As you can imagine, we get a lot of Texas homeowners that would like to replace their older asphalt roofing shingles as replacement becomes a necessity. When folks just like you and I are considering a new roof, often a metal roof choice becomes an option to consider. Having said that, we have put together some ideas and considerations when choosing between a Asphalt or Metal Roof including the following considerations: Rust, Cost and the dreaded least favorite of all, complete loss or interference of your Cell Phone reception.

Cost of Asphalt VS. Metal Roofing

Metal roofing vs asphalt shingles comparisons

This is the biggest factor for most homeowners to consider between the two roofing choices. Let’s say the asphalt shingle roof replacement cost is $10,000 and the metal roof cost double (or more) at $20,000 +, this is most often the case that homeowners are often experiencing. Some will not mind paying the extra money that it takes to install a metal roof because that is what they have been desiring for some time.

The labor to install the two roofs is very different from one to another due to the skill level and experience in working with the two products. For instance, an asphalt roofing shingle is flexible and can be made to fit in many applications where as a metal roof panel is rigid and requires a much different set of skills and tools to fit in the same area of application. It is often common that roofers that have installed asphalt shingles in the past, will attempt to install a metal roof resulting many mistakes in installation resulting in an voided warranty. There is also a big difference in the cost of materials between the two products as well as the many options between the two roofing products as well.

$10,000 Asphalt vs. a $20,000 + Metal Re-Roofing Job Long Run Cost Comparisons

GAF Timberline HD Lifetime Asphalt Roof Weatherwood Color

This is where asphalt roofing shingles wins in my opinion. If a metal roof is going to cost you double or more, are you going to recoup this money in the long run? The short answer is yes and no and here is why: In the past, the asphalt roof will last anywhere from 12 – 25 years on average. That was in the past, today, GAF is offering a lifetime warranty on their asphalt composition roofing shingles replacement . This means, a longer replacement life if you install their lifetime asphalt roofing shingle warranty product.

Metal roofing products such as galvalume, offer a 25 year metal roofing warranty and other metal roofing products can range from 25 – 50 + years. We have even seen some lifetime warranties offered by metal roofing manufacturers as well. The reason for this range in warranty span, is RUST. These roofing panels are coated with paint or coated with a galvanized coating called, Galvalume. If they were aluminum or copper, they would never rust, however the cost would be 3 -5 times + the cost of an asphalt roof that can offer a lifetime warranty.

Having said all of that, here is some quick math thoughts for comparisons:

Should I go with a Lifetime Asphalt Roof @ $10,000 vs. a 25 – 50 Year Metal Roof @ $20,000 +? A quick math comparison quickly reveals that an Asphalt roof at half or less of the price offers the longer warranty of a metal roof, what are your thoughts? Form a cost effective perspective, the asphalt roof is less expensive in the long run if you go with the Lifetime Warranty that GAF is offering.

Rusting VS. Weathering Longevity Issues

Before and after metal roofing applied coating

This is where metal roofing wins big time in my opinion. When an asphalt roofing shingle gets weathered and old, it will experience granule loss and lose its structural integrity and start to fail and come apart.

Those ceramic granules are adhered to the shingle with asphalt petroleum based adhesive. As these shingles age they lose this protective coating leaving the underlying asphalt and fiberglass base to crack and become quite brittle.

No matter what one might put on top of this asphalt shingle, the base has become so deteriorated that it can no longer support anything that is coated on the surface of it. This is why roofing contractors  will re-coating metal roof over asphalt shingles.

Both of these buildings were built at the some time. Notice the roof on the left how it is faded as apposed to the roof on the right. Click to enlarge photo.

Fading Issues With Metal Standing Seam Roof Panels at Hwy 6 & 290 in Houston TX

On the other hand is the metal roof. When it starts to age the most common issue is loss of the painted or coated surface such as galvalume or Kynar 500 paint coating. When these factory applied coatings start to fade, they leave and expose the metal surface underneath to the elements. The most common response to this exposure of most metal products is surface rust.

This metal roofing panel often still holds its structural integrity and only exhibits unsightly surface rust as long as it has not been exposed for a lengthy span of time.

With this metal roofing panel still intact with only surface rust, it is the perfect candidate to be sprayed with a new fluid applied metal roof coating. This coating is completed sprayed on and has a warranty for 10 -25 years. So another words, for a “fee” you can extend the life of your roof for 10 – 25 years. Please note that I said… “for a fee”.

