Roof Repair

Roof Repair in San Francisco

A small leak rarely stays small. Water travels along rafters and sheathing before it shows on a ceiling, so the stain you see is often feet away from the real problem. By the time it appears indoors, insulation, drywall and wood may already be wet.

Ascender Roofing Solutions finds the actual source, shows you photos of it, and gives you a written quote before any work starts. We are a licensed C-39 roofing contractor (License 1163569), and every repair is supervised by our qualifying member.

What we repair

Active roof leaks and water intrusion
Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
Flashing at chimneys, walls, vents and skylights
Parapet wall flashing and coping on flat roofs
Blisters, splits and open seams in flat roof membranes
Ponding water and clogged roof drains or scuppers
Wind and storm damage
Roof edge and gutter-line damage
Dry rot and damaged roof decking

Our process

1

Inspection

We get on the roof, trace the water path, and photograph the source.

2

Diagnosis

We explain what failed and why, and whether repair or replacement is the right call.

3

Written quote

An itemized price before any work begins.

4

Repair

Our crew completes the work, supervised by our qualifying member.

5

Verification and cleanup

We check the repair, clean up, and send photos of the finished work on request.

Where San Francisco roofs usually leak

Parapet walls. Many homes in the Sunset, Richmond, Mission and Marina have flat roofs behind parapets. The joint where the roof meets the wall is the most common leak point we see.

Chimney and wall flashing. Old step flashing and mortar joints crack with age and movement. Caulk over failed flashing buys months, not years.

Skylights. Leaks around skylights are usually flashing failures, not the glass. Reflashing often solves it without replacing the unit. Skylights →

Drains and scuppers. On flat roofs, a blocked drain turns a light rain into standing water that finds every weak seam.

Exposed west-side homes. Wind-driven rain off the ocean pushes water sideways under shingles and flashing that would stay dry inland.

Roof leak detection

Water often travels along the decking or framing before it shows up as a stain, so the leak is rarely right above it. We check the ceiling or attic below the stain, then the roof above and uphill of it. On flat roofs we start with the seams, flashing and drains. We photograph the source before recommending a repair.

Storm damage repair

After wind or heavy rain, look for lifted or missing shingles, torn flashing, debris damage and blocked drains. If water is coming in now, call the 24/7 emergency line. Emergency roof repair →

Patch or full repair?

A patch suits small, isolated damage on an otherwise sound roof. Patching the same aging roof again and again costs more than fixing it properly.

What does roof repair cost?

No two roof problems are identical, so repair prices vary. Most roof repairs range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the cause, roof type, access and the extent of any hidden damage.

You receive a written, itemized price after inspection, before any work starts.

Repair or replace?

We would rather fix a roof that has years left than sell a roof you do not need. Repair usually makes sense when the damage is limited to one area and the rest of the roof is sound. Replacement makes more sense when leaks keep returning in different places, materials are failing across the whole roof, or the roof is at the end of its life. If repair is the right answer, we will say so in writing. Roof replacement →

Roof leaking right now?

Call our 24/7 emergency line at (415) 728-2724. We prioritize active leaks and can install temporary protection to stop further damage until a permanent repair is scheduled. Emergency roof repair →

While you wait:

  • Move valuables and electronics away from the leak
  • Catch dripping water with buckets and towels
  • If a ceiling is bulging with water, keep people away from it
  • Take photos for your records and insurance
  • Do not climb onto a wet roof

Why homeowners call Ascender Roofing Solutions

  • Licensed C-39 roofing contractor, License 1163569, verifiable on the CSLB website
  • Insured and bonded, with general liability and workers' compensation coverage
  • Source first: we find and photograph the cause before quoting
  • Written quotes with no surprise charges
  • Supervised repairs by our qualifying member
  • One point of contact from first call to final photos

Common questions

How quickly can you respond to a leak?+
We prioritize active leaks. Call the emergency line directly for the fastest response.
How much does a roof repair cost?+
Most roof repairs range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the cause, roof type, access and hidden damage. You get a written price after inspection, before work starts.
How long does a typical repair take?+
Most residential repairs are completed in one day. Larger repairs may take two to three days.
Why does my roof leak only in heavy rain or wind?+
Usually because of wind-driven water getting under flashing or shingles, or a drain that backs up when rain is heavy. These are among the most common San Francisco leaks.
Can you repair a flat roof, or does it need replacing?+
Many flat roofs can be repaired, especially when the problem is at the parapet, a seam or a drain. We will tell you honestly if the membrane is past repair.
Do I need a permit for a roof repair?+
We will tell you before work starts whether a permit is needed, and handle it if one is required.
Do you guarantee your repairs?+
Coverage depends on the repair and the condition of the surrounding roof. Any guarantee is stated in writing on your quote.
Will you match my existing shingles?+
We match as closely as possible. Older or discontinued shingles may not match exactly, and we will show you options before we start.
Why is there a water stain on my ceiling?+
It usually means water got past the roof somewhere uphill of the stain. We trace it to the source before recommending a repair.
Is a roof patch a permanent fix?+
On a sound roof with isolated damage, a proper repair lasts. On a worn-out roof, a patch only buys time.
Do you repair storm damage?+
Yes. We repair storm-damaged shingles, flashing and drains, and the leaks they cause.
How do you find where a roof is leaking?+
We inspect from inside and outside, trace the water path, and photograph the source before quoting.
Do you work outside San Francisco?+
Yes. We also serve Daly City, South San Francisco, Pacifica, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City, Palo Alto and San Jose.

Talk to a licensed roofer

Call us or book a free inspection. We respond within one business day.