What's on most Peninsula roofs?
Composition shingles cover most post-war tracts. Clay and concrete tile show up on Spanish-style homes in Burlingame, San Mateo and Hillsborough, and low-slope membranes on mid-century modern homes.
| Roofing material | Estimated life (years) |
|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles (3-tab) | 20 |
| Asphalt shingles (architectural) | 30 |
| Wood shakes or shingles | 25 |
| Metal | 40 to 80 |
| Clay or concrete tile | 100+ |
| Slate | 60 to 150 |
| Built-up roofing (flat) | 30 |
| Modified bitumen (flat) | 20 |
| TPO (flat) | 7 to 20 |
| EPDM rubber (flat) | 15 to 25 |
Source: InterNACHI.
Why do two Peninsula houses age so differently?
The ridge along Skyline divides the county. West of it, fog keeps roofs wet for much of the summer, and salt air reaches Pacifica and Half Moon Bay. East of it, from Millbrae to Menlo Park, roofs get more sun. Every Peninsula city we checked is in Energy Commission climate zone 3, but microclimates still matter.
How can I tell how old my roof is?
Ask your city's building department for permit history, check purchase disclosures, or look for a dated manufacturer label in the attic.
What helps a roof last longer here?
Keep gutters and valleys clear of leaves and needles, treat moss early on shaded slopes, and replace corroded flashing before it lets water into the deck.
Every roofer we work with is licensed, insured and highly reviewed by Bay Area homeowners.
Get a free replacement quoteFrequently asked questions
Do tile roofs last 100 years on the Peninsula?
The tiles can, per InterNACHI, but the underlayment beneath them doesn't. It's often the reason a tile roof is redone.
Does fog really shorten roof life?
Persistent moisture feeds moss and corrodes metal, which can shorten the life of shingles and flashing.
Is my 1965 house on its original roof?
Very unlikely. Most homes that age have been reroofed at least once.
Sources
Sources reviewed November 11, 2026. Figures are published estimates and official fees, not quotes. Confirm prices, permits and requirements with your contractor and building department. This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice.