Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing

The best way to find out what you need is to reach out to Houston Roofing & Construction for a free roof inspection.

There are many Houston roofing companies who aren’t interested in doing repairs – they only want the big sale of a roof replacement. That’s not how we operate.

We’ll be glad to perform an honest assessment and give you a clear recommendation on your best roofing options. If you only need a repair, that’s what we’ll recommend.

For a free inspection and estimate, please go here to request a quote.

In most cases, if the damage was caused by a storm, your insurance will pay for it (minus your deductible). This is exactly why you should contact a qualified Houston roofing company if you suspect storm damage, so a professional assessment can be done.

You should also beware of some Houston roofing contractors who either don’t understand the insurance claims process fully, or who are unscrupulous about insurance claims.

For more information, check out our Roof Insurance Claims page.

No, we can’t offer that because it is insurance fraud. Run far away from any Houston roofing company that says you won’t have to pay your deductible – that’s illegal. And if they don’t mind committing insurance fraud, think about what kind of roofing job they will perform on your home!

Also, any roofing company going door to door trying to tell you to file a claim – even if not offering to waive your deductible – is highly questionable. Homeowner beware!

For more information, please visit our Roof Insurance Experts page.

Our roof inspections and estimates are 100% free. If you are concerned about the age of your roof or are seeing leaks or other problems, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a completely honest and professional assessment. You can go here to get an appointment.

We are not licensed by the state of Texas… because Texas does not license roofers! You are not even required to register with the state to call yourself a roofing company. But we strongly believe that standards DO matter, so we voluntarily have earned the license of the Roofing Contractor Association of Texas (RCAT).

We also have GAF Master Elite Certification. These two voluntary standards are your assurance that we are a skilled, reputable roofer, one that is financially stable and properly insured.

For more on RCAT Licensing, please visit this page.

We install asphalt shingles and metal roofing systems, depending on what makes sense for the home. Most homeowners choose asphalt because it’s the most economical option, while metal is a longer-term solution for those planning to stay in their home and avoid frequent replacements.

On the asphalt side, we primarily install systems from manufacturers like IKO, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, and GAF, which allows access to enhanced warranty options. For metal, we install mostly standing seam systems designed for long-term performance.

Nope, not even close. We encourage you to compare the Golden Pledge Warranty we offer to the typical roofing warranty. (And remember to be sure to always ask any roofing company to show you the warranty – including the fine print – IN WRITING!).

To give just one example of how the Golden Pledge Warranty is better: many roofing warranties only give you coverage on shingles, not other roof components. The Golden Pledge Warranty covers shingles (and for a LOT longer), but it also covers the entire roofing system, too.

To see a more in-depth comparison, check out our Real Warranty page.

Yes, you can apply with financing through our lending partners. We make it fast and easy to apply, and approval is typically lightning fast. There is no obligation – you can explore your options. For more information, please visit our Financing page.

We also have a Roofing FAQs page with more detailed questions and answers about roofing products, warranties, and more. Go here to see more FAQs.

First, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. These letters are often tied to roof age or condition, not necessarily an active problem.

The next step is to have your roof inspected so you understand where it actually stands. In many cases, insurance companies require replacement once a roof reaches a certain age, even if it’s still functioning.

We’ll evaluate your roof, document its condition, and walk you through your options. That way, you can decide on how to move forward, whether that’s repair, replacement, or simply having the right information for your insurance provider.

The only way to know for sure is to have it inspected. Most roofing issues come down to how the system was installed, including flashing, ventilation, fastening, and how components were integrated. Problems often show up in areas like flashing, ventilation, penetrations, and how different components were tied together.

We can perform an independent inspection, document what we see, and walk you through any concerns. Sometimes everything checks out. Other times, there are items worth addressing early to prevent them from turning into bigger issues.

In Texas, roofing isn’t a licensed trade, so almost anyone can show up after a storm and offer services. That’s why it’s important to look past the pitch.

Start with a few basics:

• How long have they been operating under the same name?
• Do they have a local presence, or are they just in town after a storm?
• Do they provide documented inspections with photos, findings, and clear scope, or only basic estimates?
• Are they explaining your options, or pushing one solution?

There are good companies out there, but there are also plenty that won’t be around if something goes wrong. Taking a little extra time up front helps you avoid bigger problems later.

A FORTIFIED roofing system is a certification to meet a specific set of installation standards designed to make a roof more resistant to storms, high winds, and severe weather.

