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Best roofers in San Diego, Calif.

After searching through 45 local roofing companies, we've found the best roofers in San Diego for your next roofing project, regardless of your budget or needs.

Our experts independently review everything we recommend. If you buy through our links, we may earn commission.

View of San Diego from the San Diego Bay
View of San Diego from the San Diego Bay

San Diego is famous for its beautiful climate, but even the hardiest tile or asphalt roofs break down from the sun's relentless UV rays or the hot, dry Santa Ana winds. To help keep your roof in top shape, our Yahoo Local team used its proprietary algorithm to review and assess 45 San Diego roofing companies, including 6,474 online reviews, Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation and service offerings to identify and recommend the city's top roofing contractors. You can trust our highly-rated experts for roofing solutions that address your home's safety, aesthetics and resale value.

Quick overview

The best roofing company in San Diego for YOU

Choosing the right roofing contractor means considering your priorities. Eco-conscious homeowners might want a company that uses different cool-roofing materials. If credentials are important, look for contractors with certifications from trusted brands like GAF and Owens Corning.

Start your search by tapping into your local network. Ask friends, family, colleagues and neighbors for their recommendations. Angi, Google and Yelp can also provide valuable insights. Once you refine your initial list, check the BBB accreditation and ratings for each company. Always request at least three quotes to understand the range of potential costs. If your budget is your top priority, Coast Roofing Services Inc. provided the lowest estimate for an asphalt shingle roof of the companies we spoke to.

Based on our assessment, RC Roofing, Inc. emerges as the leading San Diego roofing company. Its A+ BBB rating, certifications, commitment to quality service, exceptional customer care and numerous roofing material choices make it a great choice.

If you have a specific roofing material brand in mind, check each roofing contractor's website, as many list the brands they carry. Asphalt shingles are generally the least expensive option, but tile and metal roofs offer greater longevity and more extensive manufacturer warranties, despite a higher initial cost. Considering solar? Roofing Specialists of San Diego has a sister company handling all solar installation projects.

For homeowners with broader renovation requirements, Peak Builders & Roofers of San Diego and Coast Roofing Services Inc. also offer interior and exterior remodeling and building with their partner companies. Protecta Roofing and Construction Inc. excels in communication, with services in Spanish and English.

Table of contents

Best roofing companies in San Diego

RC Roofing Inc.

Roofing crew replacing tile roof

The RC Roofing Inc. roofing crew replaces a tile roof

Since 1992, RC Roofing Inc. has been a trusted provider of roofing services, having replaced nearly 3,000 roofs over 30 years. Its hands-on owner, Rick Clark, is involved in each project, bringing a level of personal attention that the company's clients value.

Sales manager Nick Scarcella said the company prefers to conduct in-person visits to get the lay of the land, see if there's fluid damage around the perimeter and check out roof access points. "We prefer a face-to-face approach to build a relationship from the beginning," he added. The company also uses state-of-the-art technology to help calculate the estimates.

Scarcella estimated that the roof of a 1,500 square-foot mid-century modern home would cost between $15,000 and $20,000 to replace, depending on materials. A shingle roof needs sheathing, which can increase cost by potentially up to $5,000. California law states that the most a roofing company can charge for a down payment is $1,000 or 10%, whichever is less. The company takes all payments, including credit cards, with a 3.5% transaction fee.

Estimates are free; however, if you're thinking about buying a house and want the roof inspected separately from the regular home inspection, RC Roofing charges $350 for the assessment and a written proposal. If the roof needs repair or work and you hire the company, you'll receive a $350 credit. 

RC Roofing offers three different roofing options: shingles, tile and cool roofs, depending on the style and age of your home. You can choose concrete, lightweight or clay tiles, which may be flat or round, simulate wood or shakes, or replicate older styles. Asphalt shingle brands include Owens Corning, GAF-ELK, CertainTeed and others. A third option is flat roofing or Modified Bitumen (MB) Torch Down Roofing, which is a type of cool roofing that lasts 25-30 years.

