Roof Replacement in San Francisco, CA
Flat and low-slope roofs on Victorians, Edwardians and row houses, and shingle or tile on sloped homes in the Sunset, Richmond and hillside neighborhoods.
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Call (415) 410-7917- CSLB #1148511 C-39 licensed, opens the official CSLB license lookup in a new tab
- GAF + CertainTeed Certified · Veteran-owned: GAF Certified and CertainTeed ShingleMaster credentialed; see our manufacturer credentials
- 5.0 out of 5 4 Google reviews, opens Google in a new tab
- 5.0 out of 5 16 Yelp reviews, opens Yelp in a new tab
- 25-yr warranty On new roofs (plus up to 50-year GAF manufacturer coverage)
- Photo records Every job
How we handle roof replacement in San Francisco
Replacing a roof in San Francisco runs from tear-off to a final walk-through, and every stage is photographed. We document the existing conditions, strip the old roof to the deck, and inspect the decking before any new material goes on, because what's under the old roof decides how long the new one lasts. From there it's manufacturer-spec underlayment, ventilation corrected to code, the system you chose installed to the manufacturer's written instructions, full debris haul-off, and a final walk-through with you on the ground.
San Francisco's wind exposure drives our fastening and edge-detail choices on a replacement — enhanced nailing patterns and sealed edges are what keep a new roof on through the gusts.
- Pre-existing-condition photos before tear-off
- Full deck inspection and dry-rot repair
- Code-correct ventilation, not just new shingles
- Reroof permit pulled and inspections scheduled
- 25-year workmanship warranty + up to 50-year GAF manufacturer coverage
Roof Replacement across San Francisco neighborhoods
Pacific Heights
Large Victorians and Edwardians with complex roofs, turrets, built-in cornice gutters and roof decks. Careful tear-off and matching original details matter as much as the new membrane.
Potrero Hill
Victorian cottages next to newer condo and loft buildings with flat roofs, roof decks and solar. Wind and full sun on the hill age membranes, so drainage and seams get extra attention.
Bayview & Excelsior
Post-war homes, cottages and 1920s–40s row houses, many with flat sections and older roof-overs. Several layers of old roofing often mean a full tear-off at replacement.
San Francisco homes we see on these jobs
- Lightwells, skylights, roof hatches and roof decks that interrupt the membrane and need careful detailing.
- Buildings with solar or a roof deck, where the roof has to be planned around what sits on it.
Local conditions that shape the work
Ponding water
Flat roofs with sagging framing or blocked scuppers hold water, and standing water is what kills a membrane early.
Flat and low-slope roofs on Victorians, Edwardians and row houses
Most San Francisco houses have a flat or low-slope roof you cannot see from the street. These roofs fail at the edges and penetrations more often than in the middle, so that is where we start.
- Systems we install: modified bitumen (torch-down or cold-applied), TPO and other single-ply membranes, chosen for the building and how the roof is used.
- Parapet caps, wall flashing and the joint with the neighbor's building, the source of a large share of SF leaks.
- Drainage: scuppers, internal drains and downspouts sized and cleared so water leaves the roof instead of ponding.
- Skylights, lightwells, roof hatches and deck supports flashed into the new membrane, not caulked around it.
Permits for roof replacement in San Francisco
San Francisco requires a permit before roofing material is installed, repaired or removed, with limited exemptions listed in Building Code Section 106A.2. Reroofing is permitted through the Department of Building Inspection, and only a C-39 licensed roofing contractor can apply online. We pull the DBI permit and request the inspections. Other city rules that often come up on SF roof jobs:
Permit office: San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) (opens in a new tab). How we handle permits across the Bay Area: roofing permits explained.
Roof Replacement in San Francisco: FAQs
Does the Better Roofs Ordinance mean I need solar when I replace my roof?
The Better Roofs Ordinance applies to most new construction: since January 1, 2017 those projects must put solar, a living roof or both on 15 to 30 percent of the roof. A reroof of an existing home is not new construction. If you plan to add solar, we lay out the new roof so the panels and the membrane can both be serviced.
Should I repair or replace my San Francisco roof?
Repair it when the roof is sound and the water is getting in at one detail, such as a parapet cap, a shared-wall joint, a skylight or a scupper. Replace it when water ponds across a flat roof, leaks keep coming back after patches, or there are several old layers or soft decking. After the free inspection we put the option that fits in writing, and both when both are reasonable.
How long does a roof replacement take in San Francisco?
A typical single-family San Francisco replacement runs two to four working days, weather permitting. Tile and steep or cut-up roofs take longer; a simple ranch with good access goes quicker. You get a firm schedule in the written estimate, not a vague window.
Do you pull the permit for a San Francisco roof replacement?
Yes. Most Bay Area cities, San Francisco included, require a building permit for a reroof, issued by the city (or by the county in unincorporated areas). We pull it, list the permit fee in the written estimate, and schedule the inspections. Unpermitted roofing work can cause problems with insurance claims and at resale.
What's the best roofing material for a San Francisco home?
For most San Francisco homes, a Class 4 architectural asphalt shingle is the best all-round choice — the value sweet spot. Tile and standing-seam metal make sense where the structure and budget support a 40–50 year horizon. The right pick depends on your roof's pitch, exposure, and original assembly, so we walk the roof and put the recommendation in writing.
Other roofing services in San Francisco
See our overview of roofing in San Francisco, or learn more about roof replacement across the Bay Area.