Roof Tear-Off Cost San Diego: Shingles vs Tile (2026)
When it is time for a new roof, the old one has to come off first. Roof tear-off (also called roof demolition or roof stripping) is a critical step in any roof replacement project, and the cost varies significantly depending on whether you have asphalt shingles, concrete tiles, clay tiles, or flat roofing material. Here is what San Diego homeowners should expect to pay in 2026.
Understanding Roof Tear-Off in San Diego
San Diego's roofing landscape is unique. While much of the country is dominated by asphalt shingles, San Diego has a high proportion of concrete and clay tile roofs, particularly in communities built during the 1980s through 2000s in areas like Rancho Bernardo, Scripps Ranch, Carmel Valley, and Eastlake. The Spanish and Mediterranean architectural styles popular throughout La Jolla, Coronado, and Rancho Santa Fe also feature heavy clay tile roofs that require specialized removal.
At Demo Diego, our roof demolition service works hand-in-hand with roofing contractors across San Diego County. We handle the tear-off and debris removal so your roofer can focus on installing the new roof. This teamwork approach often saves homeowners money and speeds up the overall timeline.
Below we break down the costs for each roofing material, the factors that affect pricing, and how to coordinate the tear-off with your roofing contractor for the best results.
Average Roof Tear-Off Cost in San Diego (2026)
Roof tear-off costs are typically priced per roofing square (100 square feet). The total cost depends on the roofing material, the number of layers, roof pitch, and accessibility. Here are the 2026 price ranges for San Diego:
| Roofing Material | Cost Per Square (100 sq ft) | Typical Total (2,000 sq ft roof) |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles (single layer) | $100 – $175 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Asphalt Shingles (2–3 layers) | $150 – $250 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Concrete Tile | $200 – $350 | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Clay Tile | $250 – $400 | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Flat Roof (Built-Up / Modified Bitumen) | $125 – $225 | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Wood Shake | $150 – $275 | $3,000 – $5,500 |
These prices include the labor to strip the roof down to the sheathing (plywood or OSB), loading debris into dumpsters or trucks, and hauling everything away. They do not include the cost of a new roof installation, which is a separate project handled by your roofing contractor.
Shingles vs. Tile: Why the Cost Difference Is So Large
Asphalt Shingle Tear-Off
Asphalt shingles are the lightest and easiest roofing material to remove. A typical shingle bundle weighs 60 to 80 pounds, and a 2,000 square foot roof generates roughly 3 to 4 tons of debris for a single layer. Experienced crews can strip a single-layer shingle roof in one day. The main complication is multiple layers: some older homes in Clairemont, Linda Vista, and College Area have had shingles layered on top of shingles over the years, doubling or tripling the weight and labor involved.
Concrete and Clay Tile Tear-Off
Tile roofs are dramatically heavier. Concrete tiles weigh 9 to 12 pounds each, and a single square of concrete tile roofing can weigh 900 to 1,100 pounds. Clay tiles are similar. A 2,000 square foot tile roof can generate 10 to 15 tons of debris, which is three to four times the weight of shingles. This means more labor to remove, more trucks to haul, and higher disposal costs. Tile removal also requires more care to avoid damaging the roof sheathing underneath, which is often in worse condition than expected due to decades of weight and moisture.
Wood Shake Tear-Off
Wood shake roofs are found on some older homes in Fallbrook, Rancho Santa Fe, and Julian. Shake removal is moderately complex because the shakes are often nailed individually and may have deteriorated, making them fragile and prone to splintering. The sheathing underneath may be skip-sheathing (spaced boards rather than plywood), which may need to be replaced before a new roof can go on.
Factors That Affect Roof Tear-Off Cost
Roof Pitch (Steepness)
Steeper roofs are more dangerous and slower to work on. Roofs with a pitch of 8/12 or greater require additional safety equipment (harnesses, scaffolding, toe boards) and reduce crew productivity. This can add 15 to 30 percent to the tear-off cost compared to a standard 4/12 to 6/12 pitch roof.
Number of Layers
California building code allows a maximum of two layers of asphalt shingles. If your roof has two or three layers (from previous re-roofs where the old shingles were not removed), the tear-off will take longer and generate more debris. Each additional layer adds roughly $50 to $100 per square to the removal cost.
