Top 10 Best Roofers in Marin County, California (Updated 2026)

The C-39 Roofing license in California

A roofing contractor in California holds a C-39 Roofing license from the Contractors State License Board. CSLB's C-39 classification describes the work as installing products and repairing surfaces that seal, waterproof and weatherproof structures. The materials it names include shakes, shingles, roof tile, slate, metal roofing systems, urethane foam and membrane materials.

A license is required once a job reaches $1,000 in combined labor and materials. It is required at any price if the job needs a building permit or the contractor uses workers. The full licensing rules are on the general contractors page.

When a general contractor may do roofing

A roof replacement sold by itself is a job for a C-39 contractor. CSLB's fact sheet on the B General Building license says a B contractor may contract for projects that include roofing. If the roofing is a standalone contract, the B contractor must subcontract it to a C-39 roofing contractor.

Roofers must carry workers' compensation insurance

California contractors with employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. Roofing is held to a stricter rule. CSLB states that all active C-39 Roofing contractors must carry workers' compensation insurance, or have a valid Certification of Self-Insurance on file with CSLB, whether or not they have employees.

CSLB explains why this matters on its page about finding the right contractor. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor has no insurance, you could be financially liable for the injuries and rehabilitation. The same always-insured rule covers C-20 contractors, who are listed under heating and air conditioning, and C-61/D-49 tree service contractors.

How to check a roofer's license

1. Get the license number. Contractors must put it on business cards, bids, contracts and all advertising.
2. Enter it in CSLB's license check, or search by business name or the contractor's name.
3. Confirm the license is active and lists the C-39 classification.
4. Confirm workers' compensation coverage is on file. CSLB shows it on the license status record.

The down payment on a home improvement job cannot be more than 10 percent of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. Contract rules, bonds, mechanics liens and complaints work the same way for every licensed trade, and they are explained on the general contractors page.

Roof fire ratings in fire hazard severity zones

State law sets a minimum fire rating for roof coverings, and the minimum rises with the fire hazard. Health and Safety Code section 13132.7 sets these floors.

The rule applies to every new structure and to any roof covering used in an alteration, repair or replacement. When more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within one year, the entire roof covering must meet the rating. The statute has an exception to the class A rule for a jurisdiction that adopts the State Fire Marshal's model ordinance, and it lets cities, counties and fire districts set stricter requirements.

Two more parts of the statute apply to the installer. The roofer must give the building owner certification of the roof covering's classification, as provided by the manufacturer or supplier. Wood roof covering materials may be sold or applied in California only if the State Fire Marshal has approved and listed them.

Under Government Code section 51178, the State Fire Marshal identifies moderate, high and very high fire hazard severity zones based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather and other factors. Local agencies then designate the zones by ordinance, and they may raise a zone's level but not lower it.

Roof permits and older homes in Marin County

The replacement rules apply to existing houses, and Marin has few new ones. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, table B25034, shows fewer than one in ten housing units in Marin County were built in 2000 or later.

Building permits come from the city or town where the property is, or from the County of Marin for unincorporated areas. Ask that building department which fire hazard zone and roof class apply at your address. Local offices are listed on the Marin County government and services page, and other trades are in the home services section.

Who licenses roofers in Marin County?

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) licenses roofing contractors statewide under the C-39 Roofing classification. There is no separate Marin County roofing license. A license is required for any job valued at $1,000 or more in labor and materials, any job that needs a building permit, and any job done with employees.

Do roofers in California need workers' compensation insurance?

Yes. CSLB states that all active C-39 Roofing contractors must carry workers' compensation insurance or have a valid Certification of Self-Insurance on file with CSLB, whether or not they have employees. The coverage is shown when you review the status of the contractor's license on the CSLB website.

How do I check a roofing contractor's license in California?

Enter the license number, business name or contractor's name in the license check on the Contractors State License Board website, or call (800) 321-CSLB (2752). Confirm the license is active, that it carries the C-39 Roofing classification, and that workers' compensation coverage is on file.

Can a general contractor replace a roof in California?

Only as part of a larger job. CSLB says a B General Building contractor may contract for projects that include roofing, such as a room addition or remodel with two or more unrelated trades. If the roofing is a standalone contract, the B contractor must subcontract it to a C-39 roofing contractor.

What roof fire rating is required in a very high fire hazard severity zone?

California Health and Safety Code section 13132.7 requires a fire retardant roof covering that is at least class A in very high fire hazard severity zones. The rule covers new structures, repairs and alterations, and the whole roof when more than 50 percent of it is replaced within one year. Local rules may be stricter.

How do I file a complaint against a roofer in California?

File a construction complaint with the Contractors State License Board online or by mail. CSLB handles complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors for up to four years from the date of the act. CSLB states that an investigation does not guarantee restitution, so people who mainly want money back are pointed toward the courts.