Services offered

  • Roof installation, repair and replacement

  • Shingle, tile and cool roofing

  • Roof inspections

  • Residential and commercial roofing

A typical roof replacement takes 3-5 days, depending on what the crew finds once they remove the shingles or tiles. Jobs typically start on a Monday or Tuesday, so the team of between three and seven roofers can finish by the end of the week. A foreman is on site for the entire project, and Scarcella said one foreman has been with the company since the beginning, a second for 18 years and the third for 12 years.

RC Roofing's warranties are pretty standard. The workmanship warranty is good for 10 years for shingle or tile roofs. A shingle roof has a 50-year material warranty and a tile roof has a 20-year material warranty. An MB torch on a membrane roof carries a 5-year workmanship and 12-year material warranty for a single-layer installation or a 10-year labor and 20-year material warranty for a two-layer installation. There's no additional charge for any warranties.

RC Roofing is located at 8360 Clarimont Mesa Blvd., Ste. 105, San Diego, Calif., 92111. The company is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and zero complaints. It has a five-star Google rating (14 reviews) and a 4.8 Yelp rating (131 reviews). All employees are background-checked, and the company does not subcontract its projects.

RC Roofing Inc. is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed on weekends. For more information or a free estimate, contact RC Roofing Inc. at 858-274-8920 or visit the website .

Customer testimonial

It is rare to find a responsive, honest, and thorough company like RC Roofing. We've had the pleasure of working with both Nick as well as Rick, and we found them to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable in repairing the flat roof on our very old home. They are clearly true experts, and I would trust them with any of our future needs. - Jaime S., Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

In business for over 30 years, RC Roofing Inc. is known for its transparent estimates and stellar customer service. The company offers many different roofing options, including tile, shingle and cool roofs, and between a 5 and 12-year workmanship warranty depending on what you choose.

Pros
  • Very patient and willing to answer our many questions
  • Multiple product options, including cool roofs
  • Works with insurance companies when needed
Cons
  • 3.5% transaction fee on credit card payments

Roofing Specialists of San Diego

Roof removal in preparation for new roof replacement

The Roofing Specialists of San Diego crew removes a roof in preparation for new roof replacement

Eric Richardson began working in the roofing industry in 1994 and opened his company, Roofing Specialists of San Diego, in 2002. His goal? Providing customers in central, north and south San Diego best-in-class products and installation services. Not only does his company install traditional tile and asphalt roofs, it collaborates with its sister company, Unified Solar and Roofing, to offer solar options.

Roofing Specialists uses satellite technology and in-person visits to calculate its estimates. Richardson said the in-person element is key, especially for older homes. "Pre-1950s homes had roofs built to different standards," he said. "We'll check to see if there's a greater than ⅛" gap between the wood planks. If there is, we have to add new plywood sheathing to close the gap." 

We asked for an estimate to install a new shingle roof on a 1,500-square-foot home, but Richardson was reluctant to venture a guess without seeing the roof first. 

He also mentioned that when people have found a house to purchase and schedule an inspection, they should hire a roofing company to check the roof because home inspectors tend to be generalists. Roofing Specialists of San Diego charges $150 for a verbal inspection or $375, which includes an inspection report the buyer can use to request credits during negotiations. The company accepts all forms of payment and charges a 2% transaction fee for credit cards.

Roofing Specialists offers various roofing materials, including ENERGY STAR and Cool Roof Rating (CRRC) roof tiles and shingles, asphalt shingles, concrete and clay tile, synthetic shakes, natural stone slate and flat roof materials. The company is an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor and also offers Duro-Last, GAF, Johns Manville, Eagle Roofing Products and other brands. By integrating with Unified Solar and Roofing and partnering with Rhew Contracting, Roofing Specialists offers customers a convenient single source for both roof replacement and solar system installation, including new setups, repairs and battery storage.