The Myth Of The Forever Metal Roof

Galvalume Standing Seam Metal Roofing

When I get a call from a Texas homeowner seeking a price on a metal roof, there seems an instant connection that by installing a metal roof that it will be the last they will ever install. This is clearly not the case as the manufacturer warranties range anywhere from 25 years to lifetime. Even with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, you will eventually have to replace that roof after your warranty is claimed with the manufacturer due to the coating failure.

The metal roofing manufacturer typically will prorate the warranty claim that you have against them and either offer a small portion of the original price back to you or offer a discount on the replacement materials. The metal roofing manufacturer will not offer any labor money to replace the rusting and or falling metal roofing panels.

The same goes for asphalt roofing shingles should you ever need to file a warranty claim against them as well. After you have contacted them, they will come out and assess (look at) your asphalt roofing shingles and take an assessment on the service life that is left. The asphalt roofing manufacturer will make a settlement offer that is either a partial credit (rebate) towards new replacement roof shingles, or a possible cash value settlement. Either way with metal or asphalt roofing, you are going to be out of pocket some time down the road when either the warranty period ends or a claim needs to be filled due to failure.

Cell Phone Reception Interference

cell phone reception issues associated with a metal roof

This is an area where most Texas completely forget to consider and is one of the most frustrating to find out onee the new metal roof is installed. Something to think about, when you have a metal roof installed on your home, you now have installed a shield that stops some of your cell phone signal from coming into your home. What you have now created is what is called the Faraday cage effect.

One of the ways around this is to install a signal booster that has an outside antenna to receive better reception. Sometimes this works and sometimes this will not depending on your existing reception situation. If your signal is already poor or marginal, you will probably have none with an addition of a metal roof replacing your non interfering asphalt roof.

Final Thoughts

You have to choose between which roof is better for your home when you consider the cos, rust and possible cell phone reception issues associated with a metal roof. If you are liking that standing seam ribbed metal roofing look, then by all means go with that type of roof. Keep in mind that you are going to pay 2-3+ times more without really getting much longer of a warranty out of a metal roof. Should you decide on the Asphalt roofing shingle, you be saving money up front and in the long run if you get the lifetime warranty shingle that is offered by GAF.

Please feel free to make comments below.

Choosing Roofing Contractors can be a daunting task for any homeowner looking to get their roof replaced. With so many roofers in the Houston Texas metro area market, a potential client might wonder who they should hire to get the job done correctly. We have put together some recommendations here in this post that we believe you will find most helpful. Below I have outlined a step by step approach when it comes time to replace your roof and selecting from the vast sea of  residential roofing companies. Here is a great article from WIki choosing a residential roofing contractor and some things you should be looking out for. As a homeowner, you should read each of the points below carefully as they have great information that you should be aware of when selecting a company to replace your roof.

Get Three Roofing Estimates from Different Contractors

In the past, many homeowners have used the first and only roofing company to give them an estimate because they liked the person that came out to give them a bid. This is not a good idea because you have no idea if their pricing is inline with the going roofing market. By getting other bids, you will now have something to compare to. Look at each roofing estimate closely and read what each roofing contractor is offering of the following:

Contractor Reputation and Reviews

You should be doing your research in looking around on the web for reviews for that roofing company you are considering using. Check with the local BBB and view the reputation of that contractor and it’s complaint history if any. You can also do a Local Google Review search for that company that you are considering hiring and see what their Google reviews are like. I would also check with Angie’s List, as well as other sites and see what their reviews are like as well.

Price They Are Charging

What is the price that is offered and does it include tax? Make sure that there are no hidden charges like replacing any extra rotted wood that might be found under your old roofing shingles. The cost of replacing your roof can vary from contractor to contractor as you will see in their estimates.

Roof Removal Work Scope

Make sure that you are reading line by line what the scope is of the removal work the roofing contractors are doing such as; removing the old roofing shingles, tar paper (felt) hauling off the trash, removing drip edge, pipe jacks, valley flashing, sidewall flashing, ridge vents, air hawks or turbine vents.

