Fishtown · Northern Liberties · Kensington · Port Richmond · Bridesburg
Roof repair in Fishtown and the River Wards
Few parts of Philadelphia have changed as fast as the River Wards. On many blocks a four-story new build with a roof deck now stands next to a two-story rowhome that's a hundred years old. Both kinds of roof leak, for very different reasons. Call to talk to a local roofer about yours.
The buildings
Five neighborhoods, very different roofs
The River Wards share a riverfront and an industrial past, but what's on the roof changes a lot from one neighborhood to the next.
| Neighborhood | Typical buildings | What to watch on the roof |
|---|---|---|
| Fishtown | Small older rowhomes on narrow streets, mixed with lots of new construction | Roof decks, pilothouses, and old roofs meeting tall new neighbor walls |
| Northern Liberties | New townhomes, condo buildings and former industrial buildings converted to lofts | Large flat roofs with internal drains, parapet caps and shared condo roofs |
| Kensington & East Kensington | Dense two-story rowhomes, many renovated, beside old mill and factory buildings | Quick coatings over old roofs on renovated houses; tie-ins to new neighbors |
| Port Richmond | Brick rowhomes, many owned by the same family for decades | Older roofs with several layers, aging flashing and chimneys |
| Bridesburg | Rowhomes and twins near the industrial riverfront | Long-serving roofs on their second or third layer; rear additions |
Common problems
Why River Wards roofs leak
A taller house next door
When a neighbor rebuilds taller, the edge of your roof turns into a joint against their new wall. That joint needs flashing tucked into the wall above it. If it was skipped or rushed during construction, rain runs down the new wall and straight into your house.
Pilothouses & roof decks
The rooftop stair enclosure on many new homes adds walls, a door and a threshold to seal on the roof, and the deck covers the membrane underneath. The pilothouse door sill and the deck supports are two of the most common leak spots on newer homes.
Internal drains & scuppers
Larger new builds and loft conversions often drain through roof drains or wall scuppers instead of a simple rear gutter. Leaves, grit and roofing debris clog them, and a clogged drain on a big flat roof can hold a lot of water.
Coated, not replaced
Some houses renovated for resale got a fresh coating over an old roof instead of a tear-off. It looks new from a back window, but the old layers underneath may already be wet. Leaks in the first few years after you buy are a common sign.
Old roofs, old flashing
In Port Richmond and Bridesburg, many roofs have been patched and re-coated over decades. Chimneys, parapet caps and the flashing along shared walls are usually where water gets in first on these older roofs.
Damage from construction next door
Scaffolding, dropped debris and workers walking across your roof during a neighbor's build can puncture or loosen the membrane. If you notice a new leak during or after work next door, get it documented quickly.
Pricing
What affects the cost of roof work here
Pricing varies by project and is quoted on-site. In the River Wards, these factors matter most:
- Building height. Three- and four-story new builds take more setup to get materials and debris on and off the roof than a two-story rowhome.
- Decks and pilothouses. Working around or removing a deck, and re-flashing a pilothouse, adds labor. Ask whether the quote includes putting the deck back.
- Tying into a taller neighbor. Flashing against a new neighbor's wall sometimes needs masonry or siding work as well as roofing.
- Layers on older roofs. Older Port Richmond, Bridesburg and Kensington roofs may have several layers to tear off.
- Narrow streets. Fishtown's smallest streets can make it harder to park a dumpster or lift close to the house.
Want to see what your job will involve first? Try the cost estimator.
River Wards neighborhoods covered
- Fishtown
- Northern Liberties
- Kensington
- East Kensington
- Port Richmond
- Bridesburg
ZIPs: 19122, 19123, 19125, 19134, 19137
Not sure if your block is covered? Call (215) 555-0142 and ask.
New-construction tip: if your home is only a few years old, find your builder's warranty paperwork before you pay for a repair. A roofer's photo report of the cause helps with any claim.
River Wards roof questions
The house next door was rebuilt taller, and now I have a leak on that side. Why?
When a taller building goes up beside a shorter rowhome, the edge of your roof becomes a roof-to-wall joint that needs new flashing tied into the neighbor's wall. If that detail was skipped or rushed during construction, water runs down the new wall and into your house. A roofer can trace it and document what they find.
My house is fairly new construction. Who pays for a roof leak?
Check your closing documents for a builder's warranty and what it covers, and how to file a claim, before paying for repairs. Either way, having a roofer document the cause with photos helps if you need to make a claim.
I own a condo in a converted building. Can I call a roofer myself?
In most condo buildings the roof is a common element handled by the association, so start with your association or property manager. If you own the whole building, or your unit has a private roof deck you're responsible for, you can call a roofer directly.
My house was renovated before I bought it. How do I know if the roof was actually replaced?
Ask a roofer to check the edges for stacked layers and look for coating applied over an old surface. You can also look up the address on the City of Philadelphia's Atlas site, which lists permits issued for the property.
Have a different question about a River Wards roof? Ask a local roofer.
(215) 555-0142