Services offered

  • Roof inspection, repair and installation

  • Emergency roof repair

  • Solar panel integrations

  • Commercial roofing repair, installation and maintenance

Richardson said a team of eight can replace the average roof in two days, but up to 15 roofers can demo and replace a roof in one day if he has fewer projects booked. The foreman is on site for the entire project and is your contact person if you have any questions. Two project managers work for the company and also visit the site each day to confirm everything is going according to plan. The company uses a dump trailer and crews clean up as they go.

As a certified master elite contractor, Roofing Specialists provides a 50-year labor and material warranty. Because of its partnerships with Unified Solar and Roofing and Rhew Contracting, the company can warranty both the roof and solar installation. This strategy also simplifies the warranty system for both systems, eliminating the need to determine which contractor is responsible if something needs repair or replacement.

Roofing Specialists of San Diego is located at 7905 Silverton Ave., Suite 112, San Diego, Calif. 92126. It's licensed, bonded and insured, BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and has no complaints. It has a 4.9-star Google rating (124 reviews) and a 4.7-star Yelp rating (93 reviews). All work is completed in-house with zero subcontractors used, and all employees undergo background checks.

Roofing Specialists of San Diego is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends by appointment. For more information or a free estimate, contact Roofing Specialists of San Diego at 858-922-5903 or visit the website .

Customer testimonial

Eric at Roofing Specialists is extremely knowledgeable and very easy to work with. Excellent communication throughout the project, and his crew was on time, left the site clean at the end of every day, and was very hardworking! A major reason we chose Roofing Specialists was that Eric recommended additional venting for our roof, and explained how adding the vents and placing them properly will help our house have better circulation in the crawlspace, and keep our home cooler in the summer. Roofing uses top-notch materials as well. Highly recommend!! - Sharon C., Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Roofing Specialists of San Diego offers a variety of roofing options, whether you’re repairing or replacing your roof. Inspections after storms are free, and the company will repair weather-related issues like leaks or missing/cracked shingles resulting from damage caused by debris or wind.

Pros
  • 50-year workmanship and material warranties
  • Emergency roof repair service
  • Roof inspection services for home buyers, sellers and agents
Cons
  • 2% credit card transaction fee

Peak Builders & Roofers of San Diego

A freshly installed roof with skylights done by Peak Builders & Roofers of San Diego

A freshly installed roof with skylights done by Peak Builders & Roofers of San Diego

Established in 2010, Peak Builders & Roofers of San Diego serves all cities in San Diego County. The company is committed to providing homeowners with superior roofing services by delivering meticulous workmanship and prioritizing customer satisfaction, whether you need a small repair or a full roof replacement.

Like the other companies on our list, Peak Builders & Roofers conducts a free, comprehensive in-person roof inspection to calculate your estimate. The website also has a calculator you can use to get a rough idea of your roofing project's cost. While the person we spoke to declined to give an estimate over the phone sight-unseen, we tried the calculator, which gave us an estimated total of $25,000 to $40,000. However, the calculator makes it clear that this is a very rough ballpark figure.

The company takes all forms of payment and offers financing with a 1 Home Design Credit Card, which has flexible financing options, including 0% interest rates for those who qualify. You can use the site's financing calculator to explore monthly payment options without a hard credit pull. There is no transaction fee for credit card payments.

Services offered

  • Roof repair, replacement, installation and maintenance

  • Emergency roof repair

  • Waterproofing and roof coating

  • Skylight installations

  • Solar panel integrations

  • Home remodeling and room additions

  • Bathroom and kitchen remodeling

  • Accessory dwelling units

  • Garage conversions

It typically takes a crew of between four and six people a few days to a week to tear off an old roof and install a new roof. Larger or more complex roofs take longer, but the company representative can give you an accurate timeline once your project is set. There's a foreman on site during the day, and the crew uses securing ladders and harnesses to minimize any hazards. The teams also undergo regular training on safety measures.

