Allegheny County
Slate roofs in South Hills
The South Hills grew fast in the 1910s to 1930s, and many homes from that time were built with slate. A lot of those roofs are still going.
Neighborhoods
- Mt. Lebanon
- Dormont
- Bethel Park
- Upper St. Clair
The homes and roofs here
Mt. Lebanon and Dormont have many Tudor and Colonial homes with steep slate roofs, dormers and chimneys. Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair are mostly newer, with slate on older homes.
Common slate problems in South Hills
- Steep Tudor roofs with many valleys and dormers.
- Chimney flashing that has been tarred over many times.
- Broken slates from gutter cleaning or satellite dish installs.
- Roofers suggesting replacement when repair would work.
Permits and historic rules
These are separate municipalities, not the City of Pittsburgh. Mt. Lebanon has its own historic district process, so visible roof changes there may need local review. Other communities handle permits through their own offices.
Use the Historic Roof CheckerRepairs often needed here
Questions from South Hills homeowners
- Does my Mt. Lebanon home need approval for roof work?
- It depends on whether it's in a local historic district and what changes. Like-for-like slate repair is usually simpler. Check with the municipality.
- A roofer said my 1920s slate roof is finished. Is it?
- Maybe, maybe not. Ask for photos and a written reason. Many roofs that age need flashing and valley work, not new slate.