Roofing Installation Scope of New Material

This is where you should find listed on their contract what new in accessory materials they will be installing such as the following; New tar paper (felt) and what weight such as #15 lb or #30 lb? Drip edge what size? 1″1/2 X 1″ 1/2 is most common and make sure that it is colored to match your new roofing shingles. Pipe Jacks, make sure they are using led jacks as they are most common and will most likely out last your roof. Valley flashing, the roofing contractor should be installing new at least 20″ wide metal or roll roofing before installing the new shingles. All that I have spoke of here you can call, best roofing practices. Note: Ice and water shield usage in the south on all of the roof protrusions and valleys is a nice upgrade to ensure no water leakage. This is a must in the north especially where snow can ice dam around the perimeter we recommend ice and water shield in those areas as well as all valleys and roof protrusions. This should all be outlined in free roofing estimate they have given you.

Roofing Shingles and Warranty

What roofing shingles are offered and what is the warranty? With all of the roofing shingle options that you can choose from, consider what kind of look do you want your roof to have, flat and smooth, dimensional or maybe the wood shingle look? Most homeowners have been using a laminate shingle that is offered by GAF called Timberline Roofing Shingles. They come with a lifetime warranty and have great reputation in withstanding the elements and that desired dimensional look.

Shingle Colors Offered

Consider the color of your home both in siding and trim, how do you want your roof to contrast with the colors? Do you want the roof to blend in or stand out? Look around at your neighbors houses in your neighborhood and see if there is a roof color combination that you like. This way you can see what it will look like before getting started on your own home.

General Liability Insurance

Every roofing contractor should have at least one million dollars in general liability insurance should it rain while your roof has been removed and is being replaced. This they should offer a copy of while giving your roofing estimate.  As a suggestion, you might want to make sure that the insurance certificate is genuine and active by calling the issuing insurance company.

Roofing Job Completion Walk Around and Final Payment

At the end of your roofing job we suggest that you do a walk around to inspect the entire job from top to bottom. Look up at your new roof, make sure that all of the shingles are laying down, this might take several days if the sun is not out and in the colder winter time as well. Also, look around on the ground near the perimeter of the home and your driveway for nails and trash as they should be using a magnetic sweeper nail rake to pick them up. If you have any type of natural gas, propane appliances or heat, look in your attic, make sure all of the roof protrusions are securely fastened to the base of where the hot gases come out of base unit. Take a flashlight and make sure that all single and double wall vent stacks are not touching any plywood for fire safety. This is often overlooked.

Some Helpful Links – Choosing a Roofing Contractor

Owens Corning – Roofing Basic Choosing Contractor

Angie’s list – Tips Choosing Roofing Contractor

Roofing About – Selecting a Roofing Contractor

GAF – Roofing Residential Contractors

Inspectapedia – Roofing Contractor Selection

San Francisco Chronicle – Select Roofing Contractor

Each of those links above have great information when it comes to selecting or choosing a roofing contractor for your project. Amittengley, this can be an exhausting task and we hope that the information included will make for a more enjoyable home improvement experience.

From all of us here at Texas Home Exteriors do hope that you have enjoyed this informative article that we have written for your benefit and education. Should you need home improvement financing we have some exciting options with no payments for one year and free roofing estimates in the Houston TX metro area.

Thank you Greg Kapitan (the siding man)

Free Roofing Contractors Estimate

Texas Home Exteriors Roofing Crew

Here is the short version to that question; between $195 – $295 per sq per 100 square foot area, now we’ll go into more information on this is determined. Homeowners across the country often ask, “what is the cost range to replace my roof?” This is a great question as there are a variety of factors that need to be considered when determining the cost of a roof replacement. In this post, I will do my best to provide answers to help you understand how determine approximately how much your roof replacement will or should cost Keep in mind that the answers and information provided reflect my direct and personal experiences as well as considerations for location of this experience as my company Texas Home Exteriors services the Southeast Texas, Houston Texas and East Texas metro areas.

During my time serving the greater Houston, southeast Texas metro areas, my company has observed an average roofing replacement cost at around $7,500 and ranging from around $4,500 for a composition (asphalt) shingles on upward to over $30,000+ for high-end slate or metal roofing shingles.