Peak Builders & Roofers offers a 10-year workmanship warranty. An asphalt shingle warranty is good for 20 years. Other material warranties vary depending on whether you choose tile, metal, wood shakes or slate.

Peak Builders & Roofers of San Diego is located at 8340 Vickers St. K., San Diego, Calif., 92111. It is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and no complaints. It has a five-star Google rating (96 reviews) and a 4.8-star Yelp rating (76 reviews). All employees are fully vetted and background checked.

Peak Builders & Roofers of San Diego is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and closed on weekends. For more information or a free estimate, contact Peak Builders & Roofers of San Diego at 619-612-0575 or visit the website

Customer testimonial

I was experiencing leaking, and my concrete tile roof was due for a lift and reset. Enrique provided great detail and communication all throughout the duration of the project, start to finish. His team was able to start sooner than expected, but took a couple of days longer than originally estimated. No issues with the duration. It truly shows that the team took care in doing a good job. They even cleaned up after themselves each day. - Jess L., Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Peak Builders & Roofers of San Diego is an all-inclusive roofing contractor that also offers general contracting services. In addition to working with HELOC and home equity loans, you can apply for financing through the company’s website and potentially get a 0% interest loan if you qualify.

Pros
  • Offers financing
  • Roofing cost estimate calculator
  • Website is chock-full of detailed information and FAQs
Cons
  • Roof estimate with the calculator was substantially higher than other ballpark estimates

Protecta Roofing and Construction Inc.

Members of the Protecta Roofing Inc. team replace a tile roof

Members of the Protecta Roofing Inc. team replace a tile roof

Established in 2015, Protecta Roofing and Construction Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded and insured company serving the North County area in San Diego. The company is committed to delivering high-quality roofing solutions to its clients. Backed by extensive industry experience, its teams take pride in their workmanship and customer service.

Protecta Roofing uses a mix of technology, like EagleView, the GAF app and in-person visits to inspect and calculate its free estimates. The project manager we spoke to said he prefers seeing properties in person because it's the best way to identify potential issues, uncover areas not up to code and connect with the potential customer. We asked for a ballpark estimate for a 1,500 square-foot mid-century modern home and were quoted $11,000 to $14,000 for a whole roof tear-off and replacement with asphalt shingles.

Services offered

  • Roof repair and installations

  • Leak repair

  • Gutters

  • Solar panel integrations

  • Skylights and sun tunnels

  • Torch and TPO membrane roofing systems

  • General construction and remodeling

It takes a team of three to five people between three and six days to tear off and replace a roof, depending on what's underneath and whether you're adding solar or not. Older homes may not be up to code with gaps between the boards, requiring crews to lay additional decking. Project managers check in regularly, and a foreman is on site for the duration of the project as your main point of contact. Both leaders ensure that the crew cleans up as they work, using a dump trailer, magnet booms and netting to protect your property and any landscaping.

Protecta Roofing offers a 20-year workmanship warranty. Material warranties depend on the manufacturer. The company also works with insurance agencies if severe weather damages your home's roof. All payment forms are accepted, although credit card payments incur a 3.5% transaction fee. The salesperson suggested checking with a bank or credit union, as their interest rates are better than the company's financing if you don't qualify for 0% interest.

Protecta Roofing and Construction Inc. is located at 3184 Oleander Ave., San Marcos, Calif., 92078. It is BBB accredited with an A+ rating and zero complaints. It has a 4.8-star Google rating (48 reviews) and a 4.7-star Yelp rating (61 reviews). All employees are background checked, and the company does not work with subcontractors.

Protecta Roofing and Construction Inc. is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.. For more information or a free estimate, contact Protecta Roofing and Construction Inc. at 760-224-2494 or visit the website .

