2025 Storm Events in Long Beach

Recent severe weather that may have damaged roofs in your area

August 2023

Hurricane Hilary (Tropical Storm)

Winds: 60+ mph
Rain: 1-3 inches in 24 hours

Affected Areas:

Long Beach, Surrounding LA County, Orange County

Significant roof damage from wind and rain, many insurance claims filed

Winter 2024-2025

Pacific Storm Season

Winds: Variable, some gusts 40-50 mph
Rain: Above average seasonal rainfall

Affected Areas:

Coastal Long Beach, Harbor area

Typical storm damage including lifted shingles and clogged gutters

Long Beach California skyline silhouette at sunset with port cranes visible
Long Beach, California

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Climate Impact

Climate Considerations in Long Beach

Understanding Long Beach's weather patterns helps you choose the right roofing materials and plan your project timing.

California coastal town with ocean waves and palm trees during Santa Ana winds

Photo by ryan tyler on Unsplash

Challenge 1

Coastal salt air causes accelerated corrosion of metal components

Challenge 2

Year-round UV exposure (2,800+ hours annually) degrades shingles faster

Challenge 3

Santa Ana winds can reach 60+ mph causing uplift damage

Best Time to Roof
Optimal months for roofing projects

Best Months

MayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctober

Avoid if Possible

NovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarch
Energy Considerations
How your roof affects energy costs
  • Cool roof requirements under California Title 24
  • White or light-colored roofs reduce cooling costs significantly
  • Reflective coatings can lower roof surface temperature by 50+ degrees
  • Proper attic ventilation critical for coastal humidity control
  • Solar panel compatibility increasingly important in Long Beach
Long Beach enjoys a Mediterranean climate that presents unique challenges for residential and commercial roofing. Situated along the Pacific Coast with the Port of Long Beach nearby, the city experiences approximately 2,800 hours of sunshine annually and receives just 12 inches of rain per year, mostly concentrated from November through March. This combination of intense UV exposure and coastal conditions creates a demanding environment for roofing materials.

The most significant climate factor affecting Long Beach roofs is the persistent salt-laden ocean air. The salty breeze carried from the Pacific Ocean accelerates corrosion on metal components including flashing, fasteners, and vents. Over time, this corrosion weakens structural integrity and leads to leaks if not addressed with appropriate materials and regular maintenance. Homeowners within a few miles of the coast notice particularly accelerated wear on standard metal components.

Santa Ana winds present another substantial challenge for Long Beach roofing. These powerful offshore winds can gust above 60 mph, particularly during fall and early winter months, creating significant uplift forces that can tear away improperly secured shingles and tiles. Hurricane Hilary in August 2023 demonstrated the vulnerability of many local roofs to extreme wind events, resulting in widespread insurance claims throughout the region.

The extended dry season from May through October provides an ideal window for roof installation and replacement, with minimal rain interruption and temperatures warm enough for proper adhesive curing on shingles. However, this same period brings the most intense UV exposure, making material selection critical. Standard asphalt shingles degrade faster in Long Beach than in inland areas, losing protective granules more rapidly and reducing their effective lifespan by several years. Cool roof materials that reflect solar radiation help combat heat buildup and meet California Title 24 energy requirements while extending roof longevity.

How Long Beach's Climate Affects Materials

asphalt Shingles

Loses granules faster due to UV; salt air can degrade adhesives

metal

Requires marine-grade coatings to prevent salt corrosion; standing seam with Kynar 500 recommended

tile

Excellent durability; clay and concrete resist salt and UV well

flat Roof Membranes

TPO and PVC perform well; white surfaces reflect heat and reduce cooling costs

Finding the right roofing contractor in Long Beach can feel overwhelming given the number of options available. Your roof represents one of the most critical components of your home, protecting everything and everyone beneath it from the coastal elements. Making the right choice in contractor selection ensures quality workmanship, proper material installation, and lasting protection for your property.

Long Beach presents unique roofing challenges that demand contractors with specific local expertise. The combination of salt air corrosion, intense UV exposure, Santa Ana wind events, and historic district regulations requires professionals who understand these factors intimately. A contractor who has successfully completed projects in Belmont Heights, Naples, or California Heights brings invaluable experience that translates directly to better outcomes for your roof.

