Roofing questions from Havertown homeowners

Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act requires contracts over $500 to be written and signed. They must include the contractor's Pennsylvania registration number, approximate start and finish dates, a description of the work and materials, the total price and the Attorney General's toll-free number, 1-888-520-6680. You can cancel within three business days of signing without penalty.

The Act limits down payments. The Attorney General's office describes one-third of the contract price, or one-third plus the cost of special-order materials, as generally appropriate. Your written contract should spell out the deposit and payment schedule.

The Township's roof addendum says all permits must be obtained before work starts, and its 2026 fee schedule doubles the permit fee as a surcharge on projects started without a required permit. See the permit guide.

Pennsylvania's contract law doesn't list permits among the required terms, but you should still get it in writing. Haverford Township's application has the homeowner name the contractor as authorized agent, so the contract should say who files and pays for it.

Two kinds: the shingle manufacturer's product warranty, and our 15-year workmanship warranty, which covers the installation. Ask any roofer to show you both in writing.

Yes. Ask for a certificate of insurance before work starts. Haverford Township also asks for one, naming the Township as certificate holder, with the permit application.

Yes, within limits. We document the damage with photos and a written repair scope, and we can meet your insurance adjuster at the house to walk through what we found. Coverage decisions are always up to your insurer: we can't promise what a claim will cover or approve, and we don't negotiate claims on your behalf. See storm damage.

Often, yes, on dry days above shingle manufacturers' minimum temperatures. Philadelphia-area normals put January and February lows in the mid-20s °F, so crews open only what they can dry in the same day. Self-sealing strips may need warmth to bond.

Good practice is to open only as much roof as can be dried in the same day, and to plan around the forecast.

Financing is available, including a 12-month no-interest option. Subject to credit approval. Terms vary; ask for details.

Yes. The seam at the party wall is detailed so the new roof sheds water cleanly past the old one. Giving your neighbor a heads-up about the schedule is a good idea. See replacing one half of a twin.

Yes, on the dormers, gables, additions and upper floors, with careful flashing where siding meets masonry. See siding.