Customer testimonial

I was deeply impressed by Johnny and Pedro. They performed a very complicated, high-quality roof repair for a persistent leak that far exceeded my expectations. They were on time, neat and efficient. I know I got a great price because I shopped around, and they delivered really exceptional value. Their honesty and professionalism are wonderful to see these days. I am going to rely on Protecta Roofing. Thank you guys for doing such a great job! - Bruce D., Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Beyond new roof installations, Protecta Roofing and Construction Inc. provides a full spectrum of roofing services including solar panel and skylight installation, structural repairs and more. The company’s skilled teams are bilingual in English and Spanish to ensure seamless, clear communication and understanding.

Pros
  • Offers service in English and Spanish
  • 20-year workmanship warranty
  • On-site foreman for the project duration
Cons
  • 3.5% transaction fee for credit card payments

Coast Roofing Services Inc.

A member of the Coast Roofing Services Inc. crew works on a roof replacement

A member of the Coast Roofing Services Inc. crew works on a roof replacement

Drawing on over a decade of experience in remodeling and interior design, Liza Gois identified a need for a dependable roofing company focused on excellent work, transparent pricing and superior customer service. After earning her roofing license, Gois established and opened Coast Roofing Services Inc. in 2021. The company is a GAF-certified roofing contractor, an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor and a Malarkey Emerald Pro Contractor.

Gois uses technology, including satellite imagery, to take roofing measurements and provide free quotes remotely. She also conducts in-person estimates if you prefer — or if the images reveal something requiring closer inspection. Coast Roofing Services takes all payments and charges a card transaction fee of about 3%, depending on the credit card. You can also apply for financing through the company. If you're using insurance to pay for the roof, Gois said the company can help you navigate the process.

We asked for a ballpark estimate to tear off and replace the roof of a mid-century modern 1,500 square-foot house. Gois said the current tariffs have increased roofing material prices considerably , but depending on the materials chosen, you can expect to pay about $7.30 per square foot, the current industry average for GAF and Owens Corning asphalt shingles. She explained that accounting for roof pitches can add a few hundred square feet to the overall project size and guesstimated the cost to replace this roof would fall between $11,680 and $12,410, including materials and labor.

Services offered

  • Roof repair, installation and replacement

  • Roof inspection

  • Skylight installation

  • Hauling & debris removal, including post-storm clean-up, real estate and home sales preparation

  • Full-service remodeling (kitchens, bathrooms, interiors, room additions, conversions)

Coast Roofing Services conducts background checks on all employees. Its crews work in teams of four to eight people and can replace an average asphalt roof in four to five days. "Our teams often finish more quickly," said Gois, "but I like to under-promise and over-deliver when I can." A project manager visits the project site regularly to confirm that the work is progressing well and answer any questions. The company uses different dumpsters depending on the roofing materials, and crews use metal magnets, sweepers and booms to collect nails each day.

Coast Roofing Services provides a 15-year workmanship warranty regardless of the materials you choose. Owens Corning and GAF offer lifetime warranties, and flat roof (TPO or PVC membrane) warranties are good for 20 years. Gois said shingle roofs remain the most popular choice, but homes to the north often have tile for protection from fire hazards. Her company also offers many cool roofing options to help homeowners reduce utility costs.

Coast Roofing Services Inc. is located at 9635 Clairmont Mesa Blvd., Suite 300, San Diego, Calif., 92123. The company is BBB-accredited and has zero complaints. It has a five-star Google rating (14 reviews) and a five-star Yelp rating (44 reviews).

Coast Roofing Services Inc. is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on weekends. For more information or a free estimate, contact Coast Roofing Services Inc. at 858-325-9045 or visit the website .

Customer testimonial

We had our roof replaced a few weeks ago, and I can't say enough great things about Liza, Clarissa, and the rest of the crew. From start to finish, the experience was a breath of fresh air compared to our past projects with communication and quality of work. Everyone was so responsive and always welcoming of our questions throughout the process, from the beginning when trying to make a decision (we got five quotes) to the end. Liza was welcoming and honest. She is an expert professional. The crew was great. They showed up promptly and finished ahead of schedule. They kept everything clean and organized throughout the process. Their work is fantastic. - Lina D., Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Whether you just need a roof or plan to remodel your entire home, Coast Roofing Services has you covered. The company has various roofing options to fit your budget, and if you need repairs for a storm-damaged roof, the team will help with the insurance process.