Four Factors Included in Roof Replacement Cost:

1 – Size of Roofing Area

Roofing Companies and Contractors determine pricing cost for roofing on a per square measurement basis. A square is 100 square feet, which is referred to “1 square” in roofing terminology (or lingo), of roof surface area. For example, a 10′ x 10′ roof surface area equals a 100 sq. ft. thus the size would be one square (abbreviated as 1 sq.). This 100 square feet (sq. ft.) section of roof, in roofing terms, is equal to one roofing square (or 1 sq.). The measurement of your total roof surface area determines how many squares of roofing shingle area for the roof as well as the amount of roofing materials that will be needed to complete the job. It is important that each and every roofing slope of the roofing area be measured and calculated individually and added to your over total squares for an more accurate cost.

One Story Two Slope Gable Roof 6/12 pitch

For instance, let’s say we are calculating a simple two slope gable roof. The front slope is measured at 25′ x 50′, by multiplying these to numbers we get the square footage of that section equaling 1,250 sq. ft.

Now let’s say the back slope is the same 25′ x 50′ section for another 1,250 sq. ft. We would then add these two numbers together, the front slope of the roof is 1,250 sq. ft. plus the back slope of the roof is 1,250 sq. ft. for a total of 2,500 sq. feet of roofing area for this particular roof example.

It is necessary then to add 15%-20% (depending on how simple or cut-up the roof is) to the 2,500 sq. ft. total for waste, starter and ridge (2,500 x 15% = 375). Now add those two numbers together, 375 sq. ft. + 2,500 = 2,875 sq. ft. for the grand total square footage of roofing area for this roof.  I recommend rounding this number up to 2,900 sq. ft. then multiplying it by 100 to convert to a square for a total of 29 squares.

In the Houston Texas metro area, roofing companies and contractors will charge anywhere from $195 – $295 per square to replace most roofs (this is for a standard 1-2 story with a roof pitch of 5/12 or less). So, let’s say, with this 29 sq. roof, a contractor provides you with a bid of $225 per sq. ($225 X 29 = 6,525), the total roof replacement cost would be $6,525. Note that this price should include all that  has been outlined in our Best Roofing Shingle Practices.

2 – How Many Layers of Roofing Shingles will Need to be Removed?

Understand that if your roof has only one layer of roofing on it, then the replacement cost will be lower per square than one with two or several layers of roofing. Typically for each additional layer, you can expect to pay an additional $25 per square for removal. So with one additional layer on your 29 square roof, expect to pay an extra $725 ($25 X 29 = $725) to remove one layer, note that this price includes haul off of the shingles to the landfill or recycling center (for two layers of roofing, you would multiply the $725 x 2 paying the $725 twice for an extra $1,450 on this 29 sq. ft. roof and so on with each layer).

One and Two Story Home 8/12 – 12/12 Pitch Cut-Up Complex Roof. GAF Timberline Roofing Shingles – Weatherwood Color

3 – Pitch / Difficulty of the Roof

The pitch of any roof will determine the labor cost due to the difficulty, the steeper the roof, the more difficult thus more costly the replacement will be. Keep in mind , if the roof pitch is greater than 5/12, you can expect to pay an up-charge based on the steepness and difficulty of the specific roof. Why is this necessary might one ask?

You can expect to pay roofing contractors an up-charge on a roof with a greater pitch because the pitch of the roof is steeper. This makes the roof installation more difficult to work as it makes it more difficult to walk on thus a more dangerous job for the roofing crew as well as more difficult to control the materials from sliding off the roof during installation so more safety issues come into play for the workers as well as liability, these roofs require more skill as well as greater attention to detail.

With a higher pitched roof, the entire roofing process will take longer overall so expect an installation on a steeper roof to take a longer time to be completed. This is what you will find roofing contractors calling a labor difficulty up-charge. These types of roofs are also cut-up roofs that have more waste in materials and will increase the over all cost as well.

Notice the roof on the home in the image to the right, this roof displays GAF Timberline roofing shingles on what is referred to as a “cut-up and steep roof” in the roofing industry. On the other end of the spectrum is the small gable roof photo above, it has simple non-steep roof that is easy to walk on and is non cut-up. The cost on this simple roof would cost less to replace than the more difficult steep and cut-up roof.

4 – Shingle Material Choice Affects Roof Replacement Cost

The most common roofing material used in the United States is a shingle that is laminated composition (or asphalt shingles). These type of shingles are used on about 80% of homes across the country. The use of composition shingles is primarily due to the affordability and replacement cost of this type of roofing shingle. Composition asphalt roofing shingles are made from a fiberglass mat which is then coated with asphalt (tar) and colored mineral granules making the shingles waterproof. These shingles typically come with a 30-year warranty. And now shingles like GAF Timberline Lifetime Roofing Shingles provide a lifetime transferable warranty from the manufacturer.

