Start with the fire map
Before choosing materials, look up your address on CAL FIRE's Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer. The state's Wildland-Urban Interface code sets roofing requirements, including a Class A roof assembly, for new buildings in designated zones. OSFM notes that embers cause 60 to 90 percent of home ignitions in wildfires, which is why roofs, vents and gutters get so much attention. Even outside a zone, many homeowners here choose Class A after 2017 and 2020. Ask your building department what applies to a reroof at your address.
Common materials in Sonoma County
- Asphalt (composition) shingles: the most common choice. Many products carry a Class A rating when installed as specified.
- Metal: standing-seam and other metal roofs are popular in rural areas and rebuilds. Fire rating depends on the full assembly. See metal roofing in Sonoma County.
- Concrete or clay tile: heavy, long-lived and common on Spanish-style homes; the structure has to carry the weight.
- Low-slope membranes: for flat and nearly flat roofs on mid-century and modern homes.
- Wood shakes: found on older homes; ask about fire-rating requirements before replacing in kind.
The contract
Under California rules enforced by CSLB, the down payment can't exceed 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less, and the contractor must be licensed for jobs of $1,000 or more. Get a written contract that names the materials, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, permit, cleanup and warranty. Check the license on CSLB; the roofing classification is C-39.
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Permits and timing
Reroofs typically need a permit from your city or Permit Sonoma in unincorporated areas. Late summer and fall are popular for replacements because roofers want dry weather. With an El Niño Advisory in effect, schedules can fill early.
Where we connect homeowners
- Roof repair in Santa Rosa
- Roof repair in Petaluma
- Roof repair in Rohnert Park & Cotati
- Roof repair in Windsor
- Roof repair in Healdsburg
- Roof repair in Sebastopol
- Roof repair in Sonoma
- Roof repair in Glen Ellen & Kenwood
- Roof repair in Cloverdale
- Roof repair in Guerneville & the lower Russian River
- Roof repair in Forestville
Other services
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Sources
- CAL FIRE OSFM: Fire Hazard Severity Zones
- CAL FIRE OSFM: Building in the wildland
- CSLB: disaster information
- CSLB: license check
- Permit Sonoma
Sources checked October 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a new roof over the old one?
Sometimes building codes allow a second layer of certain materials, but many roofers recommend a full tear-off so the deck can be inspected. Your building department and roofer can tell you what's allowed.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Many single-family reroofs take a few days once work starts, depending on size, material and weather. Permits and material lead times add time before that.