Roofing cost calculator — San Diego

Removing old roofing is labor-intensive — shingles plus underlayment plus nails, all hauled off-site in a dumpster. Two-layer tear-offs also expose decking that often needs partial replacement (rotted plywood around penetrations, chimney surrounds, valleys). California only allows two layers of asphalt total, so a third install always requires full tear-off.

Yes. Within 3,000 ft of the coast, standard galvanized fasteners fail from salt spray within 10-15 years even on a roof that's structurally fine. We spec stainless or copper fasteners + SBS-modified shingles or higher-grade underlayment for coastal installs in Coronado, Del Mar, Imperial Beach, La Jolla. Standard inland-spec materials in the salt zone is how you end up with a failed roof half a lifetime early.

California Title 24 requires cool-roof-rated materials on most residential re-roofs in most SD climate zones, yes. Exceptions exist for tile roofs (tile itself usually complies) and for certain small-scope repairs. Asphalt shingles sold in California are almost all Title 24-compliant — the rating is published on the shingle bundle.

Typically 15-30% more than moderate-slope. Steep roofs need proper fall protection (harness, ropes, anchors), slower install pace, and often a scaffold tower or boom lift to stage materials. The extra $1-3 per sq ft isn't markup — it's real rigging time and insurance cost.

Most SD roofers offer financing through Enhancify, YGrene, or direct-with-credit-union programs. Terms vary but 7-10 year financing at market rates is standard. PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) is available for cool-roof-rated materials as part of the home's property tax — ask specifically if you want that route.