Asphalt Shingle Roofing in Los Angeles
Asphalt shingle roof repair and replacement in Los Angeles. Tear-off, deck repair, flashing and Class A rated shingles.
Family owned Los Angeles, CA
Licensed · Bonded · Insured
California license #1045592
01 / Shingle roofing
Asphalt shingles are the most common roof covering on Los Angeles houses. They come in a wide range of colors, suit most home styles and can be repaired in sections. They also take a beating from the sun, and Santa Ana winds find any tab that has lost its grip. Denali Builders CA repairs and replaces shingle roofs across Los Angeles.
02 / Shingle types
Types of asphalt shingle
- Three-tab shingles. A flat, uniform look. Common on older homes, and thinner than the newer types.
- Architectural (laminated) shingles. Thicker, with a layered, dimensional look. The usual choice for a new roof today.
- Cool-rated shingles. Made with reflective granules to send more sun away from the roof. California's Energy Code asks for cool roof products on many replacements.
03 / Aging
How shingles age in Los Angeles
Sun and heat dry out the asphalt, and the granules that protect it slowly wear away. The shingles curl, crack and lose their grip on the sealant strip. Roofs facing south and west usually age first. In the fall, Santa Ana winds lift loose tabs and drive dust and debris into valleys. Tree debris collecting in valleys and against chimneys holds moisture against the roof.
Ridge installation 
Underlayment and shingles 
Shingle roof with dormers
04 / Warning signs
Signs of a shingle roof in trouble
- Curled, cracked, blistered or missing shingles
- Bare patches where granules have worn off, or granules collecting in the gutters
- Exposed nail heads or lifted flashing
- Stains on ceilings or in the attic
- Moss or algae streaks in shaded areas
05 / Repair or replace
Shingle repair or a new shingle roof?
Isolated damage, such as a few lifted tabs after a windstorm or damage around a vent, can be repaired. When the shingles across the roof are aging together, repairing a few leaves the rest of the roof to fail. Roof repair and roof replacement cover each case in more detail.
They worked on the roof- stripping the old shingles off and putting new shingles. They also put new sky lights in, and put up gutters. They changed the roofs on both houses on our property.
Sam and his crew were very professional and did a great job on my roof, gutters and attic insulation.
06 / Installation
What goes into a shingle installation
The shingles you see are the final layer of a system, and most failures come from the layers below them.
- Tear-off. Removing the old roofing lets us see the deck.
- Decking. Damaged or soft plywood is replaced.
- Underlayment and drip edge. The water barrier and the metal edge that guides water into the gutter.
- Flashing. New flashing at walls, chimneys, valleys and vents. Reusing old flashing under a new roof is a common source of later leaks.
- Ventilation. Attic airflow keeps heat out of the shingles and the house.
- Shingles and ridge caps. Installed with the nailing pattern the manufacturer specifies.
07 / Code rules
Fire rating and cool roof rules
In the City of Los Angeles the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) issues roofing permits and inspects the work. In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, the roof covering must be rated Class A. The City of Glendale asks for Class A in its High Fire Hazard Zone, and Burbank's municipal code has its own Class A roof covering amendment. On top of that, California's Energy Code asks for Cool Roof Rating Council rated products on many replacements. We check which rules apply to your address before we order materials.
How long do asphalt shingles last in Los Angeles?
It depends on the grade of shingle, the installation, the ventilation under the roof and how much sun the roof gets. Strong sun wears shingles faster than mild coastal weather, and south and west slopes age first.
Do you tear off the old shingles or install over them?
We recommend removing the old roofing so the deck can be inspected and repaired. Covering over a worn roof hides problems, and the city's rules and the weight of the extra layer can limit it.
What is a Class A roof and do I need one?
Class A is the highest fire rating for roof coverings. In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, which include many hillside areas, the City of Los Angeles requires it. Most asphalt shingles sold for re-roofing carry a Class A rating, and we confirm the requirement for your address.
Are there cool roof shingles?
Yes. Cool-rated shingles reflect more of the sun's heat. California's Energy Code asks for a Cool Roof Rating Council rated product on many replacements, and we check what applies to your roof.
Can a few damaged shingles just be replaced?
Yes, when the rest of the roof is sound. If shingles across the roof are curling, cracking or losing granules, replacing a few will not solve the larger problem.
09 / Keep exploring
More roofing help
- Roofing servicesEverything we do on a roof
- Roof repairLeaks, storm damage, flashing
- Roof replacementTear-off to final inspection
- Tile roofingClay and concrete tile
- Flat roofingLow-slope roofs and membranes
- Roof inspectionKnow what your roof needs
- Roofing questionsStraight answers for homeowners
- Areas we serveCities and permit offices
- Customer reviewsWhat customers say on Google
- Contact usCall or send a message
Los Angeles & surrounding communities
Santa Monica · Culver City · Burbank · PasadenaSanta Monica, Culver City, Burbank and Pasadena
See service areasFree consultation
Talk to us about your shingle roof
Whether it needs a repair or a new roof, we will look at it and explain what we find.
(855) 200-6550Prefer a conversation? Give us a call.