Complete Guide to Roof Replacement in Texas

Understanding when your roof needs replacement versus repair saves money and prevents damage to your home. Here are the key indicators:

Age of Your Roof

Different materials have different lifespans in Texas conditions:

• 3-tab shingles: 15-20 years
• Architectural shingles: 20-30 years
• Metal roofing: 40-70 years
• Tile roofing: 50+ years

If your roof is approaching these ages, start planning for replacement even without visible problems.

Visible Warning Signs

• Curling or cupping shingles: Edges turning up or centers rising indicate age and heat damage
• Missing shingles: Gaps expose your roof to water damage
• Granule loss: Excessive granules in gutters signal shingle deterioration
• Cracked shingles: Brittleness from UV exposure and age
• Moss or algae growth: Can indicate moisture retention and underlying issues
• Sagging areas: Structural problems requiring immediate attention

Interior Warning Signs

• Water stains on ceilings: Active or past leaks
• Light visible through roof boards: Check from attic during daylight
• Higher energy bills: Poor roof ventilation or insulation
• Mold in attic: Moisture intrusion issues

The right material depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and performance priorities. Here's how common options compare for Texas homes:

Asphalt Shingles (Most Common)

Best for: Most Texas homeowners seeking value and proven performance. Architectural shingles offer the best balance.

Metal Roofing

Best for: Homeowners planning to stay long-term, those prioritizing energy efficiency, or properties in high-hail areas wanting maximum durability.

Clay/Concrete Tile

Best for: Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes, properties where aesthetic is priority, and homeowners willing to invest in premium materials.

Impact-Resistant Shingles (Class 4)

A special category worth highlighting for Texas homeowners. Class 4 shingles are tested to withstand impacts from 2-inch steel balls dropped from 20 feet—simulating large hail.

• Cost: 15-25% more than standard architectural shingles
• Insurance discount: Many insurers offer 10-20% premium reduction
• Best brands: GAF Timberline AS II, Owens Corning Duration FLEX

For hail-prone areas like Williamson County and Round Rock, Class 4 shingles often pay for themselves through insurance savings and reduced replacement frequency.

Understanding roof replacement costs helps you budget appropriately and evaluate quotes. Here's what Texas homeowners typically pay:

Average Costs by Material (2,000 sq ft roof)

Factors That Affect Price

• Roof size: Measured in "squares" (100 sq ft each). Larger roofs cost more.
• Roof pitch: Steeper roofs (7/12 and above) require additional safety equipment and labor, adding 10-25%.
• Layers to remove: Most jurisdictions limit roofs to 2 layers. Removing old layers adds $1,000-$3,000.
• Complexity: Multiple valleys, dormers, skylights, or chimneys increase labor and materials.
• Decking repairs: Rotted or damaged decking adds $50-$150 per sheet replaced.
• Accessibility: Two-story homes or difficult access adds to labor costs.
• Local codes: Some areas require specific underlayments or ventilation upgrades.

What's Included in a Quality Quote

• Complete tear-off and disposal of old roofing
• New underlayment (preferably synthetic)
• Ice and water shield in valleys and at eaves
• All new flashing (pipe boots, step flashing, etc.)
• Ridge vent or ventilation system
• Starter strip and hip/ridge caps
• Permits and final inspection
• Cleanup and debris removal
• Warranty documentation

Understanding the process helps you know what to expect and ensures quality work. Here's how a professional roof replacement should proceed:

Day Before Installation

• Material delivery to your property
• Move vehicles away from house
• Secure loose items in attic (vibrations from work above)
• Take down wall decorations that might fall
• Arrange pet care if they're noise-sensitive

Installation Day(s)

1. 1. Setup and Protection (30 min - 1 hour)

   Crew arrives, sets up ladders and safety equipment, covers landscaping and AC units with tarps, positions dump trailer for debris.

2. 2. Tear-Off (2-4 hours)

   Remove all old shingles, underlayment, and flashing down to the decking. This is the loudest part of the process.

3. 3. Decking Inspection and Repair (1-2 hours)

   Inspect all decking for rot, damage, or weakness. Replace any compromised boards. This often reveals damage not visible from outside.

4. 4. Underlayment Installation (1-2 hours)

   Install ice and water shield in valleys and at eaves. Roll out synthetic underlayment across entire roof surface.

5. 5. Drip Edge and Flashing (1-2 hours)

   Install drip edge at eaves and rakes. Flash all penetrations (pipes, vents, chimneys) and wall intersections.

6. 6. Shingle Installation (4-8 hours)

   Install starter strip, then work up the roof installing shingles in proper pattern with correct nail placement.

7. 7. Ridge Vent and Caps (1-2 hours)

   Cut ridge for ventilation (if applicable), install ridge vent, and cap all hips and ridges.

8. 8. Cleanup (1-2 hours)

   Magnetic sweeps of yard for nails, remove all debris, load dump trailer, final inspection of work.