California law requires all roofing contractors to hold a valid C-39 Roofing Contractor license issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). This specialty classification covers professionals who install products and repair surfaces that seal, waterproof, and weatherproof structures. Verifying this license through the CSLB website at cslb.ca.gov protects you from unlicensed operators and ensures your contractor has met state requirements for competency and insurance.
The process of finding a qualified Long Beach roofing contractor begins with verification of proper licensing and credentials. California's C-39 Roofing Contractor classification requires contractors to demonstrate experience and pass examinations covering roofing practices, safety regulations, and business law. You can verify any contractor's license status, check for complaints, and confirm insurance coverage through the CSLB's online license check tool.

Beyond state licensing, reputable Long Beach contractors maintain an active Long Beach Business License and carry appropriate insurance coverage. Request proof of general liability insurance with minimum coverage of one million dollars and workers' compensation coverage for all employees. These protections shield you from financial liability if accidents occur on your property during the project.

When evaluating contractors, prioritize those with demonstrated experience in Long Beach's coastal environment. Ask specific questions about their approach to salt air corrosion prevention, including what type of flashing and fasteners they use for coastal installations. Experienced local contractors will immediately discuss marine-grade components and corrosion-resistant materials as standard practice.

Look for manufacturer certifications that indicate advanced training and quality standards. Designations such as GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster represent the top tier of certified installers. These certifications require ongoing training, customer satisfaction metrics, and proper licensing and insurance verification.

Request references from recent Long Beach projects, ideally in neighborhoods similar to yours. If you live in a historic district, ask specifically about experience navigating Cultural Heritage Commission requirements. For waterfront properties in Naples or Bluff Park, inquire about their track record with marine environment installations.

Prepare a list of questions for each contractor consultation including their approach to permits, timeline expectations, warranty coverage, and cleanup procedures. A professional contractor welcomes these questions and provides clear, detailed answers. Watch for warning signs including reluctance to provide references, pressure to sign immediately, requests for large upfront payments, or inability to provide proof of licensing and insurance.

Roofing Materials for Long Beach

Selecting the right roofing material for a Long Beach home requires careful consideration of the coastal environment, architectural style, and long-term durability. The unique combination of salt air, intense UV exposure, and occasional severe weather makes material selection particularly important for homeowners in this region.

Asphalt shingles remain a popular choice throughout Long Beach neighborhoods due to their versatility and wide range of style options. However, standard shingles typically last only twenty to twenty-five years in the coastal environment compared to thirty years in less demanding climates. Cool roof-rated shingles with reflective granules perform significantly better by reducing heat absorption and meeting California Title 24 energy requirements. For Long Beach homes, investing in premium architectural shingles with enhanced UV protection provides better long-term value through extended service life.

Concrete and clay tiles excel in the Long Beach environment, making them ideal for the city's many Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean-style homes. These materials deliver exceptional longevity of fifty to one hundred years or more. They resist salt air corrosion, withstand UV exposure without degradation, and provide superior fire protection. The weight of tile requires adequate structural support, which most older Long Beach homes were originally designed to accommodate.

Metal roofing offers excellent durability of forty to seventy years when properly specified for coastal conditions. Standing seam metal with marine-grade Kynar 500 coating resists salt air corrosion effectively. The reflective surface provides energy efficiency benefits, and metal withstands high winds better than most materials. Homeowners should avoid standard steel or aluminum without protective coatings, as salt exposure causes rapid deterioration in coastal areas.

For the many flat-roofed buildings in Long Beach, TPO and PVC membranes provide the best combination of durability and energy efficiency. Their white surfaces reflect solar radiation, significantly reducing cooling loads during warm months. Modified bitumen remains a reliable alternative, offering flexibility that accommodates building movement in California's seismic zone while providing dependable waterproofing protection.

Roofing Permits in Long Beach

Long Beach requires building permits for most roofing work, specifically when replacing more than ten percent of the roof covering or making structural modifications. The permitting process is administered by the City of Long Beach Building and Safety Bureau, located at 411 West Ocean Boulevard on the third floor.

