Choosing roofing shingles involves more than picking a color. Each material offers different benefits, handles San Diego's climate differently, and suits different architectural styles. Understanding your options helps you make a decision you'll be happy with for decades.
Asphalt Shingles: The Practical Choice
Asphalt remains the most popular roofing material in San Diego for good reason. Modern architectural shingles look better than the flat three-tab style of previous decades. They come in dozens of colors and can mimic the appearance of wood or slate at a fraction of the cost.
For San Diego's climate, look for shingles with high UV resistance ratings. Our intense sun exposure degrades lower-quality shingles faster than manufacturers' standard warranties suggest. Algae-resistant varieties prevent the black streaking that affects some neighborhoods, particularly in coastal areas.
Installation goes relatively quickly, meaning less disruption to your household. Most asphalt shingle roofs complete in two to three days. The material is lightweight enough that most roof structures can support it without reinforcement.
Lifespan in San Diego typically runs 20 to 25 years with good maintenance—shorter than manufacturer claims based on milder climates. Annual inspection and prompt repair of any damage keeps asphalt shingles performing at their best.
Wood Shingles and Shakes: Natural Beauty
Wood roofing offers distinctive aesthetics that appeal to certain architectural styles. Cedar is the most common choice, with natural oils that resist insects and decay. The material weathers to a silver-gray over time unless treated to maintain its original color.
Fire resistance requires attention in San Diego's wildfire-prone environment. Class A fire-rated wood shingles undergo treatment to meet building codes in fire hazard zones. Check your property's designation before assuming wood is an option.
Wood roofing requires more maintenance than alternatives. Regular cleaning, treatment, and replacement of damaged shingles add ongoing costs beyond the initial installation.
Tile Roofing: Mediterranean Character
Clay and concrete tiles define San Diego's architectural character. These materials last 50 years or more—some historic tile roofs in our region are approaching 100 years old. The tiles themselves handle sun, salt air, and occasional heavy rain without complaint.
Weight is the primary consideration. Tile weighs significantly more than other options. Many homes require structural evaluation before tile installation, and older homes may need reinforcement. The additional support adds to project costs but enables a roof that outlasts the building it covers.
Concrete tiles offer similar aesthetics at lower cost than clay. They come in more colors and profiles than traditional clay. Performance differs slightly—concrete absorbs more water than clay—but both serve San Diego homes well.
Metal Roofing: Modern Durability
Standing seam metal roofing has grown popular for contemporary homes. The clean lines suit modern architecture, and the material handles our climate exceptionally well. Metal reflects solar radiation, reducing cooling costs during our warm months.
Coastal corrosion concerns require proper material selection. Aluminum or properly coated steel resists the salt air that attacks bare metal. Galvalume and painted finishes extend service life in oceanfront locations.
Metal roofs last 40 to 60 years with minimal maintenance. They shed rain instantly, eliminating ponding concerns. Wind resistance exceeds most other materials when properly installed. The main drawback is noise during our occasional heavy rains, though proper underlayment reduces this significantly.
