Metal Roofing

From the historic brick rowhomes of Fishtown to the sprawling warehouses of the Navy Yard, HEP’s Roofing delivers precision-installed metal roofs that outlast Philadelphia’s toughest seasons. Our crews combine cutting-edge fabrication with old-school craftsmanship, creating standing-seam, corrugated, and stone-coated systems that shrug off driving rain, lake-effect snow, and blazing July heat. With reflective finishes that trim cooling bills and recycled steel that keeps waste out of landfills, an HEP metal roof proves that sustainability and street-wise style can share the same skyline.

Backed by lifetime warranties and a Philly-proud commitment to show up when we say we will, we make the switch to metal simple—from free drone inspections and transparent quotes to fast, tidy installation that lets you get on with life (or business) beneath it. Ready to trade repairs for peace of mind? Call, click, or stop by our South Philly office today and discover how a roof built for decades can be on your home in days.

HEP and the Craft of Metal Roofing in Philadelphia

HEP has become synonymous with precision metal roofing in Philadelphia, delivering craftsmanship that meets the city’s distinctive architectural character and demanding climate. Whether a historic rowhouse in Fishtown or a contemporary loft conversion in Northern Liberties, HEP’s approach centers on durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic harmony. This comprehensive overview explores the techniques, materials, and advantages behind HEP’s metal roofing service and highlights why property owners across Philadelphia entrust their rooftops to this specialist team.

Why Metal Roofing Fits the Philadelphia Landscape

Philadelphia is a city of diverse rooflines—flat, low-slope, mansard, and steep-pitch gables all coexist across its neighborhoods. Metal roofing is an ideal choice for these structures for several key reasons:

• Longevity in four-season climates
• Capability to shed heavy snowfall rapidly
• Superior resistance to the freeze-thaw cycles common in the Delaware Valley
• Lightweight panels that minimize load on older joist systems
• Fire and wind resistance that meets local building requirements
• Compatibility with both historical and modern architectural styles

Core Benefits Delivered by HEP’s Metal Roofing Installations

HEP aligns its service model with the specific needs of Philadelphia property owners, focusing on three core pillars: performance, aesthetics, and sustainability.

Performance

• High wind uplift ratings suitable for river-front gusts
• Reflective coatings that moderate rooftop temperatures
• Seam technology to eliminate water intrusion

Aesthetics

• Color-matched flashing and trim for curb appeal
• Low-profile fasteners that honor historical sightlines
• Custom fabrication to match cornices and parapets

Sustainability

• Recyclable steel and aluminum panels
• Low-VOC coatings approved for urban air quality standards
• Solar panel integration readiness for future energy upgrades

Metal Roofing Systems Offered by HEP

Standing Seam Metal Roofs

Standing seam metal roofs are characterized by continuous vertical panels with concealed fasteners. HEP fabricates panels from coil stock in its Philadelphia workshop, then field-rolls them to exact lengths, eliminating horizontal seams that often lead to leaks. Key standing seam features include:

• Raised interlocking seams 1"–2" high that channel water away
• Clip systems that allow thermal expansion without panel distortion
• Snap-lock and mechanical lock options to match slope and wind zone requirements

Metal Shingle and Shake Profiles

For homeowners seeking the classic look of slate, cedar, or architectural shingles without the weight or maintenance, HEP installs metal shingle profiles embossed to replicate natural textures. These interlocking panels provide:

• Scalability for steep mansard roofs of Queen Village brownstones
• UV-resistant coatings available in matte, textured, or gloss finishes
• Hidden fastener systems that retain curb appeal

Corrugated and R-Panel Roofing

Light-gauge corrugated steel remains popular for loft conversions and urban industrial spaces. HEP customizes panel profile depths and rib spacing to achieve both structural and aesthetic objectives. Typical corrugated applications include:

• Adaptive-reuse warehouses in Kensington
• Garage and workshop outbuildings in South Philadelphia
• Canopy extensions for rooftop decks overlooking the Schuylkill

Specialty Metal Roofs

HEP’s sheet-metal artisans craft specialty solutions such as copper, zinc, and terne roofs that patinate over time, ensuring compatibility with Philadelphia’s older districts subjected to local historic commission guidelines.

• Copper domes and bay roofs on Italianate rowhouses
• Zinc cladding for modern infill projects requiring a muted, charcoal gray finish
• Patinated terne for institutional buildings that demand a traditional aesthetic

Materials and Coatings Selected for Philadelphia’s Climate

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel, coated with a layer of zinc, provides a balance of affordability and resilience. HEP specifies G-90 galvanization, delivering 0.90 ounces of zinc per square foot, which resists corrosion in the salt-laden air that sweeps up the Delaware River.

Galvalume

Galvalume combines aluminum and zinc, creating a barrier that performs exceptionally against acidity from urban air pollutants. Its self-healing property makes it a prime option for low-slope installations adjacent to brick parapets.

