Most roofs that leak in San Francisco do not need to be replaced. They need someone to find exactly where the water is getting in and fix that spot properly. That is what Ace Roofing & Construction has done for San Francisco homeowners since 1996: diagnose the real cause, explain it in plain language, and repair it so it stays repaired.
Our crew is led by John, who founded the company, along with Frank and Luis. We are a family-owned, CA-licensed (C39 #1062496), bonded and insured roofing contractor based on Bancroft Ave in the Bayview, and we work on everything from Victorian bay-window roofs to flat-roofed Sunset District homes and commercial buildings in SoMa.
Why San Francisco roofs leak
San Francisco's housing stock is old, varied, and tightly packed. Many homes were built between 1890 and 1950 and have been re-roofed several times, often with layers of material stacked on top of each other. Flashing where a roof meets a parapet wall, a neighbor's building, a chimney or a skylight is the most common failure point we see — far more often than the roof field itself.
The weather adds its own pressure. Winter storms bring wind-driven rain that pushes water sideways under laps and flashing. Summer fog keeps west-side roofs damp for weeks, which speeds up rot in wood decking and rust in metal flashing. Flat and low-slope roofs, extremely common in the city, are especially sensitive to clogged drains and ponding water.
Materials & methods
Flashing repair and replacement
Step, counter and parapet flashing rebuilt with new metal and properly lapped underlayment rather than a bead of sealant.
Shingle and composition repairs
Replacing cracked, lifted or missing shingles and matching existing material as closely as possible.
Flat roof patching
Torch-down modified bitumen and TPO patches heat-welded or torched into the existing membrane.
Vents, pipes and penetrations
New boots, collars and sealing around plumbing vents, exhaust fans and conduit.
Signs you need roof repair
- Water stains or bubbling paint on ceilings or upper walls
- Drips during heavy rain, especially wind-driven storms
- Cracked, curling, lifted or missing shingles
- Blistered or split seams on a flat roof
- Rusted or loose flashing at walls, chimneys or skylights
- Musty smells or damp insulation in the attic
Our process
- 1
Inspection
We look at the roof surface, flashing and drains, and check the ceiling or attic below to trace the water path back to its source.
- 2
Honest explanation
We show you what we found — photos when helpful — and tell you whether a repair will solve it.
- 3
Written estimate
You get a clear scope and price before any work starts.
- 4
Repair and clean-up
Our crew makes the repair with the right materials and leaves the property clean.
Repair before replace — our honest approach
Several of our reviews say the same thing: other companies told them they needed a new roof, and we told them they did not. If a targeted repair will give your roof years of additional life, that is what we will recommend.
If a roof truly has reached the end of its life — widespread failure, rotted decking, repeated leaks in different places — we will say so, explain why, and give you the option of a re-roof estimate. The decision is yours.
What a customer said
"Luis did a great job on my mom's roof in San Francisco, he was really responsive and made my mom comfortable with the price and his workmanship. The repair went great — instead of offering a new roof like everyone else did."
Maggie Garcia
March 2024 · Google Review
Roof Repair FAQs
Can you repair my roof instead of replacing it?
Often, yes. Most leaks we see in San Francisco come from a specific failure point such as flashing, a drain or a penetration. If a repair is the right fix, we recommend it.
How quickly can you come out for a leak?
Call us at 415-872-9300. We prioritize active leaks and typically schedule them for the next business day.
Do you repair flat roofs?
Yes. Flat and low-slope roofs are a large part of our work, including torch-down modified bitumen and TPO.
Will the repair match my existing roof?
We match material and color as closely as is available. On older roofs an exact match is not always possible, and we will tell you beforehand.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Ace Roofing and Construction holds CA Contractor License #C39 1062496 and is bonded, insured and covered by workers' compensation.