Pros
  • Woman-owned company
  • Lifetime material warranty for certain brands
  • Has a sister company, Coast Home Remodeling, for full-service projects inside and out
Cons
  • Charges variable transaction fee for credit card payments

You can count on Yahoo Local roofing advice, and this is why

We don't just tell you our recommendations are reliable; we show you. We built our proprietary ranking system to crunch reviews from established online websites like Google, Yelp and Angi, where people share their opinions. We weigh those and other factors — and share them with you, including the San Diego criteria below — so you can decide for yourself who's worth your trust. Yahoo Local is different from other "ranking" websites because we don't charge companies to participate or rank higher on our list. Our top recommendations are independent and not driven by outside money or influence. Curious to learn more about our approach? Visit our full methodology page .

  • 45 roofers evaluated

  • 6,474 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

  • Five ranking criteria incorporated

  • Interviewed or connected with all featured San Diego roofers

  • Independent price quotes sourced from all five featured roofing companies

  • Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

  • Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

San Diego roofing FAQs

How much can I expect to pay for a down payment or deposit on my roofing project in San Diego?

Unlike other states, California law states that contractors (including roofing companies) may only charge up to $1,000 or 10% of the total project cost — whichever is less — for a deposit. Several of the roofing contractors we spoke to said they either don't require a deposit or they hold your check but don't cash it until the project is finished.

How often should I have my roof inspected, and how much do roof inspections cost in San Diego?

The short answer? Have your roof inspected at least once a year — but biannually is even better. Some companies will inspect your roof for free. But on average, a basic roof inspection costs $125 to $357 for a 1,700 sq. ft. roof, according to Angi . Many roofing companies will roll the cost of the inspection into a repair. Roof inspectors may charge a flat fee; others will charge based on square footage, so ask how a company calculates the cost.

How do I know if my roof needs repairs or a full replacement?

You can tell your roof needs a little TLC if you notice shingles that have curled up, see more granules than normal in your gutters or find minor leaks in your attic. If your roof is pretty young (under 10 or 15 years), a repair might solve the issue. If your roof is older or the damage appears more extensive, it may be time for full replacement. For example, a sagging or wavy roof is a sign of structural issues. If your roof is covered in moss or algae, it's holding moisture and could be breaking down.

The best way to tell what's really going on is to ask a professional roofer to take a look. They're trained to spot things you might miss and will give you a straight answer on whether you need a repair or full replacement.

Does homeowner's insurance cover roof repairs or replacement?

Most homeowners' insurance will cover roof repairs or replacement, depending on how the damage occurred. However, according to Nick Scarcella of our top pick, RC Roofing Inc. , it's becoming harder for homeowners to successfully claim damage on their insurance in California. 

Typical "covered perils" include windstorms, hail, tornadoes, sleet, ice, lightning strikes, fire and smoke, falling objects and vandalism and malicious acts. Problems arising from normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance or neglect, cosmetic damage, certain natural disasters (floods and earthquakes) or animal damage are typically not covered. Read your homeowner's insurance fine print, which covers the specifics, including whether your policy pays actual cash value or replacement cost value.

How long does a roof typically last in San Diego?

In San Diego, the average asphalt roof lasts 15-30 years. Metal roofing lasts 40-70 years. With proper maintenance, concrete or clay tiles can last 50 years or longer.

How much does the average roof replacement cost in San Diego?

The average replacement ranges between $8,000 and $20,000, the very large or complex roofs will cost much more. The size of your roof, its pitch, the type of materials you choose and labor costs affect how much you'll pay for a new roof. According to Great Buildz , asphalt shingles cost between $3.50 and $5.50 per square foot, tile between $10 and $20 per square foot and metal between $10 and $15 per square foot.

