Areas · Germantown

Replacing a Roof on a Germantown House?

Germantown has some of the city's oldest housing; more than half of 19144's homes predate 1940.

Ask for a free inspection in Germantown How estimates work

Zips 19144 and 19138
Several designated districts
Free inspection

Which Germantown areas are historic districts?

The Philadelphia Historical Commission's designated districts in and around Germantown include the Germantown Urban Village district (2024), Wayne Junction (2018) and Awbury (2010). Roof work on houses in those districts, or on individually designated buildings, needs Commission review before the permit. Many Germantown streets fall outside them.

Housing age in this area

52.0%of homes in 19144 built 1939 or earlier (±3.2 pts)
42.9%of homes in 19138 built 1939 or earlier (±6.2 pts)

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year, table B25034. Full table: pre-1940 homes by zip.

What roof problems are common on older Germantown houses?

The common ones are worn-out slate on steep front slopes, flat or low-slope rear roofs on rowhouses and twins, and leaks at chimneys and party walls. A slate front roof and a separate rear roof are often replaced together, which simplifies the permit and the flashing between them.

Philadelphia's published fee for a residential one- or two-family roof covering replacement is $69, effective October 1, 2026, and the EZ Re-Roofing standard requires a full tear-off when the old roof is slate. Permit fees are the municipalities' published figures. They are not a quote for roof work; your price comes after a free inspection.

Sources and checked date

Last checked 2026-10-29.

Rules change. Confirm with the city, township or borough permit office before you rely on any permit or historic-district detail here.

Roof trouble in Germantown?

Tell us where the house is, how old the roof is and what it is doing. If you have photos, say so and we will ask for them by email. Outside our core area? Send the form and ask.

We answer form requests Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. There is no phone line, so the whole conversation stays in writing.