Deep dive · Updated October 17, 2026

Roof types common in Marin homes

Marin's housing ranges from Victorian cottages to Eichlers to hillside custom homes, so its roofs vary just as much. Here's what you'll find, and what tends to go wrong.

Composition (asphalt) shingles

The most common roof in Marin and nationwide.

• Strengths: affordable, widely available, many colors. Many products achieve Class A fire ratings as part of a rated assembly.
• Weaknesses: they age faster on sun-exposed slopes, lose granules over time, and can lift in wind if not installed to spec.
• Typical Marin problems: moss on shaded roofs, debris in valleys, and wind damage on exposed ridges in Novato and Tiburon.

Concrete and clay tile

Seen on Mediterranean-style and custom homes, especially in Tiburon and Belvedere.

• Strengths: durable, fire resistant, distinctive look
• Weaknesses: heavy, so the structure must support it. Tiles can crack when walked on. The underlayment beneath often fails before the tiles do.
• Typical problems: cracked or slipped tiles, worn underlayment, and debris under tiles at edges

Wood shake and shingle

Found on older homes in Mill Valley, Kentfield and Ross.

• Strengths: natural look
• Weaknesses: vulnerable to rot, moss, splitting and fire. Fire-treated products exist, but local rules may restrict wood roofing.
• Typical problems: splitting, moss, and debris accumulation. Many owners are replacing shake with Class A alternatives. See fire ratings.

Slate

Historic and high-end homes in Ross, Belvedere and Kentfield.

• Strengths: very long-lived and fire resistant
• Weaknesses: heavy, expensive, and needs specialists; walking on it can break slates
• Typical problems: broken or slipped slates, and failed flashing or fasteners

Metal (standing seam)

Growing in popularity on wooded lots.

• Strengths: sheds needles and debris, fire resistant, lightweight, long-lived
• Weaknesses: can be louder in rain, depending on the assembly. Near the coast, ask about corrosion resistance.

Flat and low-slope roofs

Eichlers in Terra Linda and Lucas Valley (San Rafael), mid-century homes in Corte Madera, and many additions.

• Types: torch-down modified bitumen, single-ply membranes (TPO, PVC, EPDM), built-up roofs, and coatings
• Strengths: suit modern architecture, and can accommodate solar
• Weaknesses: ponding water, seam failures, clogged drains and scuppers. Eichler roofs often have no attic, so leaks show directly on ceiling planks.
• Typical problems: blisters, open seams, ponding near drains, and flashing at walls and skylights

Choosing a material for a replacement

Consider fire rating, weight and structure, wind exposure, salt air, tree cover, architecture, solar plans, permits and budget. Ask each bidder to explain their recommendation. See repair vs. replace.

Matching material to your site

Your lot affects which roof makes sense:

Weight and structure

Switching materials sometimes means checking the structure. Going from composition shingle to concrete tile adds significant weight, and the framing may need evaluation by an engineer. Going from tile to a lighter material is usually simpler structurally but can change the look of a historic home.

Underlayment matters as much as the roofing

Underneath every roof is an underlayment that acts as a second line of defense. Synthetic underlayments are now common. On tile roofs especially, the underlayment does much of the waterproofing, and it's often the underlayment, not the tile, that fails with age. Some fire-rated assemblies also depend on a specific underlayment.

Color, heat and energy

California's building energy standards include provisions related to roofing in certain situations, sometimes called "cool roof" requirements, which can affect color and reflectance choices for reroofs. Ask your roofer and building department what applies to your project.

Maintenance by roof type

• Composition: keep valleys and gutters clear, remove moss gently, and check flashing and vent boots.
• Tile: avoid walking on tiles, replace broken ones, clear debris from under eaves and at bird stops, and plan for underlayment replacement over time.
• Wood shake: keep debris off and remove moss. Many owners in fire-prone areas plan replacement.
• Slate: use a specialist for repairs, and replace broken slates promptly.
• Metal: check fasteners and seals, and clear debris at valleys.
• Low slope: clear drains and scuppers, inspect seams after storms, and address ponding.

Questions for a roofer about materials

1. Why do you recommend this material for my site?
2. What's the fire rating of the full assembly?
3. What underlayment will you use?
4. Are there local rules, like design review or fire-area requirements, that limit my choices?
5. How will this material handle tree debris on my lot?

Related reading

• The complete roof guide
• Fire-rated roofing in Marin

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information, not legal, insurance or medical advice. Sources are linked in the text. Marin Roof Repair is a referral service and doesn't perform the work.