logo

General Roofing Company

Roofing & Skylights
|
Alameda  Contra Costa  Marin  Napa  San Francisco  San Mateo  Santa Clara  Solano  Sonoma Counties
Diamond Certified Company Report
diamondcertified logo
General Roofing Company
446 SURVEYS
  • star image
  • star image
  • star image
  • star image
  • star image
  • Rating
23 CONSECUTIVE YEARS
SINCE APRIL 2002
CERT 53

Diamond Certified Ratings Dashboard

446

Verified Customers

Surveyed

Customer Loyalty

Customer Satisfaction

Helpful Expertise

READ ALL 446 SURVEY RESPONSES

Company Credentials

  • Liability Insurance
  • Business Practices
  • Current Complaint File
  • Workers Compensation
  • License Verification
  • Legal & Finance

Company Report Menu

  • Survey Responses
  • Diamond Certified Video Player
  • Researched Articles & Profile
  • Capabilities
  • Photos
  • Expert Contributor Advice & Tips
  • Website & External Feeds
logo
General Roofing Company
Diamond Certified Company Report Menu
  • Ratings
  • Surveys
  • Articles
  • Capabilities
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Expert Advice

Get a Quote or Call with Questions

Diamond Certified Researched Articles on General Roofing Company

researched article

General Roofing Company’s technicians have always been known for their dedication to quality.

General Roofing Company installs roofing for residential, commercial and industrial clients throughout the Bay Area. The family-owned and operated company (now in its fourth generation of ownership) offers a variety of roofing, maintenance and repair solutions tailored to fit customers’ specific needs. Specialties include composition shingles, wood shingles and shakes, composite shakes and slate, all flat roof systems, tile and slate roofs, skylights, and ventilation systems.

Owner Shane Wakerling runs General Roofing Company with the same set of principles put forth by his great-grandfather, founder Jacob Wakerling: craftsmanship, integrity and reliability. Since opening its doors in 1924, the company has completed thousands of residential and commercial roofing jobs and stayed updated on the industry’s numerous technological advancements.

General Roofing Company is a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster™ and a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association and the Western States Roofing Contractors Association. For a complete list of services and photos of before and after work, Mr. Wakerling invites potential customers to visit www.generalroof.com.

“We’re a forward-thinking company that integrates history and experience with new technology. We’ve worked hard to create a professional, well-run organization, and our loyal clients are proof of our success. Our dedication to quality workmanship and excellent customer service has allowed us to offer premier roofing services for 100-plus years.”

If you’re unfamiliar with the roofing process, ask your contractor to educate you.
Michael Wakerling, owner of General Roofing Company, suggests people find out if their roofer uses quality materials. Cheap shingles cost only marginally less than quality ones, he says, so the decision to use them is hard to justify.

Some contractors use OSB (oriented strand board) instead of plywood, because it runs $5 cheaper and could save $500 on a roofing bill. Before you agree to OSB, Mr. Wakerling suggests you ask your contractor to review the pros and cons (OSB loses its waterproof quality when the surface is cut, for example).

Mr. Wakerling suggests you take other precautions as well. Check that any contractor you consider hiring is licensed and insured, and ask them to produce certificates of coverage that come from the insurance company. He also advocates using a company that’s been in business a long time—at least 20 years, he says, which is the life expectancy of a general roof.

Mr. Wakerling advises to work with a contracting company with whom you share a comfortable connection. He also warns against shopping solely based on price. “There will always be someone who wants to give it to you cheaper. Sometimes it’s legitimate, but often there’s a reason for that price difference.”

Founded in 1924 by Jacob Wakerling, General Roofing Company is a family-owned business built on the principles of craftsmanship, integrity and reliability. Jacob Wakerling's grandson, current owner Michael Wakerling, runs the company under those same fundamental principles.

Mr. Wakerling maintains that every customer deserves superior quality roofing and an easy, trouble-free process. He says his business regards itself as a "forward thinking company with traditional business values" that combines cutting-edge technology with an old-style approach to customer service.

General Roofing Company's team is committed to finding the best roof that works for its clients' homes. Though its prices are competitive, the company refuses to compromise quality in order to keep its bids low, says Mr. Wakerling. "We pay attention to the smallest details of every job, because we believe that's how roofing work should be performed."

All General Roofing Company's employees must pass a background check, and its installation crew undergoes monthly training and weekly safety training sessions. The company also conducts monthly meetings during which employees learn about new products and technologies or concentrate on areas of improvement.

