Gravel Roof Tear-Off, New TPO Roof + Solar Install in San Diego

This one was a solid project. Flat roof out here in San Diego, older gravel system that had just seen too many summers. You could tell it had been patched a few times over the years but it was at that point where you stop chasing leaks and just do it right.

Home sits in a nice quiet neighborhood, palm trees everywhere, not far off the usual San Diego setup you see around La Mesa and Spring Valley. Good sun exposure too, which made it a perfect candidate to redo the roof and finally add solar at the same time.

What We Walked Into

First thing you notice on these gravel roofs is how uneven everything gets over time. Some areas had solid coverage, others were worn down to almost nothing. That’s usually where the problems start.

We were seeing:

• Gravel shifting and exposing the membrane underneath

• Soft spots in a few sections

• Signs of water getting in over time

• Just overall wear from heat and age

At that point, no sense layering over it. You rip it off and start clean.

Full Tear-Off and Prep

We stripped the whole thing down. Gravel, old layers, everything. That part’s always messy but it’s the only way to know what you’re working with.

Once it was clean, we went through and checked the deck. Made sure everything underneath was solid before moving forward. No shortcuts here because whatever you put on top is only as good as what’s under it.

Installing the New 60 Mil TPO System

We went with a 60 mil TPO system on this one. Clean white finish, reflects heat, holds up way better in the sun we get out here.

Everything gets heat welded, so instead of relying on adhesives, you’re basically fusing the seams together. Way stronger, way more reliable.

Details matter on these:

• Clean seams

• Tight edges

• Proper flashing around penetrations

• Making sure water actually moves where it’s supposed to

When it’s done right, it just looks clean. Simple.

Adding Solar on Top

This was the perfect time to add solar. No reason to redo a roof and then come back later to install panels.

We set up a ballasted system so there’s no unnecessary penetrations going through the new roof. Everything is weighted and positioned right, clean layout across the surface.

With the way this roof sits, it gets full sun most of the day. You could see it right away standing up there. That’s exactly what you want.

Why This Setup Works So Well Here

San Diego heat is no joke on flat roofs. Dark materials just get cooked over time.

This setup fixes that:

• White TPO reflects heat instead of absorbing it

• Helps keep the house cooler

• Solar offsets the energy usage

• Everything built to last, not just get by

It’s one of those upgrades where you feel the difference, not just see it.

20-Year Manufacturer Warranty

This system is backed by a 20-year manufacturer warranty, which is big. That only happens when everything is installed to spec.

We don’t rush jobs like this. If we’re putting our name on it, it’s getting done right the first time.

Final Result

Came out super clean. Bright white roof, panels laid out evenly, everything tight.

No more chasing leaks. No more wondering if the next rain is going to cause problems. Just a solid roof with a system on top that actually makes the homeowner money back.

That’s the goal every time.

If your flat roof is getting to that point, don’t wait until it turns into interior damage.

We’ll take a look and give you a straight answer.