How Long Does a Roof Last in Texas?

If you’ve ever been curious and asked the question, “How long does a roof last in Texas?” then you’re not alone. It’s a common question among many Texas residents, given that the roof is a crucial part of keeping the elements out of your home.

No roof will last forever. This is an indisputable fact, regardless of any of the many factors that affect roof lifespan. Similarly, it’s impossible to know exactly how long any given roof will last. However, we can make fairly good estimations using knowledge about the roof’s materials, the local climate, and the expertise of your roofer.

How Long Does a Roof Last in Texas: The Materials

Even if you had the best shingles in the world, one severe weather event can destroy your roof. But any experienced roofing contractor in Texas will tell you that the type of roofing material chosen for your roof will significantly affect how long the roof will last.

Not all materials are created equal, and each has their pros and cons.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles will last between 15 and 25 years and are somewhat susceptible to storm damage. They’re a cheaper option, all things considered.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are durable and can last up to 70 years if well maintained. There’s no wrong scenario for a metal roof, but the higher the risk of hail is in an area the more expensive the metal roofing will need to be to reduce dents.

Tile Roofing

Tile roofs, whether clay or concrete, can last well over 50 years if properly cared for, but they probably won’t perform well in areas known for violent winds unless properly reinforced.

Wooden Shingles

Wood shingles are visually appealing but will only last between 20 and 30 years and require constant maintenance. They’re also not ideal for Texas’s extreme heat, as wood is quite flammable.

How Long Does a Roof Last in Texas’s Climate

Unfortunately, it’s unavoidable that your roof could be one strong storm away from being destroyed, regardless of how new it is. That means the answer to “How long does a roof last in Texas?” depends on where you live in Texas.

Storm-prone areas that experience frequent hail and strong winds will see constant  hail damage and curling of shingles, significantly reducing a roof’s lifespan.

Meanwhile, hot and sunny regions will find that prolonged heavy exposure to UV rays can wear down most shingles, which results in cracking, blistering, and sometimes even the complete breakage of shingles.

Of course, no matter where you live in Texas, your roof will eventually be exposed to severe weather events that can completely destroy it. With all of the factors working against your roof’s longevity, you’ll need to take proper precautions.

How Long Does a Roof Last in Texas: Inspections

In order to get your insurance company to cover the cost of repair or replacement in event of a strong storm or disaster, you’ll need to make sure that you regularly get your roof inspected. You won’t be able to prove to them that your roof wasn’t in a state of disrepair before the storm without an inspection from a trusted roofer.

Scheduling free roof inspections at least once a year and after major weather events is key to not paying out of pocket for inevitable roof repairs. Texas Department of Insurance recommends having a professional roofing contractor with you if you have filed a claim and the adjuster is out, so keep us in mind for that!

How Long Does a Roof Last in Texas with Proper Maintenance?

Proper maintenance can prevent avoidable damage to your roof. Something as simple as clearing debris from your gutters and corners of your roof can extend your roof’s lifespan by years.

Trimming the branches of trees near your home can also prevent significant damage, as falling branches can punch holes into roofs that aren’t intended to take such hits. You also want to fix any leaks as soon as you see them, no matter how minor. A small problem can become a big problem quickly if left alone.

How Long Does a Roof Last in Texas with Insurance?

No matter how often you get inspections and hire roofers to perform maintenance, you’ll still need to grapple with insurance. Not all insurance covers everything, so it’s important that you know exactly what’s covered by your policy. Broadly speaking, there are two types of insurance coverage you’ll encounter when dealing with roofs.

• “Actual Cash Value,” meaning that if your claim is approved, your insurance company will pay you the value of the roof before it was damaged. After many years of normal wear and tear, this means you will likely not get paid enough to cover a full replacement. Therefore, this type of policy isn’t very good for old roofs.
• “Replacement Cost Value,” meaning that your insurance company will cover the full cost of replacing your roof if they approve your claim, using the current pricing adjusted for inflation.

How Long Does a Roof Last in Texas: The Answer

If you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, contacting a reputable roofing company is the only way to know how long your roof will last in Texas.

New View Roofing is a veteran-owned, Dallas roofing company with 25 years of experience in providing exceptional service. Whether your roof is on its last legs or you just want a simple inspection, contact us today!