Tear-Off vs Overlay
Always tear-off for San Diego. Overlay (new shingles directly over old) traps heat — accelerates shingle failure 30% faster. Violates code in every California fire zone (most of East County + coastal canyons). Voids most manufacturer extended warranties. Prevents detection of rot in sheathing below. The "savings" are consumed by a shorter roof life and insurance/code issues at next claim.
We always quote full tear-off with new underlayment + new flashing + new vents. It's the only defensible install method in San Diego's climate + code environment.
Material Options for San Diego Homes
Architectural (Dimensional) Asphalt Shingle
- Service life: 18-25 years; 25-30 for premium lines in cooler climates
- Best for: South Bay (Chula Vista, National City), inland suburbs, tract construction
- Brands we install: GAF Timberline HDZ, Owens Corning Duration, CertainTeed Landmark, Malarkey Legacy with Scotchgard (algae-resistant)
Concrete Tile
- Service life: 50+ years tile, 20-30 years underlayment (replacement every 20-30)
- Best for: Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Scripps Ranch, North County tract homes from 1980s+
Clay Tile (Premium)
- Service life: 75-100 years tile
- Best for: La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch, premium Mediterranean/Spanish-style homes
Standing-Seam Metal
- Service life: 40-60 years
- Best for: Modern architectural custom builds, coastal builds (salt-compatible alloy selection), high-wind East County
TPO / Modified Bitumen / SPF Foam (Flat)
- Service life: 20-25 years for TPO/mod-bit; 30+ for SPF with coating refresh
- Best for: Bungalow additions (North Park, Kensington), mid-century flat-roof homes, commercial
Our Process
- Free inspection — 45-90 min walk + drone, photographed, written up
- Line-item quote in 48 hours — every component priced
- Contract signing — fixed price, no surprise add-ons (only change orders for hidden rot)
- Permit pull in your name (CSLB requirement) — San Diego same-day; County 5-10 days; Coastal 2-4 weeks if triggered
- Material delivery 1-2 days before install start
- Tear-off + install — 2-7 working days depending on size and material; 7 AM-4 PM; daily cleanup; nightly tarp
- Final inspection + warranty registration — City/County final; GAF or Owens Corning warranty registered in your name; project binder delivered
Warranty
- 50-year GAF Golden Pledge on qualifying Master Elite installs (premium shingle)
- 25-year Owens Corning Platinum Protection on qualifying Platinum Preferred installs
- 10-year workmanship warranty standard on all our installs
- Transferable on sale — adds resale value to the property
