How Long Does A Roof Last In Texas
Want a Roof That Lasts in Texas? Here’s What You Need To Know
Most homeowners don’t install a roof that they just want to replace a few years later. They want a roof that will last for as long as they own the home. But with hot, humid summers threatening to wear down the roof, can such a thing be achieved in Houston, Texas? You might wonder, how long does a roof actually last in Texas?
It’s true the lifespan of your roof is determined by your climate. A cold, wet climate affects a roof differently than a hot, dry climate might. So a roof that might last 50 years in New England might only last 25 or 30 in Houston. But it’s not as simple as that. The truth is that the lifespan of a roof in Texas varies for a number of reasons:
How Long Does A Roof Typically Last?
No roof is built to last forever, though a well-made roof might last as long as you live in your home. Though climates and roofing materials vary throughout the country — and especially throughout the world at large, the standard number given by industry experts is 20 years. This is a rather slim, careful number given to homeowners who have recently moved into a new home. If your roof is over 20 years old, it’s a safe bet to replace that roof. However, some roofs can last for nearly a century. Even good shingle roofs can last longer than 20 years. The truth is it varies on several factors, so it can be difficult to find a true standard answer.
What Is The Climate In Texas?
Texas is famous for its hot summers and even hot winters. But it’s not just hot weather to contend with in summer. As last winter showed, snow and freezing temperatures are not impossible here. On top of all of that, Texas is one of the largest states in the country, and it contains a few different climates. The climate in Houston is not just hot but humid, which can have an impact on your roof. Humid weather can lead to the growth of fungi or mold, and heat can cause brittle materials to dry up faster.
Roofing Materials In Texas
There’s also not simply one roofing material to be found in Texas. You can find anything from asphalt shingle roofs to metal roofs. All of these roofs will have different lifespans. Metal roofs — while expensive — can last up to 75 years, while a standard asphalt shingle roof will last about 15-20 years. This is especially true when the shingles are cheap.
But that doesn’t mean the answer is simply metal roofs. While metal roofs might last a long time, peeling paint could be an issue, and because metal is so hot to the touch, roof repair in the heat of summer can be a pain (literally). Hail can also severely damage a metal roof. Wood shakes may look attractive but can be problematic in Texas because of the humidity.
If you want a roof that lasts in Houston, you need to find something that suits the Houston climate. For instance, we use GAF’s LIFETIME Timberland High Definition Shingles. These are laminated shingles, manufactured with a double layer of fiberglass coated with asphalt. They not only look beautiful but last far longer than standard asphalt shingles. These roofs are designed to stand up to the kind of climate you’ll find in Houston, which is why we offer them to our customers.
How Long Does The Warranty Last?
If you ever find yourself wondering how long a roofer expects a roof to last, take a look at the roofing warranty. The roofing warranty offers a set amount of time within which the roofer will repair the roof free of charge.
At Houston Roofing, we offer one of the best roofing warranties available — the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty. It offers 50 years of non-prorated roofing coverage for the shingles and a 25-year warranty on the workmanship, all backed by GAF themselves. This is a warranty they only offer to GAF Master Elite Roofers — something that is only bestowed upon 3% of roofers.
GAF roofs are built to last for as long as you need them. When you work with a GAF Master Elite Roofer like Houston Roofing, you’ll have the expert installation to back up that roof. Contact Houston Roofing today to learn more about our roof replacements or to schedule a free quote.