Roofing in Altadena, CA

Altadena is an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. The January 2025 Eaton Fire destroyed many homes there, and rebuilding is underway. We connect Altadena homeowners with one independent local roofing contractor, free and with no obligation.

Last updated October 22, 2026.

Roofs for Altadena rebuilds

If you are rebuilding after the Eaton Fire, the roof is part of the new home's plans and permit. For homes in mapped fire hazard severity zones, which includes much of Altadena, current rules typically call for a Class A roof assembly and ember-resistant construction. When you talk with a roofer or your builder, ask about:

Roof covering: tile, metal, or Class A shingles as part of a listed assembly.
Vents: ember- and flame-resistant attic and eave vents.
Eaves and edges: enclosed eaves, metal drip edge, and details that keep embers out.
Gutters: noncombustible gutters and guards that are easy to keep clear.

Rules and rebuild programs can change, so confirm current requirements with Los Angeles County before finalizing plans. Our roof installation page covers roofs on new construction.

Homes that survived: what to check

Many houses near the burn area were not destroyed but may still have damage that is easy to miss:

Melted or scorched vents, skylights, or plastic components.
Ember burns on shingles or in debris piled in valleys.
Ash and debris in gutters and on the roof deck.
Heat or smoke damage in the attic.

A roof inspection with photos can help when you talk with your insurance company. Do not climb on a damaged roof yourself.

Working with insurance

Coverage depends on your policy and claim. Keep copies of everything, document damage with photos, and ask your adjuster what documentation they need from a roofer. Read your policy or call your agent before signing a contract that depends on an insurance payment.

Watch for scams

After large disasters, operators without a valid license and door-to-door sellers often show up. Check every contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov, ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation, and be wary of anyone who asks for a large deposit. In California, the down payment on most home improvement contracts can't exceed 10% of the price or $1,000, whichever is less.

Permits

Altadena is unincorporated, so building permits come from Los Angeles County Public Works (Building and Safety), not the City of Pasadena. The contractor or builder typically pulls the permit.

Timing and planning

Rebuilding involves many steps before roofing starts: debris removal, plans, permits, and framing. Roofers often get busy when many homes reach the same stage at once, so it helps to talk with a contractor early about lead times for materials such as tile or metal. If you are repairing a surviving home, ask whether a temporary fix is needed to keep the house dry through the rainy season while longer repairs are planned.

Getting connected

Tell us whether you are rebuilding or repairing, and where you are in the process. We share your request with one independent local roofer, who will contact you to talk through next steps and a written estimate.

Services we can help with in Altadena

Frequently asked questions

Who issues building permits in Altadena?

Altadena is unincorporated Los Angeles County, so permits come from LA County Public Works (Building and Safety), not the City of Pasadena.

My home survived the Eaton Fire. Could the roof still be damaged?

It is possible. Embers, heat, and ash can damage vents, skylights, shingles, and gutters even when a house survives. A roofer can inspect and document what they find.

How do I avoid scams when hiring a roofer after the fire?

Check the contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov, ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation, get a written contract, and avoid large up-front deposits. California limits most home improvement down payments to 10% or $1,000, whichever is less.

Nearby areas

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