Not Sure What Roof You Have? We’ll Help You Identify It.
Use this quick visual guide to determine your roof type—then see your best **replacement** or **restoration** path for Southern California homes and buildings. Serving Escondido, North County San Diego, Temecula, and all of San Diego County.
Quick Quiz: Flat or Pitched? What Material?
Step 1 — Flat or Pitched
- ✓ Pitched: noticeable slope; has ridges/hips/valleys; shingles, tiles, slate, or metal panels.
- ✓ Flat/Low-Slope: nearly level; has drains or scuppers; often behind parapet walls; membrane or layered system.
Step 2 — Look Close at the Surface
- ✓ Asphalt Shingle: granular rectangles overlapping in rows.
- ✓ Tile: S-shape or flat profiles; clay (color/glazed) vs concrete (cement-like, thicker).
- ✓ Slate: thin stone pieces with crisp edges; natural color variation.
- ✓ Metal: standing seams (vertical ribs) or metal shingles.
- ✓ Flat Membrane: white/gray sheets (TPO/PVC), granulated rolls (modified bitumen), or smooth coated surfaces (silicone).
Still not sure? Upload a few photos below—edges, penetrations (vents, skylights), and any problem spots help us identify it fast.
Visual Guide to Common Southern CA Roofs
Asphalt Shingle
Granular tabs in rows; most common pitched roof. Modern architectural shingles have a dimensional look. Pitched
Concrete Tile
Thicker/heavier than clay; molded surface, cement-like texture; often flat or S-profile. Pitched Tile
Clay Tile
Reddish/orange or glazed colors; more variation; “ring” sound when tapped. Pitched Tile
Slate
Thin stone pieces, crisp edges, natural color shifts; very durable, heavier. Pitched
Metal (Standing Seam)
Vertical ribs every 12–24"; long panels; clean modern look. Pitched Metal
TPO / PVC
White/gray single-ply membranes with heat-welded seams; common on flats. Flat Single-Ply
Modified Bitumen
Granulated rolls; torch-down or self-adhered; seams at roll laps. Flat Mod-Bit
Built-Up (Gravel)
Multiple layers with embedded gravel; older flat systems. Flat BUR
Silicone-Coated
Smooth, uniform coating (often white) applied over a sound roof to restore waterproofing. Flat Coating
What to Photograph: Edges & Penetrations
Perimeter
Drip edge or metal trim, fascia interface, parapet walls, scuppers, and gutter tie-ins.
Transitions
Valleys, walls/step flashings, skylights, chimneys, and any roof-to-roof intersections.
Penetrations
Plumbing/HVAC vents, satellite mounts, solar attachments, and any patched areas.
Problem Spots
Stains on ceilings, ponding areas on flats, cracked tiles, missing shingles, lifted seams.
Check Your Roof Pitch (Quick Method)
- ✓ Place a level against the roof (or view from a window) and measure 12" along the level.
- ✓ Measure the vertical rise from the roof surface to the level at the 12" mark.
- ✓ That rise is your pitch: e.g., 4" rise over 12" run = 4:12.
Safety first—never climb a roof you’re not comfortable accessing. Photos from the ground help us estimate pitch and type if needed.
Service Areas
North County San Diego, Temecula Valley, the rest of San Diego County, and nearby Southern California communities.
1) North County San Diego
Escondido • Carlsbad • San Marcos • Encinitas • Vista • Oceanside • Poway • Rancho Bernardo
- Escondido 92025–92029
- Carlsbad 92008–92011
- San Marcos 92069–92078
- Encinitas 92024
- Vista 92081–92084
- Oceanside 92054–92057
- Poway 92064
- Rancho Bernardo 92127–92128
See more North County ZIPs
Rancho Peñasquitos 92129 • Fallbrook 92028 • Solana Beach 92075 • Del Mar 92014 • La Costa 92009
2) Temecula Valley
Temecula • Murrieta • Menifee • Wildomar • Lake Elsinore
- Temecula 92590–92592
- Murrieta 92562–92563
- Menifee 92584
- Wildomar 92595
- Lake Elsinore 92530–92532
3) Greater San Diego County
Coastal, inland, and metro neighborhoods.
- San Diego
- La Jolla
- Scripps Ranch
- Chula Vista
- La Mesa
- El Cajon
4) Southern California
Select nearby communities by request.
- Orange County (by request)
- Riverside County (by request)
*Free estimates exclude real-estate transaction inspections/reports. If you’re a buyer/seller or agent, please see our Real Estate Services.