Los Angeles roofs face long dry seasons, strong sun, occasional heavy winter storms and the risk of wildfire. Flat roofs are common on older homes and apartment buildings, and tile roofs are common across the region. Each needs the right kind of care.
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 Los Angeles area, where one is available for your ZIP code. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Roofing challenges in Los Angeles
Winter rain leaks
Most rain falls between November and March. A roof that seemed fine all summer can leak during the first big storm, especially flat roofs with poor drainage.
Flat roofs
Many Los Angeles homes and buildings have flat or low slope roofs, which need good drainage and regular checks of the membrane and seams.
Tile roofs
Clay and concrete tiles last a long time, but tiles can crack, and the underlayment beneath them wears out and needs replacing.
Wildfire risk
In high fire risk areas, California building rules require fire resistant, Class A rated roofing for new roofs and most reroofing.
Areas across Los Angeles
Sifixit connects callers across the city of Los Angeles, including neighborhoods such as Hollywood, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Westwood, Venice, Van Nuys, North Hollywood and San Pedro, and in nearby cities such as Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Culver City, Inglewood and Long Beach.
Sifixit does not have an office or staff in Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles, larger drywall, electrical and plumbing repairs can require permits from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. Homes in other cities, such as Glendale, Pasadena or Santa Monica, follow the rules of that city or county.
In California, most construction and repair work above a small dollar amount must be done by a contractor licensed by the Contractors State License Board. You can check a license on the board’s website.
Seasonal risks in Los Angeles
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.
- Before November: check roofs and drains ahead of the rainy season.
- November to March: storms reveal leaks.
- Fall and winter: Santa Ana winds can lift shingles and tiles and bring wildfire embers.
- Summer: strong sun and heat age roofing materials.
Be prepared
- Clear roof drains and gutters before the rainy season
- Check flat roofs for cracks, bubbles and ponding water
- Replace broken tiles before winter
- Clear leaves and debris that could catch wildfire embers
- Ask whether your area requires a Class A fire rated roof
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 Los Angeles just as it does everywhere else.
Los Angeles questions
Do I need a licensed roofer in California?
Most roofing work above a small dollar amount must be done by a contractor licensed by the Contractors State License Board. You can check a license on the board’s website.
Do I need a permit for a new roof in Los Angeles?
Yes, reroofing usually needs a permit from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. California’s energy code may also require cool roofing materials.
How long does a tile roof last?
The tiles themselves can last many decades, but the underlayment beneath them usually needs replacing sooner.
Does Sifixit have an office in Los Angeles?
No. Sifixit is a referral service. Providers you speak to are independent local businesses that serve the Los Angeles 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.