Quality Checkpoints

Ask your contractor to show you these critical elements:

• Ice and water shield visible at eaves before shingles
• Proper nail placement (in the "nailing zone", not exposed)
• New pipe boots and flashing at all penetrations
• Ridge vent properly installed and capped
• Straight shingle lines and proper offset pattern

Many Texas roof replacements are paid for by insurance after storm damage. Here's how to navigate the process successfully:

What Insurance Covers

• Covered: Damage from hail, wind, fallen trees, fire, and other "acts of God"
• Not covered: Normal wear and tear, age-related deterioration, maintenance issues
• Your cost: Deductible only (typically 1-2% of home value)

The Claims Process

1. 1. Document damage: Photos of exterior damage, affected areas, hail size
2. 2. File claim: Contact your insurance within 1 year (sooner is better)
3. 3. Get contractor inspection: Before adjuster visit, have your contractor assess damage
4. 4. Adjuster inspection: Insurance sends adjuster to assess damage and estimate costs
5. 5. Review estimate: Have your contractor review adjuster's scope and pricing
6. 6. Supplemental claim: If estimate is short, contractor can file supplement for additional items
7. 7. Approval and payment: Insurance approves claim and issues payment
8. 8. Complete work: Contractor performs replacement after funding confirmed

HAAG Certification Matters

HAAG Engineering trains insurance adjusters. Contractors with HAAG certification use the same damage assessment methods, creating documentation adjusters trust. This leads to:

• Better claim outcomes
• Fewer disputes
• More accurate initial assessments
• Successful appeals when claims are initially denied

Common Claim Mistakes

• Waiting too long to file (evidence disappears, deadlines pass)
• Not having contractor present at adjuster inspection
• Accepting first estimate without review
• Making permanent repairs before adjuster sees damage
• Working with contractors who promise to "waive your deductible"

Your contractor choice affects everything—quality, warranty, insurance claim success, and long-term roof performance. Here's how to choose wisely:

Essential Credentials

• Texas contractor license: Verify at TDLR website
• General liability insurance: Minimum $1 million
• Workers' compensation: Protects you from liability if worker is injured
• Local business address: Not a P.O. box or out-of-state address

Valuable Certifications

• GAF Master Elite: Top 2% of contractors, best warranty options
• HAAG Certified: Insurance-trusted damage assessment training
• Owens Corning Preferred: Manufacturer-verified quality
• BBB Accredited: Business practice verification

Red Flags to Avoid

• Door-to-door salespeople after storms ("storm chasers")
• Offers to pay or waive your deductible
• Pressure to sign contracts immediately
• Requests for large upfront payments
• No local address or physical office
• Quotes significantly below competitors
• No written warranty information

Questions to Ask

1. How long have you been in business locally?
2. Can I see proof of insurance and license?
3. What manufacturer certifications do you hold?
4. Who will be on-site supervising the work?
5. What warranty do you offer on labor?
6. How do you handle unexpected issues (decking damage)?
7. Can I see photos of recent local projects?
8. What's your process for insurance claims?

Warranties protect your investment, but not all warranties are equal. Understanding what's covered—and what's not—helps you make better decisions.

Manufacturer Warranty

Covers defects in the roofing materials themselves:

• Shingles that crack, curl, or lose granules prematurely
• Manufacturing defects
• Typically 25-50 years (often prorated after initial period)
• Does NOT cover installation errors

Workmanship Warranty

Covers installation errors—often the more important warranty:

• Improper nail placement
• Poor flashing installation
• Inadequate ventilation
• Leaks from installation defects
• Typically 2-25 years depending on contractor certification

GAF Warranty Tiers

What Voids Warranties

• Unauthorized repairs or modifications
• Improper attic ventilation
• Pressure washing the roof
• Failure to maintain (debris buildup, etc.)
• Adding features without proper installation (satellite dishes, etc.)

Best Time for Roof Replacement in Texas

Roofing can be done year-round in Texas, but some seasons are better:

• Fall (Sept-Nov): Ideal—mild temperatures, low humidity, before winter
• Spring (March-May): Good weather but busy season (storm damage backlog)
• Summer: Possible but very hot—early morning starts, shingles seal quickly
• Winter: Workable in Texas, but shingles need warmer temperatures to seal properly

Typical Project Timeline

1. Initial consultation: 1-2 days
2. Quote and contract: 2-5 days
3. Material ordering: 1-2 weeks (standard materials)
4. Permit (if required): 1-2 weeks
5. Installation: 1-3 days
6. Final inspection: 1-2 weeks

Total from decision to completion: 3-6 weeks typical, longer during busy seasons.

Insurance Claim Timeline

1. File claim: Day 1
2. Adjuster inspection: 5-14 days
3. Claim decision: 15-30 days
4. Supplemental (if needed): Additional 2-4 weeks
5. Work begins: After approval and funding

Total for insurance claims: 6-12 weeks typical.

Proper maintenance extends roof life and keeps warranties valid. Here's how to care for your new roof:

Immediate After Installation

• Walk around property to check for debris
• Verify cleanup was thorough (check gutters, landscaping)
• Document final installation with photos
• Store warranty documents safely
• Register warranty with manufacturer if required

Annual Maintenance

• Visual inspection: Look for missing, damaged, or curling shingles
• Clean gutters: Clogged gutters cause water backup and damage
• Trim trees: Branches should be 10+ feet from roof surface
• Check flashing: Look for gaps or damage around penetrations
• Clear debris: Remove leaves, branches, and buildup

After Storms

• Visual inspection from ground level
• Check soft metals for hail damage (gutters, vents, AC)
• Note any visible damage for potential claim
• Schedule professional inspection if hail was quarter-size or larger

Professional Inspections

Schedule professional inspection:

• Every 2-3 years as routine maintenance
• After any significant storm
• Before selling your home
• If you notice any interior signs of problems