Composition Laminate Roofing Shingle

There are a variety of other roofing materials to choose from like wood, metal, tile, composite and slate. When considering these types of roofing material, keep in mind they are much more costly options so the cost of your roof replacement can increase very quickly from double to even three times or more.

These types of roofing materials cost much more, so naturally the total price of the roofing project increases. Also, keep in mind that the installation of wood, metal, tile, composite and slate roofing material is more expensive and often require special tools and skill for installation. For even more information, you can read Bob Villa’s article on How To choose a Roof for Your Home.

Some of  the more expensive roofs like metal come with a 50 year warranty which is often transferable to the next homeowner. Asphalt composition shingles like GAF come with a lifetime warranty option. There are many roofing shingle choices to choose form and to consider when requesting roofing estimates. Keep in mind that if you have HOA or POA (Homeowners Association HOA or Property Property Owners Association), who may require you get approval before installation of your new selection of roofing shingles and/or color, so be sure keep this in mind and check with them before proceeding with your roof installation.

Quick Review and Conclusion

In the greater Houston Texas metro area, the cost for a typical roof replacement can range anywhere from $195 – $295 per square for removal of one layer of shingles, replacement of rotted wood found under the shingles, installation of the tar paper, installation of new GAF laminate composition roofing shingles, flashings and a ridge vent. This is for a standard a 1-2 story home without a steep pitch (5/12 or less pitch). This is the guideline we use here at Texas Home Exteriors Inc.

Roofing Storm Chasers Scams

Roofing Advice Downpayment and Storm Chasers

Over the years, I have heard numerous horror stories of homeowners giving a roofing contractor a down-payment only to never hear from them again. Please, do yourself a favor and do not give a deposit or any money up front to and individual or roofing company saying they will replace your roof and are needing money up front to buy roofing materials. Any good, reputable, local, established roofing company or contractor should not need any money up front to purchase materials for your installation as they should have open lines of credit established at their local roofing supply yards, like ABC Supply.

One other thing you should be aware of and concerned about is hail-damage storm chasers scams,  the BBB warns about the numerous amounts of complaints they receive every time a hail storm comes into town from roofing contractors. If you think that your roof has any kind of damage from hail or wind storms and you are wanting your homeowners insurance to inspect it and pay for the damages, we recommend using a local roofing contractor who can provide references. Be wary of door knocking storm chasers and any roofing companies from out of town. These guys may be willing to work with your insurance company to get them to pay for your new roofing replacement cost but you will be glad that you selected a local roofing contractor if there are any issues with your roof and you should need to call them to honor your warranty in the instance such as experiencing a leak sometime after the roof is installed and the crews are long gone.

Roof Replacement Cost Web Links

Roof Calc – Roofing Calculator

Homewyse – Cost to Install Shingle Roof

Fixr – Costs Roof Replacement

Improvenet – How Much Cost Replace Roof

Home Cost Helper – Cost New Roof

Zillow Cost Replace New Roof Shingles

Greg Kapitan of Texas Home Exteriors

See the Angie’s List’s roof replacement cost article for more information as well. You will find the prices and opinions in their article similar and supportive although I have included additional information, recommendations and references not provided in their website article.

I hope that you have enjoyed and found this post informative in helping you to make an educated decision on your roof replacement for your Houston Texas metro area home.

If you are looking for estimates for replacement of a roof, please be sure to get a few estimates from at least three different roofing contractors to compare what they are offering as well as service and cost comparison which will help you evaluate which contractor will give you the best roofing installation for your money.

Keep in mind that a low bid (estimate) is often missing items that will effect your roof replacement cost and the overall quality of the roof. Please, stay away from the low bidder as this roofing contractor will cost you more money in the long run.

Greg Kapitan, “Kapitan The Siding Man”

Free Roof Replacement Estimate

A $7,500 Roof Replacement Job= $75 A Month!

Houston Texas Roofing Contractor

Are you and your family considering replacing your roof? Is your home more than 12 years old and still has its original roofing shingles? If so, Texas Home Exteriors has an exciting, easy option for you!

