Cert-A-Roof
Company Overview
Book your LeakFREE® roof inspection today! With 35 years of experience, we stand as the #1 roof inspection provider in Southern California. Our inspectors are NRCIA certified. Our expertise lies in providing 2-year LeakFREE® roof certifications. Receive photo-centric reports within 24 hours. We offer comprehensive roofing services.
Les Watrous obtained a California General Contractors License 388630 in 1980, operating as The Watrous Group.
In the early 1980s, due to a lack of home inspectors, many sought The Watrous Group for home inspections, and Les gained extensive knowledge of the home inspection field.
With the evolution of the home inspection industry in the early 90s, many insurance claims against inspectors stemmed from leaking roofs, leading inspectors to advise obtaining roof inspections.
Seeing a chance, Les founded Cert-A-Roof® in 1993 to provide inspections and certifications for leak-free roofs, and trademarked the term LeakFREE® Roof Certification.
As awareness grew in the real estate, banking, and insurance fields about the necessity of roof inspections and certifications, the demand for our services increased.
The Watrous Group, now known as Cert-A-Roof, has maintained the same contractor's license number and phone number for 35 years.
Now, we offer FAA registered drone roof inspections. Les, a Connecticut native, comes from generations of builders who constructed homes from the foundation up. He was raised with a strong emphasis on quality craftsmanship and still adheres to that philosophy.
In 1978, he moved to California with his parents due to his father's health issues requiring a warmer climate.
His extensive knowledge of home construction, covering foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and quality craftsmanship, established him as a highly sought-after contractor.
In 1993, he founded Cert-A-Roof to help buyers better understand the roofs they were considering purchasing.
In the aftermath of the 1994 earthquake, he took on the task of rebuilding homes that suffered damage. He took on the role of a consumer advocate, collaborating with insurance companies to achieve the best settlements. He authored a book titled Top Dollar Property Claims, which was acknowledged by the Los Angeles Times as one of the Top Ten Books of the Year for real estate.
Business Services
- Roof inspection
- New roof installation
- Roof repair
- Roof replacement
- Reroofing
Business Location & Hours
| Mon: | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Tue: | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Wed: | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Thu: | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Fri: | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sat: | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Sun: | Closed |
Recommended Customer Reviews
Susseth S.Paul is honest, trustworthy, professional and very knowledgeable.
Seriously, you don't want to jeopardize hiring just anybody to redo your roof. A business partner and I are working on renovating a 1920's Spanish home. Unfortunately I let my partner choose the roofer (from another company not affiliated with cert-a-roof)- and that was a Big Mistake!
I did some research and hired Paul to come and do a roof inspection which he conducted on a Sunday. Within 24 hours I had a report detailing several deficiencies. I ended up hiring Paul to come and completely redo our roof. Paul and his team redid and completed the work as promised without a hitch. From here on out, we will be using Paul to work on any future roofing projects. We would highly recommend Paul and his father to any family and friends.
Paul- thank you for doing such a great job. Look forward to doing business with you in the future.
I was very impressed with Cert-A-Roof right from the get go. My call was answered immediately, and within three days, Paul was at my front door for the inspection. He diagnosed the source of our leak almost instantly, and walked me through the process of doing the repair, which I will be able to do myself very easily; that was a huge relief! He was very thorough inspecting every room, the entire roof and the attic for any signs of water damage. He submitted his detailed report via email within 5 hours of the inspection. I give Cert-A-Roof and Paul my highest recommendation. Thank you!
I needed immediate help to inspect a roof in order to remove our contingencies. Our previous roof inspector came late and flaked on delivering a report. He left us hanging. I found Cert-A-Roof here on Yelp. I called, Les took my info and checked to see if he could come the next day. Soon after I had a rushed appointment. They came out the next day, on time, respectful and knowledgeable. Paul promised the report that night and he delivered. It was an incredibly thorough report. The seller recognize the new roof the house needed and lowered the price. We are extremely happy that we found Cert-A-Roof.
Jennifer T.I was in Escrow on my house and I had a concern over the buyers potential issue with the age of my roof. My Realtor recommended getting a roof inspection and a roof certification. I only had one day to get this done. Paul was great, he came after hours to take care of the inspection and give me the paperwork I needed for the inspection the next day. It was really a great peace of mind.
Every now and then, not often, you meet somebody who seems special.
They clearly pay attention, look you in the eye un-distracted.
They respond with knowledgeable answers to the questions you ask.
They perform beyond your expectations.
Paul Watrous is this special person.
Don't miss the opportunity to work with Paul.
Don & Jeanette
Dan V.Cert-A-Roof just did an inspection at a house we just bought in the South Bay area, after our general inspector recommended we take a look at the wear and age of it. I left a message with them on a Friday afternoon, and Paul returned my call within a couple of hours and I was able to get an appointment for the following Monday. We were in a fairly shortened inspection process, so having them come out so quick was great.
Paul arrived on time and even called when he was 30 minutes away to tell me when he would be there. He did a very thorough job and was very knowledgeable. It was no problem to walk with him during the whole process so he could point out everything he was observing and how it was meaningful. He sent me the detailed report that same evening. Would recommend them to anyone.
Patrick T.Paul is SO easy to work with!!
Based on home inspection report from another vendor additional inspection was recommended, plus I was really bothered by the water stain in the attic- I am no expert and I definitely want to make sure my new home will be in good shape.
10:25AM Called Paul after speaking with my agent
12:30PM Paul came out for inspection
5:45PM Received phone call from Paul. He went over the report in detail and provided an electronic copy.
Most importantly, I have a thorough understanding of my roof as well as the costs involved for making the repairs.
I would definitely recommend Paul and Cert-a-Roof to anyone needing the service.
We were referred to Les and Paul from Cert-A-Roof by our real estate agent Leslie Carmichael and they were absolutely amazing!! My husband and I recently bought our first home and quickly found out that we needed a completely new roof and had massive termite damage, both Les and Paul helped us navigate the process easily. Their team worked quickly and efficiently to get us into our new home. We even had compliments from the neighbors about how quiet and respectful all the workers were through the whole repair! I would HIGHLY recommend Cert-A Roof to anyone looking for a company that is extremely professional, has a great work ethic, and has amazing workmanship.
Sandi S.We are getting our house ready to sale. We called and Paul answered. He told us the service/certificate roof options we had and what we can present to potential buyers. We made an appointment for inspection. Paul was prompt and friendly.
Les and Paul came out to inspect my roof. They were prompt, very professional, and thorough. Their explanations were clear and informative.

























