Roofing in Pasadena, CA

Pasadena is known for Craftsman bungalows, Period Revival homes, and large mature trees, and parts of the city are historic or landmark districts. Burbank Roofing is a free referral service that connects you with one independent local roofing contractor who works in Pasadena.

Last updated October 22, 2026.

Roofing a Craftsman bungalow

Pasadena's Craftsman homes have features that roofers need to respect: wide overhanging eaves, exposed rafter tails, low-pitched gable roofs, and sometimes original wood details at the edges. A few common issues:

Low pitch. Some bungalow roofs are close to the lower limit for shingles, so underlayment and installation details matter more.
Exposed rafter tails. Decades of overflowing gutters can rot the ends. Repairing or splicing them is often part of a re-roof.
Skip sheathing. Many older homes were built with spaced boards for wood shingles and need a solid deck added for modern roofing.

Ask how the contractor will protect visible trim and eaves during tear-off, and whether they plan to match the original look.

Does your home need historic approval?

Pasadena has designated historic and landmark districts. If your home is in one, exterior changes such as roof material or color may need historic preservation approval from the city before a permit is issued. Like-for-like replacement is often simpler than a change in material. Check with the City of Pasadena Planning and Community Development Department before you sign a contract, and give the roofer time to plan for any approval step.

Big trees, big debris

Mature oaks, sycamores, and other street trees are part of Pasadena's character. They also drop leaves, seed pods, and branches onto roofs and into gutters. Packed debris in valleys holds water, and overhanging limbs can scrape shingles in the wind. Keeping limbs trimmed back and gutters clear helps a roof last. A roof inspection before winter can catch trouble early.

Spanish and Mediterranean homes

Pasadena also has many Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean homes with clay tile. Original or old clay tiles can often be reused, while the underlayment beneath them has a shorter life. See our tile roofing page for how tile re-roofs work.

Fire risk near the foothills

Northern parts of Pasadena near the San Gabriel foothills and the Arroyo Seco may be in mapped fire hazard zones, and the 2025 Eaton Fire burned in nearby Altadena. If your address is in a mapped zone, a Class A roof assembly and ember-resistant vents are typically required on a re-roof. Confirm with the city.

Permits and next steps

Pasadena is its own city, so roofing permits come from the City of Pasadena, not Los Angeles or Burbank. Tell us about your home, its age if you know it, and the roof type. We pass your request to one independent local roofer. Verify the contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov before hiring.

Mention whether your home has a chimney, skylights, or a detached garage, since those often need work at the same time.

Services we can help with in Pasadena

Frequently asked questions

Do I need approval to change my roof in a Pasadena historic district?

Possibly. Homes in designated historic or landmark districts may need historic preservation approval for exterior changes like roof material or color. Check with the City of Pasadena before signing a contract.

Can my bungalow's exposed rafter tails be saved during a re-roof?

Often, yes. Rotted ends can sometimes be repaired or spliced rather than replaced. Ask the contractor to note the condition of rafter tails in the estimate and how repairs will be priced.

Who issues roofing permits in Pasadena?

The City of Pasadena. It is a separate city from Los Angeles, so LADBS does not handle Pasadena permits.

Nearby areas

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