Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Roofing Services in Oakland, CA
Founded in 1924 by Jacob Wakerling, General Roofing has served as a family-owned business dedicated to excellence in residential, commercial, and industrial roofing solutions. With over 90 years of experience, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver durable, sustainable systems tailored to each client's needs. Our commitment to quality is evidenced by our Diamond Certified status, 18 consecutive years of accreditation, and use of environmentally friendly materials meeting California Title 24 standards.Our team of trained and certified installers provides personalized service on every project, from roof replacements and maintenance programs to custom accessories like skylights and ventilation systems. We maintain full insurance coverage and offer product/installation warranties, ensuring customer satisfaction through transparent communication and fair pricing. Our corporate clients benefit from comprehensive asset management programs featuring bi-annual inspections and detailed reporting with photographic documentation.
Services
Roof Repairs
Roof Replacements
Maintenance Programs
Gutter Installation
Skylight Installation
Ventilation Systems
Custom Accessories
Emergency Services
Details
- Year established: 1924
Highlights and features
- Established in 1924 with four generations of family leadership
- Trained and certified roofing installers with industry-specific expertise
- Product and installation warranties included on all projects
- 24/7 emergency service available for critical repairs
- Diamond Certified with 18 consecutive years of quality assurance
Associations and certifications
- Diamond Certified
What people say
Timely service
Affordable rates
Professional execution
Clear communication
Complex projects
Services
Roof System Replacements
We install complete residential and commercial roof systems using premium materials like fiberglass composition shingles, synthetic slate, metal roofing, and TPO membranes. Each project includes expert assessment, tailored design, and certified installation meeting California energy efficiency standards. Our technicians maintain ongoing training to ensure proper application of all system components.
Roof Repairs
24/7 response for leak repairs and emergency roof stabilization. Our specialists diagnose water intrusion causes and provide temporary fixes plus permanent solutions for damaged shingles, flashings, gutters, and other system components. Repairs include fallen tree limbs, storm damage, and aged sealant restoration.
Maintenance Programs
Customized asset management plans with bi-annual inspections for commercial properties. Services include gutter cleaning, flashing checks, debris removal, and comprehensive reporting with photographic documentation. Preventative programs extend roof lifespan and preserve warranty validity while minimizing emergency repair needs.
Gutter Installation
Custom-built seamless and seamed gutter systems using aluminum, copper, and steel materials. Includes downspout installation, valley metal, and decorative elements. Systems integrate with existing architecture to manage water irrigation and protect property foundations from water damage.
Skylight Installation
Professional installation of traditional skylights and solar tubes for residential and commercial properties. Offers energy-efficient daylighting solutions with options for acrylic, glass, or solar-reflective lenses. Includes proper waterproofing and integration with existing roof systems to prevent leakage.
People
Jacob Wakerling
Founder
Established the company in 1924 based on principles of craftsmanship, integrity, and reliability that continue guiding the business through four generations of family ownership.
Mike Wakerling
Team Lead
Managed residential and commercial roofing projects with expertise in both traditional methods and modern energy-efficient systems while maintaining family business values.
Shane
Future Representative
New generation representative bringing contemporary perspective to the family business while upholding established standards of quality and service excellence.
Questions
What roofing services do you offer?
We provide complete roof systems, repairs, maintenance programs, gutter installation, skylights, ventilation systems, and 24/7 emergency services for residential and commercial properties.
Are you available for emergency repairs?
Yes, our 24/7 emergency service responds to urgent roofing issues like storm damage, significant leaks, and safety-related repairs throughout the Bay Area.
What warranty protections exist?
We offer product and installation warranties on all projects. Maintenance program participants receive priority scheduling for warranty-covered repairs and system inspections.
How do maintenance programs work?
Our customizable plans include 2-4 annual inspections, debris removal, component checks, and detailed reporting with photographic documentation to extend roof lifespan and maintain warranty validity.
What areas do you service?
We serve residential and commercial clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area including Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward, and surrounding communities.
What makes you different from competitors?
We combine four generations of family stewardship with modern technology, maintaining Diamond Certification for 18 years while providing personalized service on every project.
Reviews (6)
Vita Rey
Apr 23, 2022
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Bill and this company was recommended to me by a friend. I'm super glad they came, Ismael and Alex were on site as they replaced our old flat roof and installed insulation as well, plus removed three (!) junky satellite dishes and replaced the roof vent pipes. What I appreciated the most is that they asked to help clean their debris out of the neighbors yard, huge props for that. Great quality and value, highly recommend!
Amanda Ackerman
Apr 14, 2022
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I got this company as a recommendation from a friend who used them for roof installation and liked them. I had a small issue around a flashing that I couldn't quite look at so they sent me the same person who helped my friends - Bill Richards. He found a rather large hole that was causing my issue. He was concerned there wouldn't be enough work to be worth the minimum service fee ($600), so we found other things that needed to be done - I got an old satellite dish removed, and a screw that had come loose on the deck roof was replaced.
I think I waited about 2 weeks between my phone call and my first appointment and then another 2.5 weeks combined for getting my estimate and the repair finished. They came out and got everything done so quickly with no disruption to my schedule. I super appreciate it!
I think I waited about 2 weeks between my phone call and my first appointment and then another 2.5 weeks combined for getting my estimate and the repair finished. They came out and got everything done so quickly with no disruption to my schedule. I super appreciate it!
J. F.
Nov 15, 2021
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General has taken care of my roof ever since I moved in to my 1920s era house in 2000 and even before that! I used them because the prior and only other homeowner used them over the years. In my experience, they are trustworthy, competent, and quick. They have fixed a major leak (not their fault), re-roofed my house as well put in a new roof. The one time there was a neighbor complaint (they accidentally disturbed her bush) they resolved it quickly and to her liking. She is rather finicky so I was relieved that they took responsibility and resolved the issue without me getting involved. I really like them.
Michael Moody
Sep 25, 2021
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We called General Roofing to give us an estimate on replacing our roof. We had some indication in our living room ceiling that the roof was leaking. We assumed the the roof had to be replaced right away. Bill inspected the roof. He let us know that the leak was caused by a few roofing nails that had come loose and were sticking out of the asphalt shingles. He said that otherwise, the roof was in good condition and should last another five to ten years.
He fixed the problem with the loose nails for a small charge. It has been five years and the leak still hasn't returned. When we do have our roof replaced it will be by General Roofing. Thank you, Bill for all your help. Nick
He fixed the problem with the loose nails for a small charge. It has been five years and the leak still hasn't returned. When we do have our roof replaced it will be by General Roofing. Thank you, Bill for all your help. Nick
Shari Huhndorf
Aug 21, 2021
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Excellent! Bill responded right away to my request for a bid and provided a thorough assessment of my roof. He took time to explain the necessary repairs and answer my questions. The work was done in a timely way at a very fair price. The entire team is professional, responsive, and courteous. Highly recommended. Service: Roof repair
Paul Segalini
Aug 14, 2021
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They were very professional and upfront with no hidden costs, etc. it was a pleasure to work with Bill and the crew that did the work. I would use them again. Services: Roof repair, Roof installation