How long does it usually take to replace a roof in San Diego, and can you stay in your home during a roof replacement?

The roofing companies we spoke to said the typical replacement takes one to three days, depending on factors like roof size and complexity, weather conditions and the size of the crew. Before your project begins, you may want to remove pictures and mirrors from the walls, which can vibrate from the hammering. If you have an attic, cover items with drop cloths to protect them from falling dust and dirt. 

Staying home? Expect loud noises. Be prepared for hammering, tearing and general construction sounds. If you have young children, prep them ahead of time, or perhaps arrange for their off-site care with a friend or family member. If you have pets, keep them away from the work area, ideally on a lower floor — and make sure they can't escape outside. Since noise and activity can cause stress, you may want to consider boarding your pets during the project.

What is the best time of year to replace a roof in San Diego?

Late spring and early fall are ideal times for replacing your roof in San Diego. The temperatures are more moderate, with lower humidity and less chance of rain.

What questions should I ask a roofing contractor before hiring them?

Choosing the right contractor is a big deal. You want someone reliable, qualified and trustworthy. Ask the following questions to help you find the perfect match:

  • Are you licensed in San Diego?

  • Do you have workers' compensation and general liability insurance?

  • Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients, preferably for jobs similar to mine?

  • How long have you been in business?

  • What does your written estimate or proposal include?

  • What type of roofing materials do you recommend and why?

  • What's the process and timeline for my job?

  • How will you protect my property during the work?

  • What warranties do you offer? Is there a workmanship warranty in addition to the manufacturer's warranty on materials?

  • Will you help me with the insurance company if I'm filing a claim for my roof?

Don't forget your gut check questions, too. Did the company answer your questions clearly and patiently? Did they pressure you to make a decision quickly? Did their professionalism and demeanor make you feel comfortable? Get estimates from at least three different contractors to compare pricing, materials and their approach. Don't just go with the least expensive option — consider reputation, experience and quality of the proposal, too.

Is it better to hire a local San Diego roofing company instead of a national chain?

Opting for a local company often brings distinct advantages. These businesses have a nuanced understanding of San Diego's weather patterns, from the intense sun and occasional drenching rains to the coastal humidity and Santa Ana winds, ensuring the roofing companies will recommend and install materials best suited for these conditions.

Their reputation is often deeply intertwined with the local community, cultivating a strong incentive to prioritize customer satisfaction and deliver quality workmanship. You're also more likely to get personalized service. In terms of responsiveness, especially for urgent repairs, local companies can often provide faster service compared to national chains with broader service areas. Finally, supporting a local business contributes directly to the San Diego economy.

Are there local roofing regulations or permits required in San Diego?

According to Development Services of the City of San Diego , you need a permit:

  • If the roof work involves altering or replacing structural parts like beams, sheathing (plywood/OSB), supports, bracing or the foundation. The contractor must provide structural plans and calculations to verify the new roof's strength.

  • If you're removing wood shakes, wood shingles or asphalt shingles and replacing them with a new roofing material that weighs more than six pounds per square foot. The contractor must provide structural plans and calculations verifying the roof frame can handle the extra weight.

  • If you're removing old, spaced-out sheathing and installing new sheathing (plywood/OSB). Structural plans and calculations are required to confirm roof strength.

  • If your property is a designated historical resource or in a historic district.

There are exemptions. You don't need a permit to remove and replace damaged roof sheathing as long as the total area you're replacing is 25% or less of the entire roof surface. You also don't need a permit to replace the roof covering if you're not changing the existing roof structure (including the bracing that helps your roof resist earthquakes and winds). Finally, no permit is required if you're keeping old spaced-out sheathing and installing a new layer of plywood or OSB on top to attach the new roofing, provided that the combined weight of the new roof and plywood/OSB weighs six pounds per square foot or less.

California also has strict requirements around who can provide roofing services as a contractor. Read our guide to California roofing licensing and regulations to learn more.

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