Roof Replacement in Burbank, CA

A roof replacement removes the old roofing down to the deck, repairs any damaged wood, and installs new underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and roofing material. In Burbank it usually requires a city permit and inspections. We connect you with one independent local roofing contractor who can inspect your roof and give you a written estimate.

Last updated October 22, 2026.

Signs it may be time for a new roof

Leaks in more than one area, or leaks that come back after repairs.
Shingles that are curling, cracking, brittle, or losing granules across most of the roof.
Tile roofs where the tiles are fine but the underlayment beneath them has broken down.
Sagging areas, soft spots, or daylight visible through the roof boards from the attic.
A flat roof section that has been patched many times and still ponds or leaks.
You are planning solar and the roof will not last as long as the panels.

What a Burbank re-roof usually involves

Inspection and written estimate. The contractor checks the roof, attic, ventilation, and decking condition, then gives you a proposal listing material, underlayment, flashing, vents, tear-off, disposal, and the permit.
Permit. Re-roofs in Burbank generally need a permit from the City of Burbank Building & Safety Division. Homes in neighboring Los Angeles neighborhoods go through LADBS, and Glendale homes through the City of Glendale.
Tear-off. Old roofing is removed. Many older Burbank homes have spaced board sheathing (skip sheathing) under the original roof, which usually needs to be covered with plywood or OSB before new shingles go on.
Deck repairs. Rotted or damaged boards are replaced. Ask how these will be priced before work starts, since they can’t always be seen until the old roof is off.
Underlayment, flashing, and ventilation. New underlayment, new metal flashing at walls, chimneys, valleys, and edges, and attic ventilation set up to match the roof.
New roofing and inspection. The roofing goes on, the city inspects, and the crew should clean up nails and debris.

Choosing a material

Asphalt shingles are the most common choice on Burbank’s postwar homes and are widely available in Class A fire-rated, cool-rated colors. Clay or concrete tile suits Spanish-style homes and can last a long time, though it is heavy and the framing has to support it. Low-slope membranes are used on flat sections over garages, porches, and additions; see our flat roofing page. Metal roofing is another option some homeowners ask about.

Fire zones and energy rules

Many hillside parts of Burbank are mapped as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. In those areas a Class A fire-rated roof assembly is typically required for a re-roof, and it is worth asking about ember-resistant vents, bird stops on tile, and metal drip edges. Check your address on the CAL FIRE map or ask the city.

California’s Title 24 energy code may require a cool-roof product on a re-roof depending on the slope and climate zone. Your contractor should know which products qualify.

Older-home cautions

For homes built before 1978, lead-safe work practices apply when painted fascia, eaves, or trim are disturbed. Some older roofing felts, mastics, and flashing cements contained asbestos; ask whether testing is sensible before tear-off. If you have solar panels, the removal and reinstallation needs to be planned and priced as part of the job.

How long does it take?

For a typical single-family Burbank home, the work on the roof itself is often a matter of days, while tile roofs, steep or complex roofs, and deck repairs take longer. Permits, material delivery, and weather add to the overall schedule. Our guide on how long a roof replacement takes goes into more detail.

Protect yourself

Check the contractor’s license at cslb.ca.gov, ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation, and get a written contract with the full scope, payment schedule, and who pulls the permit. In California the down payment on most home improvement contracts can’t exceed 10% of the price or $1,000, whichever is less.

Roof Replacement help near Burbank

We take requests from Burbank and these nearby communities:

Frequently asked questions

How much does a new roof cost in Burbank?

It varies widely with roof size, pitch, material, the number of layers to remove, deck condition, fire and energy code items, and details like chimneys or solar. The only reliable number is a written estimate after a contractor inspects your roof.

Can a new roof go over my old one?

Sometimes a single layer of shingles can be covered, but many contractors prefer a full tear-off so they can check the deck and install new flashing. Code limits and your roof's condition decide what is allowed; ask your contractor and the city.

Do I need to be home during the re-roof?

Usually not the whole time, but it is noisy and debris falls around the house. Move cars out of the driveway, take fragile items off walls, and keep pets and children away from the work area.

What happens to my solar panels?

They typically need to be removed before the re-roof and reinstalled afterward. Coordinate with your solar provider or a qualified installer and include it in the schedule and budget.

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