Honesty is a paramount value at General Roofing Company, says Mr. Wakerling. "We keep our promises when it comes to finishing work, and we continue until the job is done correctly."

Michael Wakerling is owner of General Roofing Company.-General Roofing CompanyMichael Wakerling is owner of General Roofing Company.

Diamond Certified Researched Capabilities on General Roofing Company

Service Area

The Bay Area
Serving the Bay Area, Including Oakland, Piedmont, Montclair, Rockridge, Berkeley, Kensington, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Albany, Point Richmond, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Concord, San Leandro, Hayward, Fremont, Castro Valley, Dublin and Pleasanton

Main Services

Roofing
  • Cedar Shake
  • Metal Shingles
  • Residential Roofing
  • Roof Coatings
  • Roof Inspection
  • Roof Leak Repair
  • Roof Moss Removal
  • Roof Repair
  • Roof Replacement
  • Roofing Installation
  • Steel Roofing
Skylights
  • Bathroom Skylights
  • Dome Skylights
  • Roof Windows
  • Skylight Installation
  • Skylight Repair
  • Skylight Replacement
  • Skylight Windows
  • Solar Tubes
  • Sun Tunnels
  • Velux Skylights

Additional Services

Roofing Systems, Including Fiberglass, Solar Reflective, Synthetic Slate/Shakes, Concrete/Clay Tiles, Cedar, Metal Shingles/Standing Seam, Modified/Built-Up, PVC and TPO
Gutters
Ventilation Systems
Repairs
Maintenance

Company Info

Hours
Mon
07:30 am - 05:30 pm
Tue
07:30 am - 05:30 pm
Wed
07:30 am - 05:30 pm
Thu
07:30 am - 05:30 pm
Fri
07:30 am - 05:30 pm
Sat
Closed
Sun
Closed
Closed
Mon – Fri: 7:30am – 5:30pm
Sat: By Appointment
Website
Contact
General Roofing Company

Capabilities Table

Company Name
General Roofing Company
DCID Number
DCID5105363356
Managers
Shane Wakerling, Owner
# of Employees
15
License
154732
Memberships
Better Business Bureau, National Roofing Contractors Association, Professional Roofers Advisory Council, Western States Roofing Contractors Association
Insurance
Liability Insurance,
Workers' Compensation
Founded
1924
Customer Type
Commercial, Residential
Warranties & Guarantees
5-Year Warranty on Workmanship
Payment Accepted
mastercard,
visa

Certifications & Awards

diamond certified logo

Brands

capabilities award
capabilities award
capabilities award
capabilities award

Key Factors

General Roofing Company Family Owned
Family Owned
General Roofing Company Established in 1924
Established in 1924
General Roofing Company Residential & Commercial
Residential & Commercial
General Roofing Company Weekend Hours
Weekend Hours
General Roofing Company Appointments Available
Appointments Available
General Roofing Company Live Phone Call Answers
Live Phone Call Answers
General Roofing Company Diamond Certified Expert Contributor
Diamond Certified Expert Contributor
General Roofing Company Worksmanship Guaranteed
Worksmanship Guaranteed

Select Photos From General Roofing Company

1 of 28Picture of General Roofing Company installs roofing for Bay Area clients. - General Roofing Company
General Roofing Company installs roofing for Bay Area clients.
Picture of General Roofing Company installs roofing for Bay Area clients. - General Roofing Company
Picture of The company has been serving the Bay Area since 1924. - General Roofing Company
Picture of General Roofing Company is also a Certified IB Applicator. - General Roofing Company
Picture of General Roofing Company - General Roofing Company
Picture of General Roofing Company - General Roofing Company
Picture of General Roofing Company - General Roofing Company

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Advice & Tips

Michael Wakerling is a 44-year veteran of the roofing industry and owner of General Roofing Company, a Diamond Certified company since 2002. He can be reached at (510) 761-5937 or by email.

Michael Wakerling is a 44-year veteran of the roofing industry and owner of General Roofing Company, a Diamond Certified company since 2002. He can be reached at (510) 761-5937 or by email.

Michael Wakerling: The Old-Fashioned Way

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

OAKLAND — As the third-generation owner of General Roofing Company in Oakland, it’s no surprise that Michael Wakerling has been immersed in the roofing industry throughout his entire life. “My grandfather started the business back in 1924 and it’s been in the family ever since,” he says. “When I was a little kid, I used to go to work with my dad on weekends, and over time I just gravitated toward the trade.” Mike’s deep industry ...

