Los Angeles Roofing Contractors

About Los Angeles Roofing

Roofing contractors in the greater Los Angeles area provide numerous important services. For new buildings, roofers are responsible for building safe, weatherproof structures. They also do inspections, perform repairs, and maintain or upgrade roofs for already-existing buildings. Specific jobs roofers specialize in depend on many environmental factors, as well as the styles and types of roofs common to an area.

General Information About Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the second largest city in the United States. The metropolitan area was home to an estimated 9,519,338 residents in 2000. That same year, the city's area was calculated at a vast 469.1 square miles. The area encompasses a large number of single-family homes, apartment buildings, and skyscrapers, each of which have unique roofing needs.

Typical Climate in Los Angeles

Los Angeles' weather is famously mild throughout the year. The summer average daily high temperatures rise to the low eighties and winter lows average no less than the high forties. Morning humidity is often high, ranging between 75 and 85 percent. Precipitation is fairly low, though, with an average precipitation of only 17 inches per year. The Santa Ana winds can carry gusts of up to 50 miles an hour, as well as brief but heavy rainstorms. Rain and wind can cause branches and trees to fall on roofs, causing minor or major damages.

Roofer Licensing in Los Angeles

California requires that roofing contractors completing jobs for more than $500 have a license. The process for acquiring a contractor's license in California involves several steps. The first step is to acquire and complete an application from the Contractors State License Board. Any documents supporting experience levels or certification must be submitted with the application. Individuals who are required to take an examination must then submit their materials and a $250 processing fee to the board. Upon passing their exam, applicants will then need to submit a bond and license fee. Those who do not need to take an examination must also submit all applicable bonds, a license fee of $150, and $50 per license classification. More information about the application process can be obtained by calling the CSLB at 1-800-321-2752.

According to the California Department of Consumer Affairs, unlicensed contractors make an estimated $60 to $140 billion of untaxed income in California each year. The department warns consumers that these contractors are often involved in construction scams and other illegal activity. Consumers in Los Angeles County can report unlicensed roofing contractor activity by calling the Statewide Investigative Fraud Team at (562) 345-7600.

Roofing Contractors Trade Organizations in Los Angeles

Roofers in Los Angeles have the opportunity of joining the Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California. This organization exists as a support system for the roofing industry in the area. Its activity includes educating roofing contractors, providing consumers with information on choosing a roofing contractor, and providing those in the roofing industry with networking opportunities.

The Union Roofing Contractors Association is another California organization to which Los Angeles roofers can apply for membership. This group describes its mission as the promotion of "public awareness of the value of hiring union roofing contractors." The organization does this by establishing a high standard of quality and ethical business practices for its members.