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Your roof does more than keep the rain out; it protects your home from the humid Chesapeake summers and the freezing freeze-thaw cycles of a Maryland winter. Whether you own a classic row home in Fells Point with a flat roof or a detached Colonial in Roland Park, finding a reliable contractor for roofing in Baltimore, MD, is critical to preserving your property’s value.
At Mr. Remodel, we connect you with licensed, insured professionals who understand the unique architecture of Baltimore City. From navigating CHAP (Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation) requirements to fixing the "ponding water" issues common on flat roofs, our network of pros gets the job done right.
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your Baltimore roof today.
Why Baltimore Homeowners Trust Mr. Remodel
1. Row Home & Flat Roof Experts
From "ponding water" fixes to navigating party walls in Canton and Highlandtown, our network understands the unique architecture of Baltimore City.
2. Historic & CHAP Compliance
Our pros navigate the red tape for you. Whether it’s slate restoration in Bolton Hill or copper flashing in Fells Point, they ensure all work meets local preservation standards.
3. Fully Licensed & Vetted
Every pro in our network carries active Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) licensing and liability insurance.
Average Cost of Roofing in Baltimore
Pricing varies by access difficulty and material. Estimates based on typical row home and detached sizes.
|
ROOFING MATERIAL |
AVERAGE COST (per sq. ft.) |
TYPICAL PROJECT TOTAL |
LIFESPAN |
|
Asphalt Shingles |
$4.50 to $7.00 |
$7,000 to $12,000 |
15 to 25 Years |
|
Modified Bitumen (Torch Down) |
$4.00 to $6.50 |
$5,000 to $9,000 |
15 to 20 Years |
|
TPO/EPDM (Flat Roof) |
$5.50 to $9.00 |
$6,500 to $11,000 |
20 to 30 Years |
|
Slate (Restoration/New) |
$15.00 to $30.00+ |
$25,000 to $50,000+ |
75 to 100+ Years |
Common Baltimore Roofing Issues
1. Ponding Water on Flat Roofs
This is the #1 enemy of the Baltimore row home. If water stays on your roof ("ponds") for 48 hours after a storm, it degrades the membrane. We fix pitch issues to ensure proper drainage.
2. "Row Home Water Sharing."
In neighborhoods like Charles Village, a neighbor’s leak can travel along the shared firewall to your ceiling. We identify the true source so you don't pay for repairs that aren't yours.
3. Freeze-Thaw Slate Damage
Winter moisture gets into hairline cracks in historic slate. When it freezes, the tile snaps. We handle "slipped slate" repairs and preventative maintenance.
4. Moss & Algae (The "Poplar Hill" Problem)
Humid summers lead to Gloeocapsa magma (black streaks) or moss, especially in shady suburbs. We offer cleaning and treatment to stop shingles from lifting.
Flat Roofs: Torch Down vs. TPO
If you own a row home, you likely have a flat or low-slope roof. You generally have two main material choices. Here is how they compare for the Baltimore climate.
Option A: Modified Bitumen (Torch Down)
- BestFor: Roof decks, foot traffic, budget-conscious repairs.
- TheVibe: The classic black "rubber roof" seen all over the city.
- Pros: Tough and affordable.
- Cons: Absorbs heat; makes upper floors hot in summer.
Option B: TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
- BestFor: Energy efficiency and longevity.
- TheVibe: A modern white membrane that reflects UV rays.
- Pros: Keeps the home cooler in humid Baltimore summers; flexible in winter
- Cons: Slightly higher upfront cost.
Our Recommendation: If energy bills are a concern, choose TPO.
How Mr. Remodel Works
When you hire a roofing company in Baltimore through Mr. Remodel, you can expect a transparent, professional workflow designed to minimize disruption to your busy street.
- Detailed Inspection: Pros check shingles, flashing, and attic ventilation.
- Permitting: Pros handle Baltimore City & CHAP paperwork.
- Installation: Safe debris removal (using chutes to protect stoops/sidewalks).
- Clean Up: Magnetic sweep for nails and final watertight check.
Service Areas around Baltimore
Mr. Remodel covers the entire Baltimore metropolitan area. Whether you are inside the city limits or in the surrounding counties, we have a pro nearby.
- Baltimore City: Downtown, Inner Harbor, Federal Hill, Canton, Fells Point, Hampden, Roland Park, Mount Washington.
- Baltimore County: Towson, Catonsville, Dundalk, Essex, Owings Mills, White Marsh, Timonium.
- Howard County: Columbia, Ellicott City.
- Anne Arundel County: Glen Burnie, Severna Park.
We link homeowners with contractors who are local to their specific zone to ensure faster response times for emergency repairs.
FAQ About Roofing in Baltimore
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Baltimore City?
Yes. A building permit is required for roof replacement, especially for structural work or changing materials. If you live in a historic district, you must also get approval from the preservation commission. Verify current fee schedules at the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development.
Can I install a white (TPO) roof in a historic district?
It depends. In CHAP districts like Fells Point, the roof cannot be visible from the street. If your roof is flat and hidden behind a parapet, modern TPO is usually allowed. If visible, you may need slate or metal. Check the CHAP Design Guidelines before buying materials.
Can I layer a new roof over my old one (Overlay)?
Building code typically allows a maximum of two layers. However, for Baltimore row homes, we recommend a "tear-off" to inspect the decking. Old layers often hide rotting wood from years of "ponding" water. See code standards at Baltimore City Building Code Enforcement.
How do I know if my flat roof needs replacing?
Look for "alligatoring" (cracks resembling reptile skin) or "ponding water" that sits for 48+ hours after rain. These signs indicate the bitumen membrane has failed. Ignoring this leads to leaks in your (or your neighbor's) ceiling.
How do I verify if a Baltimore roofer is licensed?
Never hire a "storm chaser" without credentials. All legitimate roofers must hold a valid license from the state. You can verify their status and check for past complaints using the MHIC license lookup tool.
Get a Free Roofing Quote in Baltimore
Don’t wait for a ceiling stain to become a structural disaster. Whether you need a simple slate repair in Bolton Hill, a full flat roof replacement in Locust Point, or new shingles in Towson, Mr. Remodel is here to help. We make it easy to find the best service provider in Baltimore who is licensed, reviewed, and ready to work.
Ready to fix your roof? Get Your Free Quote Now.