Washington has a roofing style all its own. Most row houses have flat or low slope roofs shared along party walls, many homes sit in historic districts, and the weather swings from summer thunderstorms to winter snow and ice. Each brings its own roofing problems.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent roofing provider that serves the Washington area, where one is available for your ZIP code. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Roofing challenges in Washington
Flat roofs on row houses
Most row houses have flat or low slope roofs covered with membranes or modified bitumen. Poor drainage and aging seams are common sources of leaks.
Shared walls
Row house roofs meet the neighbors’ roofs at the party walls, where flashing and seams need careful work to stay watertight.
Historic districts
Much of the District is in historic districts. Roof changes that can be seen from the street may need review by the DC Historic Preservation Office.
Snow, ice and storms
Heavy snow and ice can sit on flat roofs and block drains, and summer thunderstorms test every seam.
Areas across Washington
Sifixit connects callers across the city of Washington, including neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Petworth, Bloomingdale, Navy Yard, Brookland and Anacostia, and in nearby cities such as Arlington, Alexandria, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Takoma Park and Hyattsville.
Sifixit does not have an office or staff in Washington. Providers you speak to are independent local businesses, and availability depends on your ZIP code and the job.
Permits and local rules
Cleanup itself does not usually need a permit, but the repairs that follow often do. Inside the city of Washington, larger drywall, electrical and plumbing repairs can require permits from the DC Department of Buildings. Homes in other cities, such as Arlington, Alexandria or Silver Spring, follow the rules of that city or county.
In the District, home improvement contractors must be licensed through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, and you can check a license online.
Seasonal risks in Washington
Never climb onto a roof during wind, rain or ice. After a storm, watch for fallen power lines and call 911 if anyone is in danger.
- Summer: thunderstorms reveal leaks in seams and flashing.
- Fall: leaves block roof drains and gutters.
- Winter: snow and ice sit on flat roofs and block drains.
- Spring: a good time to inspect and repair before storm season.
Be prepared
- Clear roof drains and scuppers every fall
- Have seams and flashing checked, especially along party walls
- Ask about historic district rules before changing the roof’s look
- Remove heavy snow only with professional help
- Check the top floor ceiling after heavy storms
Learn more before you call
Our main roofing guide explains the warning signs, what affects the cost, what you can safely handle yourself and the questions to ask before you hire. It applies in Washington just as it does everywhere else.
Washington questions
Do I need a permit for a new roof in DC?
Roof replacement usually needs a permit from the DC Department of Buildings, and homes in historic districts may also need preservation review. Ask the roofer to handle both.
What kind of roof do DC row houses have?
Most have flat or low slope roofs covered with a membrane or modified bitumen. They need good drainage and regular checks.
Do roofers need a license in DC?
Home improvement contractors in the District must be licensed through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Check the license before hiring.
Does Sifixit have an office in Washington?
No. Sifixit is a referral service. Providers you speak to are independent local businesses that serve the Washington area.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.