Roof Size and Complexity
A simple gable or hip roof is faster to strip than a complex roof with multiple valleys, dormers, skylights, and penetrations (vents, pipes, chimneys). Each valley, hip line, and penetration requires additional time to carefully remove flashing and materials around it.
Accessibility
Properties with easy truck access can use chutes to slide debris directly into dumpsters, which speeds up the process considerably. Homes on narrow lots, cul-de-sacs, or hillside properties in areas like Mount Soledad and Point Loma may require manual carry-down, which increases labor cost.
Sheathing Condition
During tear-off, the crew will inspect the roof sheathing (plywood or OSB panels). If sections are water-damaged, rotted, or soft, they will need to be replaced before the new roof goes on. Sheathing replacement typically costs $50 to $80 per sheet (4x8 panel) installed and is usually handled by the roofing contractor.
Debris Removal
Roofing tear-off generates a massive amount of debris. Our construction debris removal service handles all hauling and disposal. Concrete and clay tiles are recyclable, which helps reduce disposal costs. Shingles can also be recycled at select facilities in San Diego County.
Coordinating Roof Tear-Off with Your Roofing Contractor
Most homeowners hire a single roofing company to handle both the tear-off and new roof installation. However, a growing number of San Diego homeowners and roofing contractors are finding that using a dedicated demolition crew for the tear-off delivers better results and often lower overall costs. Here is why:
- 1.Speed. A dedicated tear-off crew can strip the entire roof in one day, so your roofer can start installing the new roof the very next morning. This minimizes the time your home is exposed to the elements, which matters even in sunny San Diego where unexpected rain can occur.
- 2.Cost efficiency. Roofing companies often include a premium for the tear-off portion because it pulls their skilled installers away from installation work. A demolition company specializing in tear-offs can often do it for less.
- 3.Clean debris removal. Roofing nails are one of the biggest headaches during a roof replacement. Demo Diego uses magnetic nail sweepers on the ground, landscaping, and driveway after every tear-off to ensure no stray nails are left behind to puncture tires or injure feet.
- 4.Scheduling flexibility. We coordinate directly with your roofing contractor to ensure seamless timing. The tear-off and the installation can be scheduled back-to-back so there is no downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Tear-Off in San Diego
How long does a roof tear-off take?
Most single-layer shingle roofs can be stripped in one day. Tile roofs typically take one to two days depending on size. Multi-layer shingle roofs or very large homes may also require two days. The goal is always to have the roof stripped and tarped (if needed) before the end of the work day.
Do I need a permit for a roof tear-off in San Diego?
A roof tear-off by itself does not typically require a separate permit, but the overall roof replacement project does require a building permit from the City of San Diego. Your roofing contractor usually handles this. The permit covers both the demolition and the installation of the new roof.
Can I install new shingles over my existing roof?
In some cases, a second layer of asphalt shingles can be installed over the existing layer, which saves the cost of a tear-off. However, this is only advisable if the existing roof is in good condition, the sheathing is solid, and local codes allow it. Most roofing professionals in San Diego recommend a full tear-off for the best long-term results, as it allows inspection of the sheathing and proper installation of underlayment.
What happens if it rains during my roof tear-off?
Roof tear-offs are scheduled around the weather forecast. San Diego gets the majority of its rain between December and March, so most homeowners schedule roof replacements during the dry season. If unexpected rain threatens during a tear-off, the crew will tarp all exposed sections to protect your home until work can resume.
Can I save the tiles for reuse?
If your concrete or clay tiles are in good condition, some can be salvaged for reuse. This is common when only part of the roof needs replacement, or when matching tiles are needed for repairs elsewhere. However, tile salvage adds labor time since each tile must be carefully removed rather than stripped off. Expect to pay a premium for selective tile salvage versus standard demolition.
How messy is a roof tear-off?
Roof tear-offs are inherently messy projects. Debris, dust, and nails fall into landscaping, on driveways, and around the perimeter of the home. Demo Diego uses tarps to protect landscaping, plywood to shield windows, and magnetic nail sweepers for thorough cleanup. We leave your property clean and nail-free when the job is done.
Get a Free Roof Tear-Off Estimate in San Diego
Planning a roof replacement? Let Demo Diego handle the tear-off and debris removal. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. We coordinate with roofing contractors across San Diego County for seamless project scheduling.
Call 760-860-8080Or visit our Roof Demolition page to learn more about our process.