Best roofing companies in California: Key takeaways
California has about 9,302 roofing companies to choose from, according to IBISWorld.
The average cost of a roof replacement in California is $24,416.
California roofing contractors can help repair weather-related damage, fix leaks, or complete full roof replacements.
When hiring a roofing contractor, look for a company you can trust to deal with your insurance adjusters and complete your project promptly, professionally, and cost-effectively. Here are a few tips for choosing a quality roofing company in California.
Not all roofing contractors provide the same services or work with the same materials. If you need a specific repair completed, you’ll want to seek a company specializing in that type of work. For instance, if you have a roof leak but are unsure what’s causing it, you can have a roofer come out and find where the water is coming from. If you experienced a recent hail storm and want to inspect the roof for hail damage, they can check it.
Also, if you have anything other than a shingle roof, you'll want a company specializing in alternative roof types, like tile roofing or flat roofs. Some materials, like metal, require specialized tools not all roofers possess. And not all have experience installing solar shingles. Ask for a consultation to determine if a company has the expertise your roofing needs require.
Common California roofing services include:
New roof installations
Existing roof inspections for leaks, damage, and sagging
Roof sealing
Soffit and fascia repairs or replacements
Waterproofing and weatherproofing
Skylight repairs or replacements
Insulating
Ventilating
Gutter repairs or replacements
Online reputation can tell you a lot about a company. Do some digging into the companies you’re considering and see what other California homeowners have to say about the quality of the job and the service they experienced. Sites like Fixr, Yelp, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau are good places to start when gauging customer satisfaction.
Finding reviews with photos of the company’s work can be especially helpful. If the company has a national presence, ensure the reviews you’re reading are CA-specific so you can vet your local roofing team.
To find the best company for your roofing job, always try to get several quotes. Of course, you'll compare the quotes for price. But you'll also want to compare the companies' warranties and the time frame for completing the job.
When securing quotes, you'll want to ask the roofer several questions. After clarifying the company's legal name, address, and phone number and ensuring that it's licensed and insured to perform work in the Golden State, consider the following questions:
How many years of experience do you have?
How much workers' compensation and general liability insurance coverage do you have?
What is your workmanship warranty?
Who will be at the job site during the roof installation?
Will you remove my old roof?
How will you dump my old roofing material?
How will you protect my property from damage?
Roofers in the state of California must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board to complete work valued at $500 or more. A roofing license is a separate classification from a general contractor's license that permits individuals or businesses to "install products and repair surfaces that seal, waterproof and weatherproof structures."
In California, applicants must perform journey-level work in the trade for four years before qualifying to take the applicable exams. To obtain a license, they must provide proof of examination, a bond of $25,000, and workers' compensation insurance. Also, unlike other contractors, roofers must carry workers' comp whether they have employees or not.
Always confirm license numbers with your city or county’s building department. Also, ask what the licensing requirements are for your area.
If your roof needs replacing, you may wonder how much it will cost. The average cost to replace a roof in California is $24,416, including labor. The average labor cost for roofers in California is $133 per hour. Costs vary depending on the materials, type of roofing system, and size and complexity of the roof. They will also vary by locality, so we average in places like San Franciso, Los Angeles, San Diego, and their surrounding areas. Here are a few highs, lows, and averages for you to remember when shopping for roofing professionals.
Low-End Cost | Average Cost | High-End Cost | |
Average California roof replacement* | $22,528 | $24,416 | $27,159 |
Roof replacement with asphalt shingles | $8,652 | $9,384 | $10,431 |
Metal roof replacement | $25,808 | $27,975 | $31,115 |
*The average cost is calculated using the size of an average 1,700 square foot roof. The low-end cost is for a 1,000-square-foot roof. The high-end cost is for a 2,200-square-foot roof.
There are multiple reasons to hire a roofing company. First, having a professional perform a yearly roof inspection is a good idea. Ensuring your roof is in good condition each year helps prevent some emergencies. However, winds blow, and trees fall. And when they impact your roof, it's good to have a standing relationship with one in your area.
California is known for extreme weather that could impact your roof. California sees everything from high winds and earthquakes that tear shingles and buckle metal to extreme temperatures and wildfires.
When something happens to compromise the integrity of your roof, or if you have water leaking into your home, you have an emergency situation.
Non-emergency roof problems you may notice in California include evidence of poor ventilation or insulation. High energy bills, missing or curling shingles, or cracked tiles are indications for you to schedule a roof inspection. A professional will let you know if the symptoms warrant emergency repair or if you can wait.
Only climb on a roof if you feel secure and have the coordination to walk safely on the slope. Most roofing repairs are best left to the professionals. Even if you are capable, a pro will do a better job. That said, the determined DIYer can handle some minor roof repairs. Things like caulking, patching minor leaks, replacing a shingle, or cleaning gutters are all DIY-friendly jobs. For anything more complicated, hire a pro.