You should always call around and get several roofing estimates for your home located in the Houston, The Woodlands, or Spring, Texas metro areas, be sure as you contact and meet with the various roofing contractors. Make sure to also ask the contractors about FINANCING OPTIONS. Here at Texas Home Exteriors, we offer a financing option we know you will love.

How Does Texas EZ Pay Work?

Texas EZ Pay 1% Mo Payment Financing

Texas EZ Pay provides homeowners with a 1% monthly payment. For example, let’s say your entire roof needs to be replaced, and you’ve decided to go with Texas Home Exteriors, if your roof was bid to cost $7,500, with our financing option, your monthly payment for your new roof would cost $75 per month.

So, rather than using money from your personal reserves, you have the option to take advantage of our 1% monthly payment option!

No Liens – No Closing Cost Instant Approval

To get started, all you need to do is to simply click on the link below, fill out the form and submit it and we will have an instant approval for you.

The financing paperwork will then be presented to you providing you with the opportunity to review the 1% Texas EZ Pay option and decide whether to accept or reject the financing option. With Texas EZ Pay financing, there are no closing costs, no liens will be place on your home and you can get instant approval.

When Texas Home Exteriors comes out to your home for a free roofing estimate, there is no pressure for you to sign anything. We want you to feel comfortable that you made the right choice as your roofing contractor. When we come out to bid your new roof and let’s say the price is $6,500, that will only cost you a $65 a month payment with instant approval with Texas EZ Pay!

Roofing Contractor Shingle Options Presented to You By Mr. Richard Smith

Mr. Richard Smith and his wife Kosy of Texas Home Exteriors Roofing Pro Rep

Know that with Texas Home Exteriors, no stranger will be showing your at your door.  Texas Home Exteriors roofing specialist Richard Smith not only has over 30 years of experience in the roofing contractor industry, but has witnessed many roofing companies coming and going right here in Houston Texas.

Richard has installed well over 1,000 roofs in the greater Houston TX metro area and he knows his stuff!  Richard knows exactly what to look for during your new roof installation with best roofing practices. He will be there to assist in overseeing the crews and ensure your roof is installed correctly to our standards with fully warrantied roofing material.

Our roofing contractor crews respect Richard and his extensive knowledge because the know he is experienced and well educated and keeps up on the latest roof options and methods. Richard will show you the various roofing cost options and explain the details about our roof system installations. He will also explain and provide you with additional roof options to consider like, ridge vents, flashings, shingles, algae streak resistant shingles and more!

What type and color of roofing shingles are you thinking of using on your home? When Richard comes out, he will present you with some exciting shingles and options to choose from.  For instance, he will bring actual samples of a variety of roofing shingles and patterns manufactured by GAF, a leader in the roofing industry which shingles that come with a lifetime warranty. Richard Smith will show you the roofing shingle options available for you to choose from for the Houston Texas metro area climate.

GAF Timberline Roofing Shingles and Texas 1% EZ Pay

GAF Timberline Lifetime Roof Shingle Houston TX

If you are looking for a professional roofing contractor in Houston Texas metro area like Texas Home Exteriors, please fill out the form below and we’ll arrange for Mr. Richard Smith to contact you and come out to your home at a convenient time for you. He will present options and provide you with a detailed roofing replacement estimate with 100% Texas EZ Pay Financing in your hands in no time.

Call or Email for a Free Estimate

Missing roof kick-out flashing

Roofing Components

I cannot stress enough to homeowners the importance of kick-out flashing and how often it is overlooked.  Kick-out flashing is a small piece of metal flashing that diverts the water away from an intersection where a side wall and roof line meet.

Missing Kick-out Flashing

The photo to the right showcases missing kick-out flashing on the roof. Note how there is no flashing where the roofing shingles meet the sidewall.  The lack of flashing allows mold to grow and the wood siding to begin rotting. This is a common problem here in Houston and southeast Texas.

Corrected Kick-out Flashing

Kick-out flashing installation

After the rotted wood is replaced, the kick-out flashing needs to be installed under the roofing shingles.

Here in Houston Texas we receive nearly 4′ of rain per year. This correctly installed flashing will ensure that no water gets behind the siding and roofing shingles to cause mold and rot issues.

Kick-out Flashing Example  

Completed Roofing kick-out flashing job

This is a Stucco Siding job with correctly installed kick-out flashing.

This photo showcases how to stop water from entering under roofing shingles and siding long after the crews are gone.