Instead of focusing on just the materials, FORTIFIED looks at how the entire roof is built. These things include how it’s attached, sealed, and reinforced at key points. The goal is to reduce the chances of major damage during storms.

It’s typically a step above code and manufacturer standard installation requirements and may qualify for insurance benefits in some cases. It’s not required for most homes, but for homeowners looking for a more durable, long-term solution, it can be worth considering.

Roof replacement isn’t just the shingles you see. It’s the full system and the labor required to install it correctly. In Houston, costs are also influenced by storms, insurance requirements, and how frequently roofs are replaced compared to other parts of the country.

The bigger factor, though, is how the roof is installed. A properly installed system takes time, coordination, and oversight, but it’s what prevents problems (and additional costs) later.

It depends on the size of your home, the type of system you choose, and the condition of your existing roof.

The only way to get an accurate number is through an inspection. We’ll evaluate your roof, explain your options, and provide a clear estimate, so you understand exactly what you’re paying for and why. You can also get an Instant Quote by clicking the tab on the right.

In many cases, it’s driven by insurance and not just condition. Some policies require replacement once a roof reaches a certain age, often around 10–15 years. That means timing isn’t always about failure. It’s about meeting insurance requirements and avoiding coverage issues.

Heat, UV exposure, and frequent storms all contribute to faster wear. These conditions impact how shingles age, how seals hold, and how systems perform over time. That’s why installation and system design matter just as much as the material itself.

A roofing contractor focuses on the roofing system itself. A general contractor looks at the bigger picture. With a background in commercial construction, we approach projects by evaluating the full system and identifying potential issues.

We use structured crews and in-house project management to maintain consistency and oversight. That means every project is managed, monitored, and reviewed. They’re not just handed off without accountability.

Because there’s no required licensing, the barrier to entry is low. That means homeowners need to look beyond price and focus on experience, standards, and accountability. The difference is not just in what materials are used, but often comes down to how the roof is installed.

Most Houston residential roof replacements cost between $12,000 and $30,000, with the majority of single-family homes landing in the middle of that range. Pricing can be affected by roof type, roof square footage, roof pitch, number of shingle layers to remove, condition of roof decking (usually unknown until it is uncovered), warranty selection, and the complexity of the roof itself (valleys, dormers, penetrations, skylights…etc.). A thorough estimate also considers factors like your neighbor proximity, and property improvements that require specific protection. A roof requiring decking replacement or a steep-slope roof needing added fall protection will price higher than a simple, walkable roof of the same size.

Roof replacement costs estimates involve three factors: scope, quantity and complexity. In most cases, we can provide an estimate without an inspection but that type of estimate will include some qualified assumptions that will need to be confirmed or revised once additional discovery can be performed. BUT, providing a roof cost estimate over one phone call without some detailed review of scope and complexity will result in an inaccurate cost estimate that we prefer not to provide. If you are looking for an estimated cost range, we have an instant quote feature on our website. These instant quotes are helpful tools if you are in the early stages of planning for your roof replacement (or if you are purchasing a home).

Most Houston homeowners use one of the following methods to pay for their roof: an insurance claim when the damage is storm-related, cash or check, financing through a lender, or a combination. Houston Roofing & Construction does have financing partners available to support Houston homeowners if wanting to use financing as a payment option. The terms of those plans are dependent on the plan you qualify for. If your roof was damaged by wind or hail, start with the insurance question, since a covered claim changes the math entirely. We will inspect and document any damage so you know whether you have a claim before you decide how to fund the work.

Older Houston homes, particularly in the Heights and inner-loop neighborhoods, frequently have plank decking rather than plywood. Planks shrink and separate over decades and can become brittle, which affects fastener holding strength and may require an overlay of new sheathing before shingles can be installed to manufacturer specification. Older homes may also have inadequate attic ventilation, undersized or deteriorated flashings, and multiple existing roof layers. We assess all of this before quoting, because discovering it mid-project is how homeowners end up with change orders they did not expect.

The clearest signs are granule loss leaving bare patches or filling your gutters, curled, cupped or brittle shingles, exposed fiberglass mat, missing shingles after a light wind, daylight visible in the attic, sagging rooflines, and repeated leaks in different locations. Age matters too: a shingle roof in Houston that is older than 18 to 20 years in Houston is on borrowed time. A single leak on an otherwise sound roof is a repair. Widespread deterioration is a replacement.