---
title: "Roofing FAQ: Estimates, Repairs, Materials | Global Green Roofing"
description: "Answers to common roofing questions: repair or replace, comparing bids, what happens during a roof replacement, cool roofs and solar."
source: https://globalgreenroofing.com/faq/
---

# Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to the questions homeowners ask us most.

## Getting started

### How do I get an estimate?

Call us or send the contact form with your address and what you are seeing. We schedule an on-site assessment, inspect the roof, and send a written proposal that spells out the system and the full scope.

### How can I tell whether I need a repair or a new roof?

A single leak or local damage on a roof that is otherwise sound is usually a repair. Leaks in several places, widespread wear, a soft deck or repeated leaks in the same spot point toward replacement. An inspection report tells you which applies and why. [What a roof inspection covers.](https://globalgreenroofing.com/our-services/roof-inspection/)

### What should I compare between two roofing bids?

Compare like with like: the same roofing system, whether the old roof is torn off, the underlayment, new flashing and pipe boots, ventilation work, deck repair pricing, permits, cleanup and the warranty paperwork. A lower price often means one of these is missing.

### Do I need a permit to replace my roof in California?

Yes. A roof replacement is not on the California Residential Code list of work exempt from permits, so it needs a permit and inspection from your city or county. [How roofing permits work in California.](https://globalgreenroofing.com/roofing-guides/roofing-permit-california/)

## Inspections, solar and commercial roofs

### Do you work on commercial roofs?

Yes. We repair and replace commercial roofs as well as homes, including flat and low-slope roofs with TPO and other membranes. [Flat and low-slope roofing.](https://globalgreenroofing.com/our-services/flat-roofing/)

### Do you inspect roofs with a drone?

Yes. Slopes that are too steep, too high or too fragile to walk, such as many tile roofs, are photographed by drone, so the inspection report covers the whole roof without cracking tiles. [What a roof inspection covers.](https://globalgreenroofing.com/our-services/roof-inspection/)

### Can you remove and reinstall my solar panels during a re-roof?

Yes. We arrange the removal and reinstall of the panels as part of the re-roof, and plan the mounts so each one is flashed into the new roof. The reinstall needs its own permit in places such as unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Should you replace your roof before solar?](https://globalgreenroofing.com/roofing-guides/replace-roof-before-solar/)

## During the project

### How do you leave the property during and after the job?

We clean up every day, sweep the property with a magnet for nails, and walk through the finished job with you at the end.

## Materials, energy and fire

### Which roofing material lasts the longest?

Metal, clay tile and concrete tile generally outlast asphalt shingles, but the underlayment beneath tile still needs replacing during the roof's life. The right choice balances lifespan, weight, look and budget. [Metal and shingle compared side by side.](https://globalgreenroofing.com/roofing-guides/metal-roof-vs-shingle/)

### What is a cool roof?

A roof built with materials that reflect more sunlight and release absorbed heat faster, measured as solar reflectance and thermal emittance. [Cool roof options by roof type.](https://globalgreenroofing.com/our-services/cool-roofing/)

### Does California require a cool roof when I re-roof?

In some climate zones, yes, when more than half of the roof is replaced; the zones differ for steep-slope and low-slope roofs. [Which zones and roofs the rule covers.](https://globalgreenroofing.com/roofing-guides/cool-roof-requirements-california/)

### When does a roof have to be Class A fire rated?

In state-responsibility fire zones and local High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, on new homes and when 50 percent or more of a roof is replaced within 12 months (2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code). Elsewhere the minimum is Class C. [What Class A means and where it applies.](https://globalgreenroofing.com/roofing-guides/class-a-fire-rated-roofing/)

### Should I replace my roof before adding solar panels?

If the roof has less life left than the panels, usually yes, because removing and reinstalling an array later adds a cost a planned replacement avoids. [How to decide.](https://globalgreenroofing.com/roofing-guides/replace-roof-before-solar/)

Service-specific questions are answered on each [service page](https://globalgreenroofing.com/our-services/). Still have a question? Call (323) 760-7835.

Contact us

## Let's talk roofs

Tell us what is going on with your roof. We will schedule an on-site assessment and send a written proposal before anything is decided.

**Call**(323) 760-7835**Email**info@globalgreenroofing.com

**Serving**Los Angeles and Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties

**Hours**Every day: 8 AM to 9 PM