As with any roofing shingle replacement job done by a reputable contractor, the correct components are the key. When a roof is being replaced, often a company will not replace some essential components/flashings to save money.

If you are receiving roofing replacements bids or estimates, look for a list of components such as, pipe jacks, valley flashings, drip edge, sidewall flashings and ridge vents.

All of these should be replaced when changing your roof to insure no leakage for many years to come. That way when it is raining hard in the middle of the evening you can rest assure that any leaks will be non existent!

I truly hope that you have found this article most helpful and informative when it comes to proper re-roofing installation techniques. Greg Kapitan of Texas Home Exteriors.

Visit my website to learn more TexasHomeExteriors.com

email me directly at [email protected]

Free Roofing Shingle Estimate

What many Texas homeowners desire is a roof that’s not too expensive, requires no maintenance, and lasts forever. However most roofing shingles are replaced and or at least repaired every ten to twelve years here is southeast Texas due to the intense heat and leaghty sun drenched summers. By carefully choosing re-roofing material, you can reduce the cost and increase the duration of the life of your Houston TX roof. In the long run, you’ll use less building material, fill up less landfill space with discarded materials and have a roof that lasts for years or even a lifetime with some options.

If you select a light-colored surface or a material that doesn’t absorb heat from the sun, you significantly reduce the cool needs of the home or building. When your attic stays cooler, your cooling bills reduced. I will post more on “Cool Roofing” shingles in a future blog.

Popular Roofing Materials

Below I provide a quick overview of the most popular types of roofing. Remember that cost alone does not determine quality of the roofing shingle and not all of these products will meet the specific needs of your home or building. By carefully selecting the right material, ensuring it is installed properly and by performing occasional modest maintenance, your roof can function properly for 20 to 50 years or even longer!

Composition/Asphalt Roofing Shingle by GAF Timberline Laminate

Composition Roofing Shingles

Asphalt and composition roof shingles are the most common choice for a clean look at an affordable price. Higher quality versions made from asphalt or fiberglass shingles offer a more durable option, we’ll discuss those later.

Bob Vila tells us that Composite Shingles come in a large selection of types, brands and colors. They are versatile, adapt easily to different applications, are relatively easy to install and in some applications can even be nailed in place over an existing roof. This type of shingle is low maintenance and can be walked across without damaging the material. Most brands also offer Class A fire protection and can be recycled.

The negative side of composition shingles is that they don’t have the lifespan of other roofing materials like tile or metal, they don’t offer the dimensional look of tile or wood shakes, and there is a possibility of them blowing off in high winds. At Texas Home Exteriors, we use GAF Roofing Shingles with the GAF roofing warranty.

Wood Shake Shingles

Wikipedia – “wood shingles are thin, tapered pieces of wood primarily used to cover roofs and walls of buildings to protect them from the weather” Wood shake shingles offer a natural look with a lot of character. Because of variations like color, width, thickness or cut of the wood, no two shake roofs will ever be the same. Wood offers some energy benefits, too!   It helps to insulate the attic, and it allows the house to breathe, circulating air through the small openings under the felt rows on which wooden shingles are laid.

A Great Natural look. Wood Roofs require proper maintenance and is much more costly to replace.

A wood shake roof, however demands proper maintenance and repair or it will not last as long as other products. Keep in mind that mold, rot, and insects can be a problem with this type of roofing. The life cycle cost of a shake roof may be high, and old shakes cannot be recycled.

Additionally, installing wood shakes is more complicated and costly than roofing with composite shingles and the quality of finished roof depends on the experience of the contractor as well as the caliber of the shakes you use. The best shakes come from the heartwood of large old cedar trees, difficult to find anymore thus adding to the cost. Note that some contractors maintain that shakes made from the outer wood of smaller cedars but the usual source today are less uniform and more subject to twisting and warping causing them not to last as long.

Roofing Tiles

Roofing tile is a good choice for homes with Southwestern, Italian, Spanish Mission, Terracotta designs or even for homes with a modern, clean look.

Tile lasts a long time with an expected lifespan greater than the material on which the roofing rests. Tile will not rot or burn and it cannot be harmed by insects. It requires little maintenance and comes in a variety of colors, types, styles and brands.

Terracotta Roofing tiles have a long lifespan, but are heavy and may require extra roof support. Additionally they are fragile and can break if walked on.

