The most popular roof in LA for a reason
About 80% of homes in the US have asphalt shingles, and LA is no different. They are affordable, they look good, they come in dozens of colors, and they protect your home for 20-30 years depending on the grade.
We install, repair, and replace asphalt shingle roofs across Los Angeles. If you need a new roof and you are not sure where to start, shingles are probably the right answer for your budget.
Types of asphalt shingles
3-tab shingles are the basic, flat option. Each shingle has three tabs that create a uniform, repeating pattern. They are the least expensive and get the job done for budget projects. Expect 15-20 years of life in LA’s climate.
Architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminated) are thicker, with a layered construction that creates shadow lines and depth. They look significantly better than 3-tab, handle wind better, and last 25-30 years. This is what we install on most homes.
Designer shingles are the premium tier. They mimic the look of slate, cedar shake, or tile. Thicker and heavier than architectural shingles, with 30-50 year warranties. They cost roughly double what architectural shingles cost, but they give you a high-end look without the weight or price of real slate or tile.
Why shingles work well in LA
LA’s climate is mostly dry heat with occasional heavy rain and Santa Ana wind events. Asphalt shingles handle all of that when properly installed.
The granule surface reflects UV radiation, which matters when your roof bakes in direct sun 300+ days a year. Architectural shingles with their heavier weight and stronger adhesive strips resist wind uplift during Santa Ana events far better than 3-tab. And during LA’s brief but intense rain storms, a properly installed shingle roof with good underlayment sheds water quickly.
One thing to know: LA heat does age shingles faster than cooler climates. That is why we always recommend architectural grade or better. The extra thickness and better construction hold up noticeably longer under constant sun exposure.
Installation process
Every shingle job we do starts with a full tear-off. We strip the old roof down to bare decking because that is the only way to inspect the wood underneath. Here is how it goes:
- Tear-off - Remove all existing shingles, felt, and flashing down to the plywood
- Decking inspection - Check every sheet of plywood for rot, soft spots, and water damage. Replace anything that is not solid.
- Underlayment - Install synthetic underlayment across the entire deck, with ice and water shield in valleys, eaves, and around all penetrations
- Drip edge and flashing - Metal drip edge at eaves and rakes, step flashing at walls, counter flashing at chimneys
- Shingle installation - Starter strip, field shingles with proper offset and nailing pattern, hip and ridge caps
- Ventilation - Ridge vent and soffit vents to keep your attic cool and prevent moisture buildup
- Cleanup - Debris removal, magnetic nail sweep of your yard and driveway, haul everything away
Cost breakdown
Here is what asphalt shingle roofing costs in Los Angeles for a typical residential home:
- 3-tab shingles: $8,000 to $12,000 for a 1,500-2,000 sq ft roof
- Architectural shingles: $10,000 to $16,000 for the same size roof
- Designer shingles: $15,000 to $22,000+
These numbers include tear-off, underlayment, flashing, installation, and cleanup. The main cost drivers are roof size, pitch (steeper roofs are harder to work on), number of penetrations and valleys, and whether your decking needs repair.
We provide line-item estimates so you see exactly where every dollar goes. No hidden fees, no surprise charges after the job starts.
Repair vs. replace
If your shingle roof is under 15 years old and the damage is limited to a small area, a repair usually makes sense. We can replace a patch of missing or damaged shingles, fix flashing, or seal a small leak for $300 to $1,500.
If your roof is 18-25 years old, has widespread granule loss, shingles are curling across the whole surface, or you are getting leaks in multiple spots, a replacement is the better investment. Patching an old roof just delays the inevitable and you end up spending more in total.
We will give you an honest call on which option makes sense for your situation. No pressure either way.