How to use these answers
Every roof is different, and nothing here replaces a roofer looking at yours. These answers are general information to help you understand what you are seeing, ask better questions and recognize a good quote. Rules mentioned here, such as permits, Title 24 and contractor licensing, are set by the state or by each city and can change, so confirm anything important with the agency named.
The three things worth doing before any roof work
- Check the license. Look up the contractor's license number on the CSLB website before you sign anything.
- Get it in writing. The scope, the materials, the price for any extra decking, the permit, the payment schedule and the warranty.
- Know your roof. Read our tile, shingle and flat roof guide so you can follow what the roofer tells you.
For what goes into a price, see roofing cost in San Bernardino. For the cities we cover, see service areas.
Ready to talk it through? Call (909) 417-6201 and describe the roof, the city and what you are seeing.
Common questions, plain answers
How does Roofers San Bernardino work?
You call (909) 417-6201 and tell us where the property is, what kind of roof it has and what is going on. We line up an independent roofing contractor who works in your city. They inspect the roof and give you a written quote, and you decide whether to hire them. We are a referral service; we do not employ roofers.
Do I pay anything for the referral?
No. Calling us and being connected with a roofer costs you nothing. Any price for roofing work comes from the contractor in their written quote, and your agreement is with them.
My ceiling has a water stain. Is it urgent?
Treat it as urgent if it is wet, growing, or near light fixtures. Water spreads through insulation and along framing before it shows, so the damage above is often larger than the stain. Put a container under any drip, move valuables, and call. If the stain is old and dry, it still needs checking before the next storm.
What should I do during a storm if my roof is leaking?
Stay off the roof. Contain the water inside, turn off power to any affected light fixture at the breaker if water is near it, and take photos for your records and your insurer. A roofer can often tarp the area when conditions are safe and return for the permanent repair when the roof is dry.
How do I check a roofer's license in California?
Ask for their contractor license number and look it up on the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website. Roofing contractors are licensed under the C-39 Roofing classification, and general building contractors may also take on roofing as part of a larger project. The lookup shows whether the license is active, and bond and workers' compensation information.
What if a roofer knocks on my door after a windstorm?
Be cautious. Door-to-door offers after storms are a well-known source of problems. Ask for the license number and check it on the CSLB site, get a written quote, do not sign anything on the spot, and never pay a large deposit in cash. California gives homeowners a right to cancel many home improvement contracts within a short period after signing; CSLB explains the details.
How much deposit is normal?
California law caps the down payment on most home improvement contracts, and CSLB publishes the current rule. A contractor asking for well above that, especially in cash, is a red flag. Pay the rest in stages as work is completed.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof?
Re-roofing generally needs a building permit from the city where the home is, such as San Bernardino, Highland, Redlands, Rialto, Fontana, Colton, Loma Linda or Yucaipa. Homes in many mobile home parks fall under the state Department of Housing and Community Development instead. The contractor usually pulls the permit; confirm it in writing.
What is Title 24 and does it affect my roof?
Title 24 is California's building standards code. Its energy section, maintained by the California Energy Commission, includes cool-roof requirements that can apply to re-roofing, depending on climate zone, roof slope and the size of the project. Your contractor and building department can tell you if your project is affected.
How long does a roof last in San Bernardino?
It depends on the material, the installation and the attic ventilation more than on any single number. Tile itself is very long-lived, but the underlayment beneath it ages much sooner. Shingles wear fastest on the sunny slopes. Flat roofs depend on the membrane and maintenance. A roofer can estimate remaining life after an inspection.
Is it better to repair or replace?
Repair when the problem is local and the rest of the roof is sound. Replace when the same wear shows up across the whole roof, when there are leaks in several places, or when the deck is soft. Our repair and replacement pages explain the signs in more detail.
Will insurance pay for a new roof?
Policies generally cover sudden damage, such as wind or a fallen limb, and not age-related wear, but terms differ. Document the damage, read your policy and talk to your insurer before work starts. A roofer can describe the damage they find; the insurer decides coverage.
When is the best time of year to re-roof?
Spring through fall, when the risk of rain is low and schedules are easier to keep. Midsummer heat is hard on crews, so many start early in the day. Winter work is possible between storms but delays are more likely. Booking ahead of the rainy season is the safest plan.
Can solar panels stay on during a re-roof?
Panels usually have to be removed and reinstalled so the roof beneath them can be replaced. That is normally done by a solar contractor, and it should be coordinated and priced before the roofing starts. Ask whether the roofer will arrange it or whether you need to.
Do you do commercial roofing?
This site focuses on homes. If you have a small commercial building with a flat or low-slope roof, call and describe it; we will tell you whether we can line someone up.