How long will my roofing job take?

That depends on the scope of the job. We can give an accurate timeline after we’ve looked at the roof and determined what needs to be done.

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

We usually don't tarp the inside of an attic for liability reasons, but if you ask in advance, we can accommodate. We work hard to minimize the problem of debris falling into the attic. We put tarps on plants and the ground, and we do a ground cleanup with blowers and magnets to catch nails.

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

The 30- and 40-year shingles have turned into the basic shingles. It's like having a Chevrolet or Ford—you drive it to work every day and it's dependable. One question we always ask is, ‘How long do you plan on staying in your home? Are you going to get the value back if you choose a more expensive shingle, or will a 40-year shingle work?’

What type of warranties do you offer?

A typical shingle warranty is pro-rated for 30 years, so if your roof fails in the 15th year and the material was originally $2,000, your warranty will cover $700 or $800. If you get the CertainTeed manufacturer’s extended warranty (which are included on 50-year roofs), the replacement isn’t pro-rated. CertainTeed pays for the tear off, the dump and the whole redo.

What can you tell me about ventilation?

Ventilation is an important component to making a roof last. We try to educate our customers on different options. For example, you can install a ridge vent system or you can upgrade to a power fan. We try and design a system that works for our customers and ventilates their roofs as much as possible.

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

We’re completely honest when we assess a roof. We’ll maintain it if possible, and we'll never suggest a new roof just to get the work.

GENERAL ROOFING COMPANY - 471 Surveys, Videos, Articles, & More

Name: General Roofing Company
Address: US
Rating: 4.6

Diamond Certified Researched Articles on General Roofing Company

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.

Michael 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

null

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

Contact

General Roofing Company

Capabilities Table

Company Name

General Roofing Company

Managers

Shane Wakerling, Owner

# of Employees

License

154732

Memberships

Better Business Bureau, National Roofing Contractors Association, Professional Roofers Advisory Council, Western States Roofing Contractors Association

Founded

1924

Payment Accepted

mastercard,

visa

Key Factors

Select Photos From General Roofing Company

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General Roofing Company installs roofing for Bay Area clients.

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 Beneath a canopy of towering trees, this Spanish-style home boasts a classic clay tile roof, a testament to the General Roofing Company's commitment to quality outcomes. Copyright ©2025 Diamond Certified Resource

- General Roofing Company

Picture of The classic architecture of this residential home showcases the meticulous craftsmanship that General Roofing Company is renowned for. Focusing on quality outcomes has consistently earned the company top ratings for their work. Copyright ©2025 Diamond Certified Resource - General Roofing Company

Picture of A timeless estate showcases elegant architecture and sturdy roofing, a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the General Roofing Company, recognized for expertise and quality. Copyright ©2025 Diamond Certified Resource - General Roofing Company

Michael Wakerling is a 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 Ratings and Survey Responses (reviews)

Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise PERFORMANCEGUARANTEED

General Roofing Company

471 SURVEYS

24 CONSECUTIVE YEARS

SINCE APRIL 2002

CERT 53

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General Roofing Company

Based in Oakland, CA

4.6 avg. star score from 471 Verified Customer Phone Survey Responses

(Reviews: Scroll down to read them.)

Our surveys of only verified real customers produce the country’s most accurate ratings of local companies. General Roofing Company scored Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise and passed the credential-based checks to earn Diamond Certified.

A Star Equivalent Score is calculated for each verified customer rating by weighting the 1–10 Quality score, the YES/NO Loyalty (intent to return) score and the YES/NO Helpful Expertise score. If Helpful Expertise wasn’t surveyed or didn’t apply, it’s simply not shown.

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