Aluminum

Aluminum’s lighter weight is ideal for mid-19th-century timber joists found in many Society Hill properties. HEP applies Kynar 500 coatings to aluminum panels, ensuring color retention despite UV exposure.

Copper

Copper’s longevity exceeds 80 years, making it a premium solution for civic structures and stately residences. HEP’s copper panels are milled to ASTM B370 specifications, ensuring grain consistency for even patination.

Protective Coatings

• PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) – the industry gold standard for chalk and fade resistance
• SMP (Silicone-Modified Polyester) – cost-effective option with balanced color stability
• Ceram-A-Star 1050 – ceramic-infused technology suited for industrial districts

HEP’s Metal Roofing Installation Process

Comprehensive Site Assessment

Before any panel is cut, HEP evaluates structural integrity, load capacities, slope, drainage patterns, and local code compliance. The assessment includes:

• Infrared scans to locate hidden moisture in existing substrates
• Drone surveys for difficult-to-access roof scapes
• Core sampling to verify decking material thickness and condition

Precision Fabrication

In-house CNC folders and roll formers allow HEP to craft panels up to 50 feet long without lap joints. Precision fabrication steps involve:

1. Coil stock selection based on design wind speed and environmental exposure
2. Cutting and folding to ±1/32" tolerance
3. Attachment clip manufacturing from stainless steel to prevent galvanic reactions

On-Site Preparation

• Installation of high-temperature ice and water shield
• Application of breathable synthetic underlayment for vapor management
• Alignment of starter strips and eave trim to account for building settlement variance

Panel Installation

HEP’s journeyman roofers secure clips at recommended spacing, then engage each panel with either a snap-lock or mechanical seamer. Seamer machines are calibrated daily to ensure complete 180-degree locks on mechanical seams.

Flashing and Detailing

Critical details receive specialized attention:

• Custom-bent chimney crickets to redirect flow on historic masonry stacks
• Rake edge closures formed with hemmed returns to deter wind-driven rain
• Penetration boots molded from EPDM that remains flexible in Philadelphia’s sub-zero winters

Final Inspection and Testing

Post-installation, HEP conducts water infiltration tests using controlled spray systems simulating 6" per hour rainfall. Infrared thermography confirms thermal discontinuities and ensures complete insulation coverage.

Addressing Philadelphia-Specific Building Codes and Permits

Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) enforces rigorous standards for roofing work. HEP navigates these requirements by:

• Engineering wind uplift calculations conforming to ASCE 7-16 for structures along the Delaware Avenue corridor
• Submitting material data sheets for historic review board approval in designated conservation districts
• Coordinating with Streets Department for sidewalk protection permits during crane lifts

Architectural Styles and Metal Roofing Integration

Rowhouses and Townhomes

HEP maintains the rhythm of Philadelphia’s rowhouse streetscapes by matching panel widths to the façade proportions, preserving uniformity while upgrading weather resistance.

Historic Brownstones

Standing seam in painted terne or copper complements brownstone mansards, maintaining period authenticity while enhancing durability.

Contemporary Urban Infill

Flat-lock panels and zinc cladding deliver minimalist aesthetics that resonate with Northern Liberties’ modern builds, providing a refined counterpoint to adjacent brick structures.

Commercial & Light Industrial Facilities

R-panel roofing spans large warehouses effortlessly, reducing structural steel requirements. HEP integrates daylighting solutions such as polycarbonate ridge panels to lower artificial lighting usage.

Advantages of HEP’s Metal Roofs for Energy Efficiency

• Reflective pigments in PVDF coatings reduce surface temperature by up to 60°F
• Continuous insulation strategies integrated beneath the panels eliminate thermal bridging
• Standing seam profiles accommodate clip-on photovoltaic solutions, enabling seamless solar adoption

Maintenance Strategies Recommended by HEP

Semi-Annual Inspections

• Visual survey for fastener back-out or clip migration
• Sealant integrity checks at penetration points
• Debris removal from gutters and scuppers to guarantee unobstructed drainage

Routine Cleaning

Mild detergent washes maintain reflective coatings and delay patina on specialty metals when desired. HEP advises against abrasive brushes that compromise finish warranties.

Snow Management

While metal roofs shed snow efficiently, rooftop safety lines are installed to facilitate periodic snow-guard inspections, ensuring controlled release and protecting pedestrian zones below.

Sustainable Benefits of Choosing Metal Roofing with HEP

• Up to 95% recycled content in steel panels
• End-of-life recyclability reduces landfill pressure
• Compatability with rainwater harvesting thanks to inert coatings that prevent water contamination

LEED and Green Building Goals

Projects targeting LEED certification benefit from the “heat island reduction” and “recycled content” credits associated with HEP’s metal roofing systems.

