Roof Replacement in San Francisco
When repairs stop holding, a full replacement is the only lasting fix. We remove the old roof down to the deck, repair any damaged wood, and install a complete new system: underlayment, flashing, ventilation details and finish roofing, built for San Francisco's wind, fog and winter rain.
Ascender Roofing Solutions is a licensed C-39 roofing contractor (License 1163569). Every replacement is supervised by our qualifying member, and you have one point of contact from inspection to final walkthrough.
Repair or replace? Signs it is time
A good roofer tells you when a repair is enough. Replacement usually makes sense when:
- Leaks keep coming back in different spots after repairs
- Shingles are curling, cracking, or missing in several areas
- Granules are collecting in gutters and downspouts
- The roof deck feels soft or sags between rafters
- Flat roof membranes are blistered, split, or ponding water
- The roof is near or past the end of its expected life
Roof systems we install
Asphalt shingle. The standard for pitched residential roofs. Architectural shingles give better wind resistance and a dimensional look; three-tab is the budget option. Shingle roofing →
Modified bitumen. A multi-layer membrane for flat and low-slope roofs, common on Sunset, Richmond and Marina homes behind parapet walls. Durable, repairable, and well suited to foot traffic around roof decks and equipment. Modified bitumen →
Flat and low-slope systems. For roofs where water must drain to scuppers or drains rather than run off an edge. Getting the slope, drainage and parapet flashing right matters more than the membrane itself. Flat roofing →
What is included
Our process
Inspection
We inspect the roof, attic or underside where accessible, flashing and drainage, and take measurements and photos.
Written proposal within 48 hours
Clear scope, material options and one total price, with deck repair pricing listed separately so there are no surprises.
Permit
We prepare and submit the reroofing permit and schedule required inspections.
Tear-off and deck repair
We remove the old roof, inspect the deck, and document damage with photos before replacing any wood.
Installation
Underlayment, flashing and new roofing, supervised by our qualifying member.
Final walkthrough
Cleanup, building department final inspection, and a walkthrough of the finished roof with you.
What is different about San Francisco roofs
Skip sheathing. Many homes built before 1970 have spaced boards under the roof instead of solid plywood. Modern shingles need a solid deck, so sheathing is often added during replacement. This commonly adds $1,000 to $5,000, and we document the condition before any work.
Tight access. Row houses, shared walls and steep streets limit where materials and debris can go. We plan staging, protect neighboring properties, and coordinate with neighbors on shared walls.
Coastal weather. Fog, wind and salt air on the west side of the city wear roofs faster. Flashing details and fastening matter more here than inland.
Flat roofs and parapets. Many San Francisco homes have flat roofs hidden behind parapet walls. Most leaks we see on these roofs start at the parapet flashing and drains, not the open field of the roof.
Permits. San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection requires a permit for reroofing. Peninsula cities have their own rules. We handle the application and inspections either way.
What does roof replacement cost?
Most asphalt shingle replacements on San Francisco homes fall between $10,000 and $22,000. Price depends on:
- Roof size and pitch
- Number of existing layers to remove
- Deck condition and whether sheathing is needed
- Access, staging and number of stories
- Chimneys, skylights and other flashing details
- Material choice
Flat and modified bitumen roofs are priced differently. See our San Francisco roofing cost guide →
Why homeowners choose 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
- Supervised work: our qualifying member oversees every replacement
- One point of contact from first call to final walkthrough
- Written proposals with no vague line items
- Photo documentation of hidden damage before any change in scope
Common questions
How long does a roof replacement take?+
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in San Francisco?+
Can I stay home during the work?+
What happens if you find rotten wood under the old roof?+
Can you install a new roof over my existing one?+
Should I replace my roof before selling my home?+
Do you work outside San Francisco?+
Roof replacement across the Bay Area
Talk to a licensed roofer
Call us or book a free inspection. We respond within one business day.