RAM Roofing & Exteriors
Frequently Asked Questions

Roofing costs depend on several variables including the size and pitch of your roof, the materials selected, and the complexity of the job. As a general guide for the greater Bucks County and suburban Philadelphia market:

• Architectural asphalt shingles (the most common choice): $8,000–$16,000 for a typical 1,500–2,000 sq. ft. home
• Standing Seam Metal Roof: $25,000–$40,000 depending on profile & material
• Slate or tile: $35,000–$65,000+ due to material and skilled labor requirements
• Targeted repairs: $400–$2,000 depending on scope of repairs needed

These are ballpark figures — every roof is different. The best way to get an accurate number is a no-obligation inspection and estimate from our team.

This is one of the most important questions a homeowner can ask. In Pennsylvania, roofing contractors are required to be registered with the PA Attorney General's office as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC). You can verify a contractor's registration at the PA Office of Attorney General's website. Beyond state registration, always ask for a current Certificate of Insurance showing general liability and workers' compensation coverage. RAM Roofing & Exteriors carries full coverage and provides documentation on request — no hesitation, no runaround.

A lot of homeowners wait too long because the damage isn't obvious from the ground. Watch for these warning signs:

• Shingles that are curling, cupping, or missing entirely
• Roof age over 18–25 years (standard asphalt shingle lifespan)
• Granule buildup in gutters — a sign the shingles are breaking down
• Daylight visible in the attic, or insulation that's wet or discolored
• Water stains on ceilings or walls inside the home
• Sagging areas anywhere on the roof deck

If you're noticing one or more of these, a professional inspection will tell you whether repair or full replacement makes more sense. With 30+ years in the field, we've seen it all — we'll give you a straight answer. We'll also provide photo proof of what we find.

Most residential roof replacements in our area are completed within 1 to 3 days once materials are on-site. Smaller repairs can often be done the same day. Larger or more complex roofs — steep pitches, multiple dormers, skylights — may extend the timeline. Weather is always a factor here in Southeastern Pennsylvania, and we'll never put your roof in a compromised state overnight. We keep you informed of the schedule before we start and communicate any changes promptly.

Before committing to any contractor, get answers to these questions:

• Are you a registered PA Home Improvement Contractor, and can I see proof of insurance?
• Are your installers trained and certified by the roof product manufacturer?
• What manufacturer warranty comes with the materials, and what labor warranty do you offer? Is the labor warranty guaranteed by the manufacturer?
• Will you pull the required permits for this project if applicable?
• How do you handle unexpected discoveries — rotted decking, code upgrades — and how are those costs communicated?
• What does the payment schedule look like, and do you require a large deposit upfront? In Pennsylvania, the law allows up to ⅓ of the contract total PLUS the cost of any custom special order items.

A reputable contractor won't dodge any of these. We welcome every one of them.

Yes — inspections and estimates are always free with no obligation. When we come out, one of our experienced project managers will walk the roof, inspect the attic if accessible, check flashing, gutters, fascia, and soffits, and document any areas of concern. You'll receive a written proposal with a clear breakdown of scope, materials, and pricing. We'll walk you through the options and give you our honest recommendation — whether that's a full replacement, targeted repairs, or simply keeping an eye on something for another season.

The mid-Atlantic climate — with its wet springs, hot summers, and freeze-thaw winters — puts real demands on roofing materials. Here's how the main options stack up:

• Architectural asphalt shingles: Cost-effective, durable (25–30 year rated), and available in styles that complement older Colonial and Craftsman homes common in Bucks County.
• Metal roofing: Excellent longevity (40–70 years) and handles heavy snow loads well. Growing in popularity on both residential and commercial properties.
• Slate: A historic and beautiful option — many original slate roofs in this area are 80–100 years old. Requires experienced installation.
• Rubber (TPO/EPDM): The standard for flat or low-slope roofs, including additions and porches.

We're an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, which means access to their full shingle lineup and the strongest warranty programs available.

Unfortunately, the roofing industry attracts its share of bad actors — especially after storm events. Watch out for:

• Storm chasers who appear after major weather, and pressure you to sign the same day
• Demands for a large deposit before any work begins (10–33% is reasonable; 50%+ is a warning sign)
• No written contract with clear scope, materials spec, and warranty terms
• Inability to provide proof of insurance or PA HIC registration
• Unusually low bids — someone has to absorb the difference, and it's usually the quality of materials or labor that is compromised
• Vague answers to direct questions about the scope of the work

RAM Roofing & Exteriors has maintained an A+ BBB rating and a 4.9-star Google rating for a reason. Our reputation in this community spans over three decades.

Yes. When a storm takes out a section of your roof or a tree comes down on your property, you need someone who shows up fast and does the job right. We provide emergency tarping and board-up services to stop further water intrusion, assess the full extent of the damage, and provide a documented report that works with your insurance claim if needed. Don't wait with an active leak — call us directly.

Permit requirements for roofing work vary by municipality in Pennsylvania. Most jurisdictions require a building permit for full roof replacements; some require them for substantial repairs as well. You can find local requirements through your township or borough's building and zoning office. A good general reference for code standards is the International Code Council (ICC) at iccsafe.org, which publishes the model codes most Pennsylvania municipalities adopt. RAM Roofing & Exteriors pulls all required permits on applicable projects — it protects you as the homeowner and ensures the work is done to code.