The biggest drawback to tile by far is its weight. Depending on the material used to make it, tile can be very heavy, so heavy that extra roof support may be required. Originally made from clay, new tiles are being made from lighter materials and lightweight metal tiles can be installed over existing roofs. However, keep in mind that with some new materials color is added only on the surface of the tile which can fade over time.

Also be aware that some types of tile are fragile, so walking on them can and will often break them thus making it more difficult to accomplish maintenance like painting or cleaning rain gutters and fireplaces. Initial installation can be complicated and tile can cost more than other roofing materials but it does have a nice look.

Slate Shingles

Slate Roofing Shingles like Davinci are actual shingle-like slivers of rock that commonly shows up on more upscale homes. Although slate is by far a more expensive choice, it offers a very natural look and can be laid out in a variety of patterns.

The benefits of slate are identical to those of tile with a very long lifespan, good fire protection, low maintenance and an invulnerability to rot and insects. It comes in a good selection of sizes and colors, although colors are limited to those found in nature.

Like tile, slate can be very heavy and sometimes requiring expensive extra support. It too is breakable enough that walking on it is difficult for a non-professional and complicating tasks such as rooftop maintenance, gutter cleaning and painting but again is a very lovely looking option.

Concrete Roofing Tiles

Concrete is now a roofing material that is commonly used. Concrete Tile Roofs Shingles, simulated wood shakes, lighter-weight tiles and concrete panels are being manufactured from a variety of fiber-reinforced cement products. Some are coated with plastics, enamels, or thin metals with some even containing recycled materials. Although the products themselves are not yet recyclable, they are a good choice for durability and resource efficiency.

Concrete roofing material shows an interlocking greystone colored roofing tile

The advantages of concrete roofing vary from product to product, but generally they all have a long lifespan, require low maintenance, offer good fire protection and are resistant to rot and insects. Concrete mixed with cellulose can mimic the appearance of wood shakes while improving on the durability and fire protection that real wood affords. It can approximate the look of clay tile or slate while mitigating the structural problems caused by the weight of the real material.

Concrete is more expensive than some roofing materials and early types of concrete roofing had problems with the material curling, breaking and changing color. Technology has improved, however; and these problems have mostly been overcome. Style and color choices are expanding and by mixing the cement with additives, manufacturers are producing lighter and lighter products.

Metal Roofs

Metal Roofing is increasing in popularity and back in style. In the late 1700s, zinc, copper, and lead were the most popular materials used for roofing and used for such famous historic buildings as the Washington Monument and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello both having metal roofs.

Metal Shingles with the look of Shake Roofing Shingles

Standing-Seam Steel Roofing is the most popular residential metal roofing on the market today (the term standing-seam describes the upturned edge of one metal panel that connects it to adjacent sections, creating distinctive vertical lines and a trendy historical look).

Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Shingles are pressure formed with an aluminum-zinc alloy coated steel with an acrylic bonded stone chip finish. The stone coating resists fading and UV penetration and is a beautiful roofing choice. We have used both Decra and Metro Stone Coated Metal Roofing.

Metal roofs can also be made to resemble wood shakes, clay tiles, shingles and Victorian metal tiles. Aluminum or coated steel is formed into individual shingles, tiles or into modular panels four feet long that mimic a row of shingles or tiles and look very nice.

Greg Kapitan (the siding man) Texas Home Exteriors

Metal roofs are durable, fire-retardant and almost maintenance-free. They are also energy-efficient reflecting heat and blocking its transfer into the attic. Research by the Florida Solar Energy Center in 1985 showed that metal adsorbed 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles (believe it or not) and homeowners switching to metal roofing reported saving up to 20 percent on their energy bills. Be sure not to make common metal roofing mistakes by choosing a qualified roofing contractor.

Well that was a bit of a lengthy post, I know, but I hope you found it information as it is my intention to provide information homeowners and those interested in roofing and shingle trends and available roofing options across the U.S. If your home resides in the Texas coastal wind zone, see that page for more in depth roofing installation requirements. Stay tuned for a post on Cool Roofing Shingles and FREE Solar Ventilation!

“For A Home That’s Superior, Call Texas Home Exteriors!”
Call or Text for FREE Roofing Estimate with NO Pressure and Texas EZ Pay Financing at: 281.919.6999. You can also email me at: [email protected] and we will be happy to provide you with an estimate and answer questions you might have.

Free Texas Roofing Shingle Estimate