The contractor class that installs metal roofing
The C-39 definition names metal roofing systems among the materials a roofing contractor works with, next to shingles, tile, slate and membranes. Look up the license number on CSLB's license check, and read the classification line on the result.
What a metal roof costs in California
A metal roof installation is estimated at $7,725 to $53,700 per roof, including a typical permit fee of $328. The band comes from one national range, widened 15 percent each side and adjusted by California's roofer wage ratio of 1.16, and the band is wide.
No California company price for this job is in our count, so read it as an estimate and not a quote.
| Item | Figure | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated range, not a quote | $7,725 to $53,700 per roof | Built from one national published range, adjusted by the California roofer wage ratio (1.16) plus a typical permit fee ($328). Eight California roofing companies publish a whole-roof range for asphalt-shingle replacement on their own websites (cost-guide pages, not price lists); the roof replacement range is the middle half of what they print. Other company figures (repair starting prices, per-square-foot and tile ranges) are not matched to a job here, so the other ranges rest on the national estimate. Basis: no state company sample (no counted California company price for this job), national estimate only. |
| Estimated range per square, not a quote | $495 to $2,125 per square (100 square feet), installed | Built from one national published range, adjusted by the California roofer wage ratio (1.16). Eight California roofing companies publish a whole-roof range for asphalt-shingle replacement on their own websites (cost-guide pages, not price lists); the roof replacement range is the middle half of what they print. Other company figures (repair starting prices, per-square-foot and tile ranges) are not matched to a job here, so the other ranges rest on the national estimate. Basis: no state company sample (no counted California company price for this job), national estimate only. |
| Roofer wage, California mean | $32.41 an hour | BLS May 2025 pay for roofers in California; it shows what crews earn and not the cost of a metal roof. |
| Typical re-roof permit, California cities | $328 | Typical of the city schedules we checked, so confirm yours with the city. |
Estimated range. Built from national published ranges (1 source), adjusted by California's roofer wage ratio to the US (1.16, BLS May 2025), plus the local permit fee where the city publishes one. Not a quote. Eight California roofing companies publish a whole-roof range for asphalt-shingle replacement on their own websites (cost-guide pages, not price lists); the roof replacement range is the middle half of what they print. Other company figures (repair starting prices, per-square-foot and tile ranges) are not matched to a job here, so the other ranges rest on the national estimate. We have no counted California company price for this job, so the range is our national estimate alone. Full method. Prices as of Oct 23, 2026.
Fixing panels or replacing the roof
A damaged panel or a fastener problem can be a repair. Replacing 50 percent or more of the roof area starts the Energy Code's cool roof requirements, so ask the company how its scope measures that area.
- The damage is to a few panels or trim pieces.
- The seams and underlayment are sound.
- The company's scope takes in half the roof area or more.
- The company finds widespread damage under the panels.
Reflectance and emittance numbers for metal
The Energy Commission manual's Table 3-3 asks steep-sloped roofs in climate zones 10 through 15 for a three-year aged solar reflectance of 0.20, thermal emittance of 0.75 and SRI of 16. Low-sloped roofs in zones 13 and 15 need 0.63, 0.75 and SRI 75. Building-integrated solar area is exempt. So is any roof construction of at least 25 pounds per square foot.
The manual says the CRRC is the only body the Commission recognizes for what qualifies, and the values are based on three-year aged reflectance. Ask the company for the product's CRRC listing.
Fire class for a metal covering
Health and Safety Code 13132.7 sets the minimum roof class at C statewide, B in Very High zones and state responsibility areas outside the moderate zones, and A in Very High zones that CAL FIRE or a local agency designates. Ask the company to show the listing that gives your product its class.
Tax credits and rebates for a metal roof
The IRS Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit page, read in October 2026, covers property placed in service before December 31, 2025 and doesn't list roofing. We can't confirm any California state roofing rebate, so ask your electric utility and your city about cool-roof offers.
When a metal roof problem is urgent
- Panels have lifted or peeled in wind and rain is getting in.
- Water is entering where a panel meets a wall or opening.
- A scratch or dent in a panel with no leak.
- A quote you are still comparing for next season.
What to ask before you compare quotes
- Ask for the CRRC rating of the panel and its fire class.
- Ask for the permit fee and who pulls the permit.
- Look up the installer's license on CSLB's site.
Permit for a metal roof
Fee schedules from Fontana, Chula Vista, Fremont, Escondido, Carlsbad and Ventura list a re-roof permit. Local governments may amend the state standards under Health and Safety Code 17958, so your city building department says whether your metal roof needs one.
Before any work starts, ask for the license number and check it with your state's licensing board.
Questions people ask
Does California ask for a special rating on a metal roof?
The compliance manual recognizes only the Cool Roof Rating Council, and ENERGY STAR alone doesn't satisfy the rule. Steep-sloped roofs in climate zones 10 through 15 need a three-year aged reflectance of 0.20 and SRI 16 (medium confidence).
What should I expect to pay for a metal roof in California?
A written quote should name the panel type and state the permit fee.
Is there a rebate or tax credit for a metal roof in California?
That page covered property placed in service before December 31, 2025. Ask your utility about cool-roof offers, since there's no state roofing incentive we can point you to.
Which contractors can install a metal roof in California?
CSLB's text for C-39 includes metal roofing systems. B&P 7048 exempts only casual, minor jobs under $1,000 that need no permit.
Does a metal roof change the fire class?
Health and Safety Code 13132.7 sets Class C, B or A by location. Ask the installer for the product's listed class and where it applies.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025: Roofers (SOC 47-2181), California, mean hourly wage Read Oct 23, 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025: Roofers (SOC 47-2181), United States, mean hourly wage Read Oct 23, 2026.
- RooferMatch: how we estimate costs, California (editorial policy) Read Oct 23, 2026.
- CSLB: Licensing Classifications Detail, C-39 Roofing Contractor Read Oct 20, 2026.
- CSLB: Check A License Read Oct 20, 2026.
- CEC-400-2025-005 (Table 3-3; Example 9-13) Read Oct 20, 2026. Confirm with the source before you rely on it.
- California Legislative Information: HSC 13132.7 Read Oct 20, 2026.
- IRS: Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit Read Oct 20, 2026.
- California Legislative Information: BPC 7048 Read Oct 20, 2026.
- California Legislative Information: HSC 17958 Read Oct 20, 2026.
- Listing of City Fees, Charges & Rates as of January 1, 2026, City of Fontana Read Oct 22, 2026.
- Fee Bulletin 10-400, Miscellaneous Item Permit Fees, City of Chula Vista Read Oct 22, 2026. Confirm with the source before you rely on it.
- Fee Schedule (with Developer Deposit Schedule), effective July 1, 2026, City of Fremont Read Oct 22, 2026.
- Fee Guide for Development Projects, City of Escondido Read Oct 22, 2026.
- Master Fee Schedule FY 2026-27, City of Carlsbad Read Oct 22, 2026.
- City of Ventura Master Fee Schedule, fees effective July 1, 2025 (FY 2026) Read Oct 22, 2026.