Safety Protocols Embedded in HEP’s Workflows

HEP operates under an OSHA 300-compliant safety program tailored for urban roofing environments:

• Fall-arrest systems anchored to structural members, not parapets
• Controlled access zones to manage pedestrian flow below active roof areas
• Daily toolbox talks that address Philadelphia-specific hazards, such as high winds funneled through rowhouse alleys

Areas of Philadelphia Served by HEP’s Metal Roofing Teams

Central City Districts

• Center City
• Rittenhouse Square
• Fitler Square

River Wards

• Fishtown
• Port Richmond
• Bridesburg

Northwest Philadelphia

• Manayunk
• Roxborough
• Chestnut Hill

South & Southwest

• Graduate Hospital
• Point Breeze
• Eastwick

Counties Beyond City Limits

HEP’s crews also operate in adjacent communities, addressing suburban environments that share Philadelphia’s climate stresses without the urban density.

Project Coordination With Related Trades

Metal roofing rarely exists in isolation. HEP collaborates seamlessly with:

• Masonry restoration teams rebuilding parapets
• HVAC technicians repositioning rooftop units to maintain optimal airflow
• Solar contractors integrating flush-mount arrays onto standing seam panels

Weather Resilience Considerations

Wind Uplift

HEP evaluates gust factors based on proximity to the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. Clip spacing, seam height, and substrate fastening patterns are adjusted accordingly.

Precipitation Management

Ice dams, though less common on metal than asphalt, can still form. HEP installs self-regulating heat cables on north-facing eaves where shading persists, preventing melt-refreeze cycles.

Thermal Expansion

Properly sized expansion joints and floating clip designs enable panels to move without oil-canning. HEP’s use of striations and bead-ribs further mitigates visual waviness in reflective sunlight.

Acoustic Performance

Modern metal roofing, when installed with a solid substrate and insulation, rivals traditional shingles in sound attenuation. HEP employs high-density mineral wool between deck and panel to dampen rainfall noise.

Fire Resistance

Philadelphia’s tightly packed neighborhoods elevate fire spread concerns. Metal roofing’s non-combustible nature, paired with Class A underlayment assemblies, provides invaluable peace of mind for property owners.

Integration With Rooftop Amenities

• Green roofs: HEP installs perimeter metal edging and transition flashings where vegetative trays meet standing seam panels.
• Skylights: Custom curb flashing ensures watertight transitions on low-slope sections.
• Roof decks: Powder-coated aluminum pedestals anchor through the panel ribs without penetrating the weathering surface.

Common Myths About Metal Roofing Debunked by HEP’s Field Experience

• Myth: Metal roofs attract lightning.
  Reality: Metal is non-combustible and safely disperses lightning strikes across its surface, reducing structural damage.
• Myth: Metal roofing rusts easily.
  Reality: Advanced galvanic coatings and paint systems guarantee decades of corrosion resistance.
• Myth: Metal roofs amplify indoor noise.
  Reality: Proper insulation under the panels neutralizes sound levels to match or surpass asphalt shingle assemblies.

The Role of Technology in HEP’s Workflows

Digital Modeling and Estimation

HEP employs 3D modeling software to render roof geometries and calculate exact panel counts, minimizing waste and speeding installation timelines.

Drones for Inspection

Unmanned aerial systems capture high-resolution imagery, identifying potential problem areas before work commences and documenting project completion for warranty verification.

Seam Checking Devices

Electronically controlled seam checkers confirm mechanical locks meet manufacturer specifications, ensuring structural integrity under uplift pressure.

Warranty Coverage

HEP’s partnerships with leading coil coaters enable extended finish warranties up to 40 years, while workmanship guarantees back the installation quality.

Training and Certification

HEP technicians hold manufacturer-approved certifications for:

• Standing seam panel systems
• Low-slope metal assemblies
• Architectural copper work

Ongoing education covers code updates, safety best practices, and emerging material technologies relevant to Philadelphia’s evolving building landscape.

Environmental Adaptability of Metal Roofing

Metal accommodates photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, and green roof modules, aligning with the City of Philadelphia’s sustainability roadmap. HEP prepares roof surfaces for these enhancements during initial installation, avoiding costly retrofits later.

Adaptations for Historical Preservation

Philadelphia’s heritage zones require roofing solutions that respect traditional aesthetics. HEP sources architectural copper and terne-coated stainless steel to replicate 19th-century tin roofs while providing the longevity demanded by modern occupants.

Metal Roofing and Insurance Outcomes

Insurance providers often recognize metal roofing’s resilience, potentially leading to favorable policy terms. HEP’s compliance documentation supports insurance underwriting processes by detailing fire resistance and wind uplift ratings.

The Future of Metal Roofing in Philadelphia

As the city intensifies efforts toward carbon neutrality, metal roofing stands poised to play a major role. HEP’s innovations—from cool roof coatings to integrated solar—align with Philadelphia’s broader sustainability goals, ensuring that each rooftop contributes to a healthier urban environment and long-term economic value.