Roofing contractors in
Long Beach, California.
A public directory of licensed roofing contractors serving greater Long Beach. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
California requires C-39 Roofing Contractor license through CSLB. Must pass Law & Business exam plus C-39 trade exam. Requires 4 years journey-level experience or equivalent. $300 application fee, $200 initial license fee. Renews every 2 years with 12 hours continuing education.
Permit Requirements
City of Long Beach requires building permits for roof replacement, structural repairs, and new installations. Permit fees range $150-$800 based on project value. Re-roofing permits required for material changes or structural work.
Inspection Schedule
Rough inspection after decking/structural work, final inspection upon completion. City requires 24-hour notice for inspections. Additional inspections may be required for complex projects or after failed inspections.
Insurance Minimums
California requires minimum $1M general liability insurance. Workers compensation required for any employee. Contractors bond minimum $25,000 for license amounts up to $500K jobs.
How to Get Licensed
Meet experience requirements
Complete 4 years of journey-level roofing experience or equivalent combination of experience, education, and training as defined by CSLB
Submit application
File application with CSLB including experience verification, fingerprints, and $300 application fee. Allow 4-6 weeks processing time
Schedule and pass Law & Business exam
Take the Law & Business exam covering contractor law, business practices, and safety regulations. 72% passing score required
Schedule and pass C-39 trade exam
Pass the Roofing trade exam covering roofing materials, installation methods, safety, and industry standards. 72% passing score required
Obtain insurance and bond
Secure required general liability insurance ($1M minimum) and contractor's bond ($25,000 minimum) from approved providers
Pay license fee and activate
Pay $200 initial license fee and any additional fees to activate license. License is valid for 2 years with renewal required
About This Market
Long Beach roofing market stays busy year-round with 460,000+ residents and older housing stock. Coastal salt air accelerates deterioration, driving steady repair demand. Mix of single-family homes, condos, and commercial properties. Spanish tile common in higher-end areas, composition shingles dominate middle market. Labor costs run 15-20% above state average due to LA metro wages. Weather damage from winter storms creates surge periods. Competition is fierce with 200+ licensed contractors in the area. Getting the C-39 license takes most guys 6+ months if they're prepared. Long Beach building department runs tight ship - know the codes or you'll be doing rework. Peak season books out fast, so line up crews early. Storm season brings good money but also liability headaches. Smart contractors build relationships with insurance adjusters and property managers for steady commercial work. Don't lowball bids trying to break in - material costs are high and good crews command premium wages.
- Median hourly wageBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- Licensed establishments countUS Census Bureau
- Licensing requirementsCalifornia Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
- Permit requirementsCity of Long Beach Building Department
- Insurance minimumsCalifornia Department of Insurance and CSLB
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need to do roofing work in Long Beach, CA?
You need a C-39 Roofing Contractor license from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). This requires passing both Law & Business and trade-specific exams, plus 4 years of journey-level experience. Source: CSLB licensing requirements.
How much do roofing contractors make in California?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median hourly wage for roofers in California is $32.73 per hour or $68,078 annually. Experienced contractors and business owners typically earn significantly more.
Do I need a permit to replace a roof in Long Beach?
Yes, the City of Long Beach requires building permits for roof replacements, structural repairs, and new installations. Permit fees range from $150-$800 based on project value. Source: Long Beach Building Department.
When is peak roofing season in Long Beach?
Peak installation season runs April through September during dry weather. Storm damage repairs create busy periods October through March. Book crews early during peak season as contractors often have 1-3 week lead times.
What insurance do roofing contractors need in California?
California requires minimum $1 million general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage for any employees. Additionally, a contractor's bond of at least $25,000 is required for the C-39 license. Source: California contractor insurance requirements.
Roofing contractors in Long Beach
No contractors listed yet.
Run your roofing business on The Forge.
Get listed on The Board for free. Manage leads, quotes, jobs, and follow-ups in one place. Built for trades, used by thousands of operators nationwide.