2025 Storm Events in Long Beach
Recent severe weather that may have damaged roofs in your area
Hurricane Hilary (Tropical Storm)
Affected Areas:
Long Beach, Surrounding LA County, Orange County
Significant roof damage from wind and rain, many insurance claims filed
Pacific Storm Season
Affected Areas:
Coastal Long Beach, Harbor area
Typical storm damage including lifted shingles and clogged gutters

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

Photo by ryan tyler on Unsplash
Coastal salt air causes accelerated corrosion of metal components
Year-round UV exposure (2,800+ hours annually) degrades shingles faster
Santa Ana winds can reach 60+ mph causing uplift damage
Best Months
Avoid if Possible
- 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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Verified roofing contractors
Verified local contractors serving Long Beach, California. All contractors are licensed and insured for roofing work in your area.
The Roof Whisperer
305 East Sunset Street, Long Beach
AHR Company
5 · 38 reviews
DK Commercial Roofing of Long Beach
5 · 8 reviews
Home Renew 360 Roofing
4.9 · 502 reviews
Roof Repair Specialist
4.9 · 66 reviews
Sol Roofing
4.8 · 458 reviews
+ 2 more roofing contractors
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Specialties
303 hires on Thumbtack, in high demand
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122 hires on Thumbtack, completed full replacements in 2.5 days
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Call (888) 292-4579 - Free QuoteComplete 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

Naples
Aerial view of Naples Island Long Beach California waterfront homes at sunset
Photo by Logan Voss on Unsplash

Coastal Homes
Aerial view of Long Beach California coastal residential area with palm trees
Photo by Logan Voss on Unsplash

Residential Area
Aerial view of Long Beach California residential neighborhoods at sunset
Photo by Logan Voss on Unsplash

Local Climate
California coastal town with ocean waves and palm trees during Santa Ana winds
Photo by ryan tyler on Unsplash

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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