Read Full Article - Michael Wakerling: The Old-Fashioned Way

General Roofing Company Website and External Feeds

Social Media Links

Company Suggested Links

FAQs

By General Roofing Company

How long will my roofing job take?

Is there a lot of debris that goes into the attic or around the ground?

Can you explain the different types of shingles that are available?

What type of warranties do you offer?

What can you tell me about ventilation?

How do I know if I need a whole new roof?

General Roofing Company Ratings and Survey Responses

diamondcertified logo
General Roofing Company
446 SURVEYS
  • star image
  • star image
  • star image
  • star image
  • star image
  • Rating
23 CONSECUTIVE YEARS
SINCE APRIL 2002
CERT 53

Diamond Certified Ratings Dashboard

Customer Satisfaction

Customer Loyalty

Helpful Expertise

Company Credentials

  • Liability Insurance
  • Business Practices
  • Current Complaint File
  • Workers Compensation
  • License Verification
  • Legal & Finance

Phone Survey Responsesfrom 446 Verified Customers

Lou T.

They are reliable, very knowledgeable, and experienced. They knew exactly what was needed to repair my room, and they did a good job. I have not had any problems up there since.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 1 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Don C.

I've been using them for years, and I recommend them highly. I was very satisfied with their work quality and have never had any problems.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 2 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Manuel S.

They do excellent work. We had used them many years ago, which is why we called them back again.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 3 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Esther H.

I am very happy with their labor and service. They came over on time and were very courteous. The manager even came out to help, so overall, it was a good job that they did. I have three levels and had them replace two, but they said I just needed to do some patchwork on the last one, so I went with that advice, but then after the first rain, there was some leaking. They did come back promptly though, did some troubleshooting and replaced the patches. We haven't had much rain since then, but the patchwork seems to be holding up. Plus, the other parts of the roof that were replaced completely are holding up well.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 4 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Aalim M.

Professional and integrity overall, originally I was sort of talking to other roofers about the job. I spoke with about three to four different companies, of which each of the other 3 were considerably high in cost and no one actually came out to visit our home to get a good idea of the job. The exception was Mike the owner of General Roofing. He came out. They did a comprehensive presentation for me and made me feel comfortable with everything. They started the work right away. He was very communicative with me throughout the process. I was extremely and highly satisfied with them.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 5 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Mike W.

To call them, because they are amazing. They were super responsive and they were able to come out the day before Thanksgiving in a torrential downpour. They had done work on another building that I had and he was able to get up on the roof to determine that it was not a roof, but a problem with the caulking on the side of the roof. Some of the bathrooms were not getting enough ventilation and I didn't have any fans. The price he gave me was very fair.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 6 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Ilene T.

They are so good at what they do, so reliable. I had used them before. I got them out of the Diamond Certified Directory. That is where I go when I am in a panic, and I do not know who to use or what to do. General Roofing showed up on time, they were courteous, and they got the work done right the first time. They found my leak and took care of it right away.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 7 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Richard M.

I had an excellent experience with them when I needed the gutter covered on my new roof right before the rainstorm. They came out at night and worked like dogs to get it done before the rain started. They did so well on that, I had them do another part of my roof, which they also did a really nice job on.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 8 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Barbara D.

We had a huge rain storm. Everyone up and down the street seemed to have leaking roofs after that storm. I used the Diamond Certified Directory to find them. They were prompt, efficient, and they did the job they said they would do. They fixed my roof and stopped the leak. I was very satisfied.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 9 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Helen C.

It didn't take them forever to come out and they were knowledgeable. They shared information with me and they did a good job. I thought I had a leak from the roof, so they came over to look, and it was not from the roof, but they did find it for me. They helped me a lot with that.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 10 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Deborah S.

They are a great company. I wanted an asphalt roof, and even though they don't normally do that type of roof, they did it for me. I don't have enough of a slope for a composition roof and I really just wanted asphalt. They did excellent work and I really loved them.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 11 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Gabriel L.

I've known about this company and their work for years and have used them lots of times. I have also already recommended them. They do excellent quality work, which is why I would recommend them to others without any qualms or reservations.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 12 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Mike P.

They did a very good job for me. They did exactly what I asked them to do, and they were professional in everything that they did. I was very happy with the results. I plan to use them again on another project I have going on up north too.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 13 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Sabrina T.

They are a good roofing company. They do quality, timely, and efficient roofing work. They were very nice people who gave me a nice price on the work that they did. I had no complaints. I liked that they did the job in record time.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 14 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Michelle B.

