Texas is a tough state to live in weather-wise. During 2020, homeowners in the Lone Star State submitted over 600,000 insurance claims due to hail. That’s more than any other place in the USA.
When you live in Texas, you become accustomed to thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, too. So, if you’re considering a roof replacement, you want to make sure you choose only the hardiest residential roofing materials around.
Keep reading for more advice on how to choose the best roof materials for Texas homes.
Things to Consider When Choosing Roof Materials
Before you start looking at your options for roofing solutions, there are four things to consider. These are:
Your Location
How often does your home take a beating from inclement weather? If you live in one of those Dallas neighborhoods that always seems to be under attack from the elements, you need the sturdiest roofing system you can afford.
Cheap roofing options will only cost you more in the long run if you live in an area with extreme weather. Anything less will only result in constant repairs and the need to replace your roof earlier than expected.
Budgeting Considerations
That said, you can only afford the roof that you’ve budgeted for.
Once you’ve calculated your roofing budget, get in touch with a reputable roofing contractor. They can help you discover a roofing material that suits both your needs and your budget.
The Style of Your Home
A new roof can add considerable value to your Texas home, but the wrong style of roof will detract from your curb appeal. For instance, regular asphalt shingles might look out of place on a high-end modern home.
If you have a luxurious abode, you’re better off with customized wood or composite shingles.
Your Roof Shape
If your home has an irregular-shaped roof with many steep slopes and angles, you’ll need to choose your roofing material accordingly. Shingles work well on these kinds of roofs, but it’s tough installing tile roofing under these conditions.
The Best Roof Materials for Homes in Texas
Apart from the above, you’ll also need to keep local roofing regulations and by-laws in mind when choosing the best roof for your home. That’s why it’s always best to work with a local contractor who’s familiar with the legalities of your neighborhood.
These are some of the most popular roofing choices among Dallas homeowners:
Clay Roofing
Clay roofing boasts classic Texas-style, so it’s a great choice for you if you want to add character to your home. Clay roofing suits most home designs, but it’s particularly attractive for historic homes with a traditional Texas look.
Terra cotta tiles are one of the most popular types of roofs in Texas, and it’s not only because of their good looks. You can choose from flat or barrel tiles as well as various textures when you opt for this type of roof in Texas.
Clay tiles come in a variety of colors too. Lighter colors add heat protection to your home by reflecting more of the relentless Texas sunshine.
The shape of clay tiles also helps increase circulation inside your home.
Clay is a sustainable material and since it’s baked during the manufacturing process, it’s an exceptionally rigid, strong, and durable material.
Although most clay tile roofs come with a 30-year guarantee, they’re known to last for 50 years or more. If you replace the waterproof underlayment occasionally, your clay roof could even last a lifetime.
Clay does not rot or corrode and is naturally fire-resistant. A good clay tile roof can withstand wind speeds of 100 miles per hour.
It’s easy to maintain these roofs by removing debris from the slots, and your roofer can quickly replace a broken tile without having to dismantle your entire roof.
Metal Roofing Solutions
Metal has a reflective surface, so it’s another good heat-busting option for Texas homeowners. A metal roof will keep your home cool, help you cut down on how much you use your HVAC, and save you money on electricity bills.
Since it’s non-porous and extremely strong, metal is a good waterproofing option, and it’s impervious to hail and falling debris. A metal roof can stand up to winds above 150 miles per hour.
Copper roofing has a long lifespan of over 50 years, it’s fire- and pest-resistant, and won’t rot. This metal changes color over time, adding a unique appeal to your home thanks to its unusual green hue.
Finally, copper is a malleable and lightweight material that suits the customized design of complicated roof shapes. Other good options for metal roofs in Texas include treated steel and aluminum.
Slate Roofs
Slate roofs are the crème de la crème of roofing options across the board. These sophisticated-looking roofs can last for over 100 years and add elegant charm to any classic-styled home.
It’s a high-density material that heats slowly and cools quickly, helping you save on cooling costs during the summer. Lighter shades of slate reflect sunlight more, keeping your home even cooler on bright sunny days.
Since slate is a natural material, tiles vary considerably in color, adding interest and appeal to your home.
This supremely durable material is fire-resistant and recyclable, too. Like clay, it’s easy for your roofer to replace a broken slate tile if necessary. Slate is a heavy material, so you might need to reinforce your roofing structure before installing this kind of roof.
Get in Touch With the Texas Roofing Pros
Do you need more assistance choosing the best roof materials for your home? We have over 20 years of experience in keeping our clients safe and warm no matter the weather.
We offer a wide range of residential and commercial roofing solutions to suit your needs and budget. Get in touch for assistance with all your Dallas roofing needs.
