It's difficult to say which is better: a traditional tile roof that will be very expensive, but will last a lifetime, or an inexpensive asphalt shingled roof that might be replaced several times and still cost less than the tile. Metal roofing adds yet another level to this dilemma, as it is less expensive than tile, more expensive than asphalt shingles, and has a life expectancy of 40+ years, which puts its longevity right in the middle of both, too. When comparing price and durability of these three roofing materials, the jury is still out on which is ultimately the best; however, when it comes to the specific characteristics of each material, there are huge differences that can give the homeowner a better vantage point to choose what he or she likes best.
Benefits of Metal Roofing in San Diego
In general, metal roofing is prized for its long lifespan, moderate price, and ease of maintenance. It is also quick and easy to install, extremely lightweight (metal roofing is so light that it can be placed on top of an existing asphalt roof without worrying about any additional support), and comes in several styles and a wide variety of colors. In San Diego, metal roofing is not seen as often as asphalt or tile, but is a practical alternative to either. When you examine what it is a roof should do, and how effective it is in a given environment, you can see that a metal roof will perform well in southern Californian conditions, and have some advantages that more common materials will not.
The threat of fire is a huge concern for homeowners in San Diego. Metal roofing is, of course, not very likely to ignite no matter what kind of heat or flame it is exposed to, and because of this choosing a metal roof for your home may reduce insurance costs. Once installed, metal roofing generally requires very little maintenance over its lifetime. When it gets dirty, which is less often than other materials because it is so smooth and difficult for debris to cling to, you'll likely need little more than a garden hose and a free half hour to clean it off. It doesn't rot, is very resistant to wind damage, and in a fair-weather place like San Diego, metal roofing can actually keep a home naturally cooler by reflecting, rather than absorbing, heat from the sun.
Drawbacks of San Diego Metal Roofing
While some of the problems associated with metal roofs in the past, such as rust and excessive noise when it rains, have been solved, there are still a few reasons why another option might be a better fit for some people.
Metal roofing can be dented by impact of a certain force; this is generally a problem in places that annually receive large-sized hail. Unlike tile or asphalt roofing, metal roofs don't provide very good insulation on their own, which is one of the reasons why installing metal on top of an asphalt roof is popular; supplemental insulation, if necessary, should be taken into account when comparing prices. Finally, some people just don't like the look of your run-of-the-mill metal roof. Stone covered metal roofing was made for people who wanted a more elegant appearance, however, this kind of high end material can cost just as much, or even more, than a tile roof.
San Diego Metal Roofing Prices
While prices vary greatly depending on the variety you choose and the company you hire to install your metal roofing, San Diego residents should expect the bill to be somewhere between the cost of a tile roof, which can cost over $30,000, and the cost of an asphalt shingled roof, which can cost as little as $8,000. The average cost of all roofing jobs in San Diego is about $16,500, over 90 percent of which is often recovered in added value to the property. 
Jon Nunan is a freelance writer who draws on his experience in construction, ranging from landscaping to log home building, for his articles on home improvement.