Multifamily and commercial roofing in Los Angeles
Roofing an apartment building or a commercial property is a different job from roofing a house. The building stays occupied, the roof is larger and usually low-slope, and the work has to be planned around tenants, parking and business hours. We replace and repair flat and pitched roofs on multifamily and commercial buildings, and we work with owners and property managers on scope, schedule and notices.
- Service
- Multifamily and commercial
- Contractor
- LA General Builders, CSLB Lic #1044686
Roofing a building people are using
On a house, the owner is the only person affected by the work. On an apartment or commercial building there are tenants, customers, parked cars and rooftop equipment to think about, and a leak during the job affects someone else's home or business. The planning matters as much as the roofing.
We work in sections so the roof is sealed at the end of every day, and we agree on staging, parking and notices with the owner or manager before the start. Because we are general builders, we can also take on work that often comes with a re-roof on an older building, such as repairs to the deck, framing and parapet walls.
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One section at a time
The roof is opened and closed in sections, so the building is sealed at the end of each day.
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Drainage corrected
Where water stands on a flat roof, the slope is rebuilt before the new membrane goes on.
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Membrane roof systems
TPO and modified bitumen systems, with flashing carried up the parapet walls.
What owners and managers ask us for
- Roof replacement on an occupied apartment building
- Repairs for leaks reported by tenants
- A roof inspection and written report before a purchase or a refinance
- A plan and budget to re-roof in phases, building by building
- Drainage corrections on flat roofs where water stands
- Roofing as part of a larger renovation of the building
How the job runs
The same steps on every job, from the first look at the roof to the final inspection.
Walk the roof with you
We inspect the roof, drains and flashing, and note the equipment on it and how the roof can be reached.
Written scope and options
You get a written scope with the roof system, a schedule and, where it helps, options for phasing the work.
Plan around the building
We agree on working hours, staging areas, parking and tenant notices with you before the start date.
Permit and protection
We pull the permit where one is required, and protect walkways, entrances and cars near the work.
Roof one section at a time
The roof is opened and closed in sections, so the building is weathertight at the end of each day.
Inspection and handover
We meet the inspector, clear the site and give you the roof system documents for your records.
Roof systems for larger buildings
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| TPO membrane | Flat roofs on apartment and commercial buildings | A white, heat-welded single-ply membrane that reflects the sun. |
| Modified bitumen | Smaller flat roofs and roofs with regular foot traffic | A durable multi-layer system with a granule surface. |
| Roof coating | Extending the life of a flat roof that is still sound | Lower cost and less disruption than replacement, where the roof qualifies. |
| Asphalt shingle or tile | Pitched roofs on apartment and townhome buildings | Installed the same way as on a house, with more planning for access and staging. |
What sets the price
- Roof area and the number of buildings
- Height and access for materials and debris
- The roof system and whether the old roof is removed
- Rooftop equipment that has to be worked around
- Drainage corrections and deck repairs
- Working hours and phasing required by the building
Permits and inspections
Most full re-roofs need a building permit from your city or the county, and the rules differ from one building department to the next. We confirm what applies to your address, pull the permit and meet the inspector, so the finished roof is signed off. California's energy rules also set reflectance requirements for some low-slope re-roofs, and we check what applies to your building.
Questions homeowners ask
Can tenants stay in the building during the work?
Yes. We roof in sections and close up each day. We plan working hours, noise and access with you in advance so tenants know what to expect.
Can the work be phased over more than one budget year?
Yes. On properties with several buildings or roof sections, we can set out a phased plan that deals with the worst areas first.
Do you work with property managers and HOAs?
Yes. We provide the written scope, schedule and documents a board or an owner needs to approve the work.
Do you repair leaks in individual units?
Yes. We trace the leak to its source on the roof, repair it and document the repair with photos for your files.
Get a price for your roof
Tell us about the roof and we will call you to set up a visit. Or call now and talk to an estimator.
818-741-5451See a price range in about a minute
LA General Builders, 8728 Zelzah Ave, Northridge, CA 91325
CSLB Lic #1044686