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Loading...California have 5 government roof replacement grant programs in over 70 local organizations. You’ll find them below, along with their description, how the programs work plus where to apply and get more information.
Updated: April 12, 2024
Programs to help pay for roof repair or a new roof
There are a few official California government programs available for roof replacement.
Weatherization Assistance Program
California rural residents (USDA)
Each program provides funding their own ways, target different groups of homeowners and help you fund roof replacement in various ways. It’s important to know, there’s no program only for roof replacement. Each program usually allow you to update or repair many part of your home, including roofs.
Roof replacement programs eligibility
| Cities & Suburbs | Rural | |
|---|---|---|
| Low income | PACE, WAP, Tax credits, cities & counties. | USDA, PACE, Tax Credits, WAP, cities & counties, |
|
Medium/High income |
PACE, Tax credits, Traditional loans,. | USDA, PACE, Tax credits, Traditional loans. |
Important reminder: Programs such as Weatherization, and city or county assistance programs determine eligibility based on the median income in your area. This means that even if you have a moderate income, you might qualify for these programs if you live in a wealthier area. In other words, it’s better to verify your edibility with each programs first before thinking you won’t be able to receive funding for roofs.
Common roof problems
- Asphalt Shingles: California’s intense sun reduce asphalt shingle lifespan to 10-25 years compared to the national average of 15-30 years. This means sooner potential repairs or an early full roof replacement. Strong Santa Ana winds can increase tear-off risk, leading to unexpected repair costs. Moist coastal areas promote moss growth further reducing lifespan.
- Metal Roof: Metal roofs do well in California’s climate and last 40-70 years, equal to the national average of 40-70 years. Coastal salt spray can accelerate rust compared to inland areas. Proper ventilation can address this save you costly repairs or even a complete roof replacement.
- Concrete & Clay Tile: These tiles do very well in California’s climate and can last 50-80 years vs the national average of 25-50 years. Clay’s brittleness makes it more susceptible to cracking in harsh heat. These cracks can lead to leaks and water damage, causing expensive repairs. Proper maintenance is important.
- Slate roofing: Slate roofs are known to last well over 100 years nationwide, and California’s climate is no exception. But their high cost is a problem: repairs are rare but when you have to, replacing a broken tile can cost hundreds of dollars per tile.
- Synthetic Shake/Slate: Affordable but their lifespan are reduced in California to 10-15 years compared to the national average of 20-50 years. The intense sun exposure cause fading and warping, leading to earlier aesthetic issues and potential leaks. Their shorter lifespan translate to more frequent roof replacements, impacting your wallet over time.
California PACE Program
The California PACE Program (Property Assessed Clean Energy) help homeowners in multi family residential properties (5+ units) to finance up to 100% energy-efficient improvement, including roof replacement, by offering financing options that are repaid through your property taxes.
| Pace fixed rates: | 6 to12% |
| Credit Score: | No minimum credit score and pre-payment penalties. |
| Time to decision: | Pre-approval after the project assessment. |
| Coverage: | Offered in some California cities and counties. |
| Projects: | Windows, Doors, Shutters, Roof, Gutters, Generators, Pool pumps, Garage doors, HVAC, Solar Panels, Water Heaters, Electric car chargers, etc. |
Who offer PACE? See list of lenders licensed to offer PACE funding in California.
Eligibility: You must own your home. No bankruptcy. Not behind on your mortgage and property taxes.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) (70+ resources)
What is WAP?
WAP is a Federal program from the Department of Energy. WAP aims to reduce energy costs for homeowners, and one of the measures is roof replacement by improving its coating and attic insulation. You can learn more about eligibility and apply for the roof replacement, contact 1 of the 70+ local WAP organizations.
Who is WAP for?
The program target low-income families, including the elderly and disabled, by making their homes more energy-efficient.
What else WAP can do for your home?
It can help replace or fix the following:
- – Roof repair or replacement by adding a new roof coating with a membrane. Important: not all local organisations provide roof replacement so verify with yours to see if they can help seal your roof.
- – Air infiltration with weather stripping, caulking, thresholds, minor repairs to walls, ceilings and floors, and doors and windows replacement.
- – Install attic and floor insulation.
- – Install attic ventilation.
- – Apply solar reflective coating to manufactured homes.
- – Install solar screens.
- – Repair or replace inefficient heating and cooling units.
- – Repair or replace water heaters
Where can I apply?
You can contact your local WAP organization.
Cities & Counties Roof Programs (many programs)
Most cities and counties’ housing departments provide home rehab/repair or home improvement program that help low income homeowner fix or replace their roof.
We recommend you contact either your local Housing Department or Community Development Department to learn about their program(s) and eligibility.
You can also start by review cities, counties and local resources already listed in our California funding resources page.
California Rural residents (1 program)
This USDA program provides, among other things, government loans for roof replacement, and grants to very-low-income rural homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. Roof replacement are part of this program.
Contact your local USDA office for more details for roof replacement program.
How much money can I get?
- – Maximum loan is $40,000
- – Maximum grant is $10,000
- – Loans and grants can be combined.
Contact your local USDA office
Roof Replacement Incentives: Tax Credit (1 program)
Federal Tax Credit for Roofs
The Federal Inflation Reduction Act gives Californian homeowners tax credits when you update part of your home for energy efficiency. Many parts of your home are covered by this program and some roof replacement work are part of this tax credit.
What’s covered and what are the tax credits?
Homeowners can claim 30% of the cost associated with the follow renovations (some roofing work are included):
| Windows and skylights: | Credit max of $600 |
| Exterior doors: | Credit max of $500 ($250 per door) |
| Electric panel upgrades: | Credit max of $600 |
| Air source heat pumps: | Credit max of $2,000 |
| Heat pump water heaters: | Credit max of $2,000 |
| Central air conditioners: | Credit max of $600 |
| Insulation (ceilings/roof): | Credit max of $1,200 |
| Certified energy audit: | Credit max of $150 |
Frequent Questions: Roof Replacement Programs
Is there free roof replacement grant for seniors?
There’s no specific roof replacement program for seniors only. Seniors can apply to all programs found on in this page.
Is there free roof replacement program California?
While some programs are free, not all of them let you have a free roof. It is recommended you verify with each programs for your situation to be 100% certain.
What is the roof and attic insulation rebates in California?
Most utilities will offer you rebates when you upgrade or add insulation to your roof (or attic) which will help you save on your cooling cost and save electricity.
Most utilities will offer you rebates when you upgrade your roof or attic to make it energy efficient.
Call or visit your utility site to see if they offer rebates for roof replacement or upgrade.