The permit application process can be completed online through the city's permit portal or in person at the Development Permit Center during business hours. Homeowners may obtain permits for their own single-family or two-family dwellings, while all other work must be performed by a licensed contractor with a valid California Contractors State License Board C-39 roofing classification and an active Long Beach Business License.

Standard residential roofing permits typically receive approval within one to five business days. Projects requiring plan review, such as those involving structural changes or located in historic districts, take longer to process. Properties within Long Beach's eighteen designated historic districts must also obtain Cultural Heritage Commission approval, which adds two to four weeks to the overall timeline.

Important requirements include Title 24 energy compliance documentation demonstrating that roofing materials meet California's cool roof standards. Contractors must provide proof of workers' compensation insurance if they have employees. Permits become null and void if work is not commenced within ninety days of issuance or if work is suspended for ninety days after starting. After completion, a final inspection must be scheduled to close the permit and document the work for future property transactions.

Choosing a roofing contractor in Long Beach

Selecting a qualified roofing contractor in Long Beach requires verifying credentials appropriate for the coastal region's unique challenges. Start by confirming California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) C-39 roofing specialty license, which ensures the contractor has met state requirements for roofing work.

Top-rated local contractors include Home Renew 360 Roofing with 502 reviews and a 4.9 rating, Sol Roofing with 458 reviews and extensive Thumbtack experience, and Alpha One Construction with over 300 documented projects. These established contractors understand Long Beach's specific requirements including historic district protocols, HOA approval processes, and materials that withstand coastal conditions.

Request proof of insurance including comprehensive general liability coverage and workers compensation for all employees. Ask specifically about experience with salt air environments and whether they recommend marine-grade components for coastal installations. A contractor familiar with Long Beach should immediately mention the importance of corrosion-resistant flashing and fasteners.

Obtain three to five written estimates for comparison, ensuring each includes the same scope of work, materials, and warranty terms. Be wary of bids significantly lower than competitors, as this often indicates inferior materials or unlicensed workers. Watch for red flags including requests for full payment upfront, pressure tactics, lack of physical business address, or door-to-door solicitation following storms.

Verify the contractor will obtain required permits and request references from recent Long Beach projects. A quality contractor provides detailed written contracts, clear payment schedules, and warranties covering both materials and workmanship.

Local Insights

Long Beach's diverse neighborhoods each present distinct roofing considerations shaped by architectural heritage, coastal proximity, and community regulations. In Belmont Heights, one of the city's oldest residential areas, Craftsman Bungalows dating from 1905 to 1923 dominate the streetscape alongside Victorian and Mission Revival homes. Homeowners here must navigate historic district restrictions that often require period-appropriate materials and colors, with the Cultural Heritage Commission reviewing significant roof changes to preserve the neighborhood's character.

Bluff Park offers stunning Ocean Boulevard views but subjects homes to the most direct salt air exposure in Long Beach. The large two-story Craftsman and Period Revival homes in this historic district, designated since 1982, require roofing materials specifically chosen for marine environment durability. Contractors working in Bluff Park routinely recommend marine-grade flashing and corrosion-resistant fasteners as standard practice rather than upgrades.

California Heights represents Long Beach's largest historic district with over 1,500 homes, predominantly featuring Spanish Colonial Revival architecture from the 1920s. Clay tile roofs remain the preferred choice here, matching the neighborhood's original aesthetic while providing exceptional longevity in the coastal climate. HOA oversight in this area tends toward preserving the unified Spanish-style appearance that defines the community.

Naples stands apart as Long Beach's premier waterfront enclave, where Mediterranean and coastal contemporary homes line canal-side streets. Salt exposure reaches its highest levels in Naples, making material selection critical. Many homeowners in this upscale community opt for concrete or clay tile despite higher initial investment, recognizing that the decision pays dividends through extended roof life and reduced maintenance in the harsh marine environment.