They did a really good job on my gutters. Gutter work was all that I needed, and they told me it would just take one day, which it did. I was very pleased with the work they did, and we have not had a problem since.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 15 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Stacey R.

They do the roofing work very efficiently. I have used them twice, first to put a whole new roof on my house and more recently, to put a whole new roof on my garage. They do great work. I've been very satisfied.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 16 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Rose T.

That I found them to have competitive prices, and the work was good. They are dependable. I recommended them to someone already, I'm not sure if they used them or not. I would recommend them again.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 17 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Bill B.

They have always worked very well with me and I have recommended them to others already. They are my go to guys. The costs are in line and he knows as much, if not more, than the bigger companies.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 18 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Elijah M.

I have already recommended this company to friends and to family members. They always came on time. They were very respectful and very professional. We didn't have any complaints whatsoever.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 19 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Corine L.

I was originally going to go with another company, but actually canceled, and decided to go with General Roofing instead. Then, I gave their company information to my friend to use as well.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 20 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Steve F.

They are a good company. We had used them before, several years ago. They are very professional, timely, and we had no complaints with their work quality. We were very satisfied.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 21 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Judy D.

They were very reliable and even helped with planning something in the yard. They seemed very knowledgeable, and I had no problems. The owner is a very nice guy.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 22 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
James P.

They never called back for another job, I wanted them to start a whole roof replacement job. They just did patching for a couple tiles that had some issues.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 23 of 446

10 Quality
No Loyalty
Kitty K.

I used them for a roof a while back, and then in the interim, they did some leak repairs that were great quality. People are stupid to call anyone else.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 24 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Diane N.

They were professional, and they provided experienced personnel, including the foreman. And for the post job completion, they followed up with me.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 25 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Allen M.

They were really, really knowledgeable and they were very easy to work with. If there were any problems, they took care of solving them.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 26 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Steve M.

They're nothing less than an extraordinary roofing company that has been in business since the dinosaurs were working as their foremen.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 27 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Lee V.

They are amazing. I used them before and had such a good experience that I asked them to come back to help me out with a gutter job.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 28 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Bill L.

It was a positive experience and I would recommend them. They are also recommended in my HOA guide, which is where I got the name.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 29 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Melinda M.

I have already recommended them to a number of people and friends of mine. I've also given them a good review on the Nextdoor app.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 30 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Dorian N.

They have always been there for me when I have had an emergency or anything of that nature. They always have been responsive.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 31 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Amanda A.

They took on the job even though it was a small job. Most companies don't want to bother with it if the job isn't big enough.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 32 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Laura C.

I didn't get a full roof. It was just a repair, so based on that work, I'd say that they seemed honest, fair, and responsive.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 33 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Sally D.

They are worth giving a try, and they made appointments faster than other roofers. They can handle all kinds of roofs.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 34 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Jean R.

The folks at General Roofing are really outstanding and I am very pleased with the work that they have done for me.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 35 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Harry J.

I had a leak in my roof, and they fixed it. They knew what to do, and they did the work quickly. I was satisfied.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 36 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Dennis F.

They pointed out something I could repair on my own, which I did. It took about an hour, very professional guys.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 37 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
George A.

They did what they said they were going to do and they did it quickly. They delivered what they said they would.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 38 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Pam Z.

They did great work, were on time, did what they said they had to do, and were kind, courteous, and clean.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 39 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Beth Z.

The pre-planning was done very well, and the communication was very good. The work was very good too.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 40 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Paul H.

They do a great a job and everything went well, no problems. I didn't even have to get involved.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 41 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Patricia S.

They did what they said they would do. The price was reasonable and they got done quickly.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 42 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Jane E.

They really know their trade and they are really responsive, just a great company overall.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 43 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Lisa S.

Reliable, and they give you a good estimate. They were affordable, prompt, and punctual.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 44 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Ann L.

Their roof construction quality was very good. They were professional and trustworthy.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 45 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Laura S.

They're prompt, personable, and most importantly, they can solve the problem quickly.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 46 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Liam M.

They are a first class organization and you would be wise to utilize their services.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 47 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Anita B.

They did a satisfactory job. They were professional, timely, detailed, and reliable.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 48 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Susan S.

They were very reliable and did a good job. It was easy to work with Jessie Adams.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 49 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Ken B.

They did a really good job and I was very satisfied with everything that they did.

Verified Customer of General Roofing Company, 50 of 446

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty