FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely, yes they should. To verify a roofer’s license, check the State’s website, www.CSLB.CA.gov. For more helpful info, you can also visit the website for the Roofing Contractor’s Association of Southern California, www.rcasocal.org.
It’s always a good idea to execute any chimney work before doing the roof. All chimney flashing and repairs want to be done before the roofer starts roof repair. You’ll also want to get your chimney mason and your roofer together to coordinate things.
They’ll probably have to be removed first. Most are mounted to the existing roofing material. In most cases, you’ll need a licensed electrician to do the job correctly.
It depends on a number of factors, i.e., roof size, type of product, pitch of roof, access for equipment, etc. It’s definitely not like buying a car, where you can email several dealers the specs, and take the lowest price knowing you’re getting the same car from all of them. Quite the contrary. For instance, you’ll hope that all the roofers are using the same material—but how would you really know? And what about the workers actually installing the roof? Are they trained employees of the roofer, or men picked up the morning of the job outside the neighborhood home improvement store? Does the roofer carry the necessary insurance, in the event of a worker getting hurt? The worst-case scenarios happen far more often than you might imagine. The simple fact is that the cheapest roofer is NEVER the best roofer. When it comes to pricing a new roof, remember the old adage: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Ask for job references in your area that you can call, check the CSLB (CA State License Board, www.cslb.CA.gov), and you can also check with a local supplier like South Coast Shingle/A-1 Building Materials, www.southcoastshingle.com. It’s a good idea to get three comparable bids, and DO NOT TAKE THE LOWEST BID, unless the three are close in price. Make sure the contractor is licensed, properly insured, has been in business for a few years, and has a good reputation. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
80% of US homes are roofed with asphalt shingles. They’re durable, versatile and economical, with high-quality at an affordable price. With an enormous range of colors, shapes, and textures available, asphalt shingles can affordably match many design choices.