Roofing Learning Center

The More You Know, The Better Your Investment

Expert Insights for Montgomery County Homeowners

Replacing or repairing a roof is one of the most significant investments you will make in your home. At ELR Roofing L.L.C., we believe a transparent process starts with an informed homeowner. Whether you’re in Collegeville, Schwenksville, or anywhere in the Perkiomen Valley, we provide the technical expertise you need to make decisions with confidence. Managed by owner Mike Banes, our goal is to eliminate the guesswork and ensure you receive a system that provides decades of worry-free protection.

What You’ll Discover Here

1. Material Comparisons

Choosing the right material for the Pennsylvania climate is critical.

  • Asphalt Shingles: The most popular choice due to affordability and versatility. Modern architectural shingles offer wind resistance up to 130 mph.
  • Metal Roofing: A premium “lifetime” upgrade. While the initial cost is higher, metal lasts 40-70+ years and excels at shedding heavy snow and resisting Pennsylvania’s high summer heat.
  • Low-Slope Membranes: Specialized TPO or EPDM systems designed for flat areas, heat-welded to create a monolithic, leak-proof barrier.

2. The Anatomy of a Roof

A roof is a unified system, not just shingles.

  • Underlayment: The secondary moisture barrier that protects the wood deck.
  • Flashing: Metal seals at critical transitions like chimneys, skylights, and valleys.
  • Ventilation: A balanced system of intake (soffit) and exhaust (ridge) vents that regulates attic temperature to prevent mold and shingle “cooking”.

3. Storm Damage Guides

Early detection saves thousands in structural repairs.

  • Wind Damage: Look for lifted, creased, or missing shingles that compromise the waterproof seal.
  • Hail Impact: Often subtle, hail creates “bruises” or soft spots that lead to granule loss and leaks.
  • Interior Signs: Brown water stains on ceilings, musty odors in the attic, or peeling paint are red flags for hidden roof leaks.

4. Maintenance Best Practices

Simple steps to prolong your roof’s life through every PA season.

  • Spring/Fall Inspections: Check for debris in valleys and clear gutters to prevent ice dams.
  • Tree Management: Keep branches trimmed 10 feet back to prevent shingle scraping and storm damage.
  • Gutter Cleaning: The most critical DIY task to ensure water is channeled away from your foundation.

5. Investment & Financing

We believe in predictable costs and manageable payments.

  • Transparent Estimates: Our quotes include all labor, materials, and disposal with no hidden fees.
  • RCV vs. ACV: We help you understand if your insurance pays for a full replacement (Replacement Cost) or just depreciated value (Actual Cash Value).
  • Flexible Financing: Plans designed to let you protect your home now and pay over time with quick approval.

6. Local Building Insights

Montgomery County has specific requirements that influence your build.

  • Ice Barrier Codes: Updated PA codes now require ice barriers along eaves to prevent damage from freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Underlayment Standards: New regulations ensure secondary waterproofing is fully compatible with your primary roofing material.
  • Climate Realities: We select materials specifically engineered to handle the 45 inches of annual rainfall and humid summers typical of our region.

Get a Free Estimate

    Get a Free Estimate

    5-Year Workmanship Guarantee • Fully Licensed & Insured

    5-Year Workmanship Guarantee • Fully Licensed & Insured