Bixby Knolls offers a more varied roofing landscape, with mid-century and ranch-style homes featuring diverse roof configurations. The tree-lined streets provide some protection from direct sun exposure, though the mix of flat and pitched roofs requires contractors familiar with multiple installation techniques. Downtown Long Beach presents an entirely different challenge, where high-rise condos and commercial buildings rely primarily on flat roof systems like TPO and EPDM membranes designed for the modern urban environment.
Connecting with the right roofing contractor transforms a major home improvement project from a stressful experience into a smooth process with excellent results. Long Beach homeowners benefit most from contractors who combine proper CSLB C-39 licensing with genuine local expertise and strong customer satisfaction records.

Take time to verify credentials, check references, and compare detailed written estimates before making your decision. The contractor you choose will be responsible for protecting your home from Long Beach's demanding coastal climate for decades to come. This decision deserves careful consideration rather than rushing based on the lowest quote or most aggressive sales pitch.

Ready to connect with qualified Long Beach roofing professionals? Start gathering estimates from licensed local contractors who understand your neighborhood's specific requirements. The right contractor is ready to help you protect your home with quality workmanship and materials suited to the coastal environment.
8

Verified roofing contractors

Verified local contractors serving Long Beach, California. All contractors are licensed and insured for roofing work in your area.

Highest Rated

The Roof Whisperer

5(11 reviews)

305 East Sunset Street, Long Beach

Licensed
Residential RoofingRoof Repair
2

AHR Company

5 · 38 reviews

3

DK Commercial Roofing of Long Beach

5 · 8 reviews

4

Home Renew 360 Roofing

4.9 · 502 reviews

5

Roof Repair Specialist

4.9 · 66 reviews

6

Sol Roofing

4.8 · 458 reviews

+ 2 more roofing contractors

More roofing contractors in Long Beach

Alpha One Construction Inc
4.8(156 reviews)
Licensed

Specialties

Roof RepairRoof ReplacementSolar Installation

303 hires on Thumbtack, in high demand

Sho Global Roofing
4.8(75 reviews)
LicensedCertified

Specialties

Roof ReplacementRoof Repair

122 hires on Thumbtack, completed full replacements in 2.5 days

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Complete Long Beach Roof Replacement Guide

Everything you need to know about roof replacement in Long Beach. Expand any section for details.

Interior Signs

  • Water stains or discoloration on ceilings
  • Peeling paint near rooflines
  • Daylight visible through roof boards in attic
  • Musty odors indicating mold from moisture intrusion
  • Sagging ceiling areas
  • Higher than normal energy bills (poor insulation)

Exterior Signs

  • Curling, cracking, or buckling shingles
  • Missing or damaged shingles
  • Granules accumulating in gutters
  • Rust or corrosion on metal flashing (common in coastal areas)
  • Moss, mold, or algae growth
  • Damaged or deteriorating roof vents
  • Sagging roof deck
  • Cracked or broken tiles
  • Visible salt deposits on roof surfaces

25% Rule: If damage affects more than 25-30% of the roof, or if the roof is over 20 years old with multiple issues, replacement is usually more practical than repair. For coastal Long Beach homes, factor in salt damage to metal components even if shingles appear intact.

Long Beach at a Glance

Local neighborhoods, climate conditions, and landmarks that influence roofing decisions

Aerial view of Naples Island Long Beach California waterfront homes at sunset

Naples

Aerial view of Naples Island Long Beach California waterfront homes at sunset

Photo by Logan Voss on Unsplash

Aerial view of Long Beach California coastal residential area with palm trees

Coastal Homes

Aerial view of Long Beach California coastal residential area with palm trees

Photo by Logan Voss on Unsplash

Aerial view of Long Beach California residential neighborhoods at sunset

Residential Area

Aerial view of Long Beach California residential neighborhoods at sunset

Photo by Logan Voss on Unsplash

California coastal town with ocean waves and palm trees during Santa Ana winds

Local Climate

California coastal town with ocean waves and palm trees during Santa Ana winds

Photo by ryan tyler on Unsplash

The Queen Mary ship docked in Long Beach California harbor

Local Landmark

The Queen Mary ship docked in Long Beach California harbor

Photo by Bradley Pisney on Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about roof replacement in Long Beach, California

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