal for homeowners planning a roof, siding, and window package. They coordinate trade permits with Lehigh County building departments to streamline timelines for multi‑permit projects.
They also handle emergency tarp‑up services after storms and have experience documenting damage for insurance claims, which reduces homeowner out‑of‑pocket expenses when policies cover hail or wind loss.
Berks‑Lehigh Exteriors
Berks‑Lehigh Exteriors focuses on energy‑smart roofing upgrades: reflective shingles, improved insulation, and ridge venting. Their projects often target neighborhoods like Macungie and Emmaus where homeowners want to lower heating bills during long winters.
Pro tip: They offer blower door testing and insulation audits as part of a roof replacement package to ensure the roof system improves indoor comfort, not just exterior protection.
Valley Storm Roofing
Valley Storm Roofing specializes in storm‑related repairs and rapid response across Lehigh Valley. With crews trained in hurricane strap installation, high‑wind shingle systems, and emergency board‑up, they help homeowners secure properties after severe weather events.
They also guide homeowners through municipal permit filings and scheduling inspections, which is especially helpful when multiple properties in a neighborhood are handling storm damage at once.
What Lehigh Valley Homeowners Should Consider Before Remodeling
Lehigh Valley remodeling requires planning for seasonal extremes—cold, snow, and occasional high winds—as well as municipal rules that vary between Allentown, Bethlehem, and smaller boroughs. Here are key considerations that affect scope, cost, and timeline.
Permits, Codes, and Historic District Rules
Every municipality has its own permit process; Allentown and Bethlehem require different submittals for reroofs and structural changes. Historic districts may require matching materials or review by a preservation board. Pro tip: obtain written approval for material substitutions to avoid costly rework.
Roofing Materials and Local Climate
Asphalt shingles are the most common and cost‑effective choice in the Valley, with lifespans of 20–30 years. Slate and metal are used on higher‑end or historic homes and can last 50+ years. Here’s a quick comparison table for typical local options.
| Material | Typical Lifespan | Local Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles | 20–30 years | Widely available; choose high‑wind rated shingles for exposed ridgelines near the river. |
| Metal | 30–60 years | Excellent for snow shedding; may require additional flashings on complex rooflines. |
| Slate | 75+ years | Traditional for historic homes; requires specialty installers and local approvals. |
Energy Performance and Insulation
Proactive insulation and ventilation upgrades during a roof project improve winter comfort and prevent ice dams. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and full‑depth insulation in older attics reduce heat loss—important for homes around PPL Park and Lehigh University where older stock tends to have underinsulated attics.
How to Choose the Right Contractor
Choosing a contractor is more than price. Homeowners should verify licenses, local references, proof of insurance, and manufacturer certifications. Here’s a simple checklist to compare bids.
- Request a written estimate with line‑item materials and labor.
- Confirm liability and worker’s comp insurance; ask for certificates naming the homeowner as additional insured if required by mortgage or HOA rules.
- Check for manufacturer certifications (GAF, CertainTeed) to secure full warranties.
- Ask how they handle permits, inspections, and clean‑up (magnet sweep for nails is essential).
- Get a detailed start‑to‑finish timeline and a contingency plan for weather delays in winter or spring.
Insurance Claims and Storm Damage
In Lehigh Valley, wind and hail can damage shingles and underlying decking. Experienced contractors will document damage with photos, provide a scope of work for the insurer, and meet the adjuster on site. Pro tip: homeowners should keep a dated maintenance log and photos of pre‑loss conditions to support claims.
Typical Remodeling Projects and Costs
Costs vary by material, roof complexity, and municipal fees. Below are common projects homeowners pursue to increase home value and durability in the Valley climate.
- Full roof replacement with architectural shingles—midrange option for most colonial and ranch homes.
- Attic insulation upgrade and ventilation improvements—cost‑effective comfort and energy ROI.
- Historic slate repair and copper flashing replacement—higher cost but preserves character and longevity.
- Siding replacement and window packages—often paired with roofs to refresh curb appeal in older neighborhoods.
Timeline Expectations and Seasonal Considerations
Roof replacements typically take 1–5 days for single‑family homes, but permit approvals and material lead times can extend the project. Winter work is possible but more prone to delays; many contractors prioritize spring and fall for larger projects. Scheduling around leaf season and snowfall reduces cleanup headaches.
Pro Tip: Combine Projects to Save
Bundling roof, siding, and gutter work with one contractor can reduce duplicate permits and mobilization fees. Contractors familiar with local building departments can often fast‑track inspections and help homeowners get back to normal sooner.
FAQs
Do Lehigh Valley roofs need special wind or snow considerations?
Yes. Roofs should be detailed for freeze‑thaw cycles and designed for local snow loads. High‑wind rated shingles and secure roofing connectors (hurricane straps where applicable) help protect ridge lines exposed to valley wind tunnels.
How long does a permit take in Allentown or Bethlehem?
Permit times vary by scope and season. Simple reroof permits may issue within days, while larger structural or historic district approvals can take several weeks. Contractors who know the local building offices help expedite the process.
When should a homeowner call a contractor after a storm?
Call as soon as damage is visible. For active leaks, a tarp and temporary repairs prevent further interior damage. Experienced contractors will document and scope repairs for insurance and advise on immediate mitigation steps.
Can a contractor handle a full remodel beyond roofing?
Many Lehigh Valley remodelers offer bundled services—roofing, siding, windows, and interior work. Choose a contractor with trade licenses or strong subcontractor networks and a clear contract outlining scope, schedules, and payment milestones.
Next Steps for Homeowners
Homeowners should start by scheduling an on‑site inspection, requesting itemized bids, and confirming permit handling. Neighborhoods near Saucon Creek, South Bethlehem, or the center of Allentown have specific historic or zoning rules—so work with a contractor who knows local inspectors and approval processes to avoid delays and ensure a durable, code‑compliant remodel.