Roofing Tips for Texas Homeowners

Water stains on ceilings or walls: Even small stains can indicate active leaks. Don't wait - water damage spreads quickly and can lead to mold and structural issues.

Musty odors: Persistent musty smells, especially in upper floors or attics, may indicate moisture problems from roof leaks.

Paint peeling near rooflines: Moisture from roof problems often causes paint to bubble or peel near where walls meet the roof.

Missing or damaged shingles: After storms, check for missing shingles, cracked tiles, or granules washing off asphalt shingles.

Sagging roofline: Any visible sagging is a serious structural concern requiring immediate professional attention.

Gutter problems: Damaged gutters, overflowing water, or granules collecting in gutters all indicate roofing issues.

Flashing damage: Check around chimneys, vents, and where different roof planes meet. Damaged flashing is a common leak source.

What happens: Texas heat can reach extreme levels, causing roofing materials to expand, contract, and deteriorate faster than in milder climates.

What to watch for: Curling shingles, cracking, excessive granule loss, and fading. Light-colored roofing materials generally perform better in intense heat.

Pro tip: Proper attic ventilation is crucial in Texas. Poor ventilation can cause attic temperatures to exceed 150°F, dramatically shortening roof life.

Texas hail reality: Texas leads the nation in hail damage. Even small hail can cause significant damage that isn't immediately visible.

After any hail storm: Have your roof professionally inspected, even if you don't see obvious damage. Insurance companies have time limits for claims.

Document everything: Take photos of any visible damage immediately after storms. This helps with insurance claims and repair planning.

Temperature swings: Texas weather can change dramatically in hours. These rapid changes cause materials to expand and contract, stressing roofing systems.

High winds: Texas is prone to sudden severe winds. Check for loose or lifted shingles after any high-wind event.

From the ground: Use binoculars to check for obvious damage, missing shingles, or problems with gutters and flashing.

NEVER get on your roof: Roof inspections should be left to professionals with proper safety equipment and training.

Timing: Check your roof twice yearly (spring and fall) and after any severe weather event.

Keep gutters clean: Clogged gutters cause water to back up under roofing materials, leading to leaks and damage.

Check for proper drainage: Water should flow away from your foundation. Poor drainage can cause both roof and foundation problems.

Trim overhanging branches: Tree branches can damage roofing materials and clog gutters with debris.

Proper airflow is critical: In Texas heat, good attic ventilation prevents ice dam formation in rare freezes and reduces cooling costs year-round.

Signs of poor ventilation: Excessive heat in upper floors, ice formation on eaves during freezes, or moisture in the attic.

Professional assessment needed: Ventilation requirements depend on your specific roof design and attic space.

Never get on your roof: Even experienced roofers use safety equipment. Falls from roofs cause serious injuries and deaths every year.

Don't use ladders alone: If you must use a ladder for any reason, have someone spot you and never lean or reach beyond arm's length.

Avoid temporary fixes becoming permanent: Tarps and sealants are emergency measures only. They're not long-term solutions.

Small problems become big problems: A minor leak can quickly cause thousands in water damage, mold remediation, and structural repairs.

Insurance timing matters: Many insurance policies have time limits for reporting storm damage. Don't wait months to have damage inspected.

Weather windows: In Texas, we can have months of good weather followed by severe storm seasons. Address problems during calm periods when possible.

Active leaks: Don't wait - call immediately if you have water coming into your home.

Storm damage: After hail, high winds, or severe weather, get a professional inspection even if damage isn't obvious.

Safety concerns: If you see sagging, loose materials, or anything that could fall and cause injury.

Annual inspections: Professional inspections catch problems early and can extend your roof's life significantly.

Maintenance needs: Gutter repair, minor shingle replacement, and preventive maintenance.

Planning ahead: If your roof is approaching 15-20 years old, start planning for eventual replacement to avoid emergency situations.