There is no single “best” material — the right choice depends on the home’s architecture, the roof’s pitch, the neighborhood’s aesthetic, and how long you plan to own. Here’s how we recommend by home type:
- Sunset / Richmond / Marina rowhouses: Architectural shingles (best value) or standing-seam metal for low-slope sections.
- Pacific Heights / Russian Hill Victorians: Architectural shingle in slate-look, or natural slate where budget allows. Historical-review board approval may be required.
- Mediterranean / Spanish-revival (Atherton, Hillsborough, parts of Berkeley): Concrete or clay tile — usually re-using the existing tile with new underlayment is the most cost-effective path.
- Eichler / mid-century moderns (Palo Alto, parts of San Mateo): TPO single-ply or modified-bitumen for the iconic low-slope roofs.
- Commercial flat roofs: TPO is the modern standard — 60-mil minimum for a 20+ year service life.
What we will not install in the Bay Area: 3-tab shingles (no longer meet Class A fire requirements in WUI zones), wood shake (banned in most Bay Area jurisdictions), and rolled roofing on residential properties.
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