Roof Replacement in Narberth, PA

A new roof is one of the larger projects a property owner takes on, and most people only go through it once or twice. Scheinfield Contractors provides roof replacement in Narberth with the plan laid out before any work begins, so you know what is coming off, what is going on, and why.

When Replacement Makes More Sense Than Repair

Age is part of it, but condition matters more. A roof is usually ready for replacement when the wear is spread across the whole surface rather than concentrated in one spot. Shingles curling or cupping on every slope, bare patches where the granules have washed off, and leaks that keep showing up in new places all point the same way.


Repairs still have their place. A roof that is mostly sound but took damage in one area is better served by a targeted fix, and our roof repair page covers that work. The question we try to answer honestly is which option costs less over the next several years, not which one is the bigger job.

Person using a power tool to cut shingles on a roof, with blue chalk guidelines visible.

What a Replacement Involves

Every roof is different, but the work generally follows the same sequence.

Tear-Off

The old roofing comes off down to the wooden decking. Removing it completely, rather than layering over it, is the only way to see what condition the structure underneath is in.

Decking Check

With the deck exposed, soft, delaminated, or water-stained boards become visible. Any sections that will not hold fasteners securely are replaced before anything new goes on top.

Underlayment and Edge Protection

A water-resistant underlayment covers the deck. Along the eaves and in valleys, where water and ice collect, a self-adhering membrane is typically added for an extra layer of protection.

New Roof Surface and Ventilation

The finished roofing goes on, along with the vents that let heat and moisture escape from the attic. Proper airflow is part of what lets a roof reach its expected lifespan.

Flashing and Penetrations

Chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and walls all interrupt the roof surface. New flashing and pipe boots are fitted at each one. Reusing tired flashing under a new roof is one of the most common reasons a fresh roof leaks.

Planning Around the Rest of the House

A roof does not stand alone. If the chimney needs repointing or a new crown, that masonry work should be done before the roof goes on, since the flashing is tied into the brick. Our masonry services are scheduled ahead of the roofing when both are needed. The same thinking applies at the edges: if the gutters are failing, it is easier to deal with them while the roofline is already open.

Replacing Roofs on Older Main Line Homes

Many of the houses in Narberth and nearby communities such as Haverford, Bryn Mawr, and Bala Cynwyd were built long before modern underlayments and ventilation were standard. Some have had several roofs over the years, each installed a little differently from the last. A full replacement is a chance to bring the whole system up to date in one pass. For an overview of all our exterior work, see the Scheinfield Contractors home page.

Worker on a steep roof installing shingles under a clear blue sky

Roof Replacement FAQ

  • How long does a roof replacement take?

    On a typical single-family home, the work usually runs one to three days. Roof size, steepness, the number of chimneys and skylights, and how much decking needs replacing can stretch that, and rain days pause the work.

  • Can new shingles go over the old ones?

    Building codes generally allow no more than two layers of asphalt shingles, so a second layer is sometimes an option. The trade-off is that a layover hides the decking, adds weight, and keeps old flashing in place. A tear-off avoids all three problems.

  • Does rain delay a replacement?

    It can. A roof should not be opened up when rain is in the forecast. Any section that is torn off is covered with underlayment the same day so the house is not left exposed overnight.

  • Why does attic ventilation matter for a new roof?

    Trapped heat in summer bakes shingles from below and shortens their life. In winter, warm, moist air from the house condenses on cold decking and can lead to rot and mold. Balanced intake and exhaust vents keep the attic close to outdoor temperature, which also helps prevent ice dams.

  • How long does a new roof last?

    It depends on the material and the conditions. Architectural asphalt shingles are commonly rated for 25 to 30 years. Ventilation, sun exposure, overhanging trees, and how well the gutters drain all affect whether a roof reaches that range.