Choosing the Right Roof in Texas

Whether you’re upgrading or replacing your roof, the type and material you ultimately choose will have a big impact on the next few decades of your home. How big? Consider this: opting for affordable  3-tab asphalt shingles could provide 10 to 15 years of low-durability protection — with high maintenance needs. A metal roof, on the other hand, could offer 50 to 70 years of high durability and fireproof protection — with low maintenance needs. The difference, as you likely suspected, is the cost.

The Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas is no stranger to intense weather conditions — oscillating from high heat to plenty of hail. So, the roof you choose matters, but so does your wallet. That’s why, in this guide, we’ll be evaluating major roof types and materials by cost, maintenance, and lifespan, alongside other important factors such as durability, weather resistance, fire resistance, and energy efficiency.

Here’s What Roofs Are Up Against…

Before we get into the major types of roofing materials, let’s take a look at the conditions roofs must be able to endure to protect Texan homes. 

• Heat & UV Exposure: Triple-digit summers and relentless UV rays can cause significant wear, including warping and blistering. Prolonged exposure also affects energy efficiency, since roofs play a key role in regulating the temperature of your home.
• Hailstorms & High Winds: Severe hail and gusting winds can lead to cracks, punctures, and lifting. Texas roofs must be able to endure these heavy impacts and strong gusts.
• Heavy Rain: If a roof can’t effectively shed water, it can degrade through pooling, leaks, mold, and rot. This can lead to structural damage below the roof. As such, Texas roofs must be able to withstand frequent rainstorms.

Shingles

Wood Shakes/Shingles

As you can imagine, wood roofing materials such as shakes and shingles aren’t very weather-resistant, fire-resistant, or energy-efficient.  They aren’t very affordable either — though, with rustic charm that’s hard to match, they do offer a classic style and improve curb appeal. Still, most cities don’t allow wood roofs.

Due to wood’s lack of durability, shingles and shakes require a lot of treatment, maintenance, and replacements to fend off insects, rot, or wear and tear due to Texas’ extreme weather. They also have a very short lifespan compared to other materials. So, a wood roof in Texas can become a bit of a pricey headache. 

• Cost: High
• Durability: Low
• Maintenance: High
• Lifespan: 10 to 30 years
• Restricted in most cities

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are by far the most commonly used roofing material for residential homes in Texas. But not all asphalt shingles are equal — there are significant differences between 3-tab, architectural, and premium variants. You can read more about this in our asphalt shingles guide.

As a quick summary, 3-tab is great for homeowners on a budget, but upgrading to architectural shingles provides more durability and curb appeal. Premium shingles take durability and lifespan to the next level, but that comes at a higher cost. Compared to wood, asphalt shingles provide better weather and fire resistance, but they still aren’t very energy efficient. Architectural or premium shingles can outlast wood and require less maintenance.

• Cost: Can Vary 
• Durability: Can Vary 
• Maintenance: Low
• Lifespan: 15 to 30 years

Tiles

Concrete/Fiber Cement Tiles

Concrete/fiber cement tiles may not have the classy appearance of clay tiles, but they’re more affordable and still provide fireproof and highly weather-resistant protection. They can also provide moderate energy efficiency and a long lifespan, making them a great step up from asphalt or wood.

Because concrete can be poured into various molds and shapes, these tiles allow for a variety of style options to fit your home’s appearance. In fact, they can even mimic the appearance of traditional roofing materials, such as wood and clay. However, the weight of concrete may be too great for your home if you do not already have a slate or tile roof.

• Cost: High
• Durability: High
• Maintenance: Low
• Lifespan: 50+ years
• Weight: May be too heavy for some homes

Clay Tiles

These extremely tough and low-maintenance tiles might be expensive upfront, but they also provide a very long lifespan of fireproof, highly weather-resistant protection. 

Like concrete/fiber cement tiles, they’re moderately energy efficient, but what really sets clay tiles apart is the classic old-world charm they bring to a home. Clay can also be cut in unique shapes and ordered in a variety of earthy tones to match your home’s style.

• Cost: Very High
• Durability: Very High
• Maintenance: Low
• Lifespan: 75+ years
• Weight: May be too heavy for some homes

Metal/Slate Roofing

Metal Roofing

With extreme toughness and very high durability, metal roofing is more than capable of handling the extreme weather and temperature swings of Texas. Metal roofs are fireproof, highly durable, and highly energy efficient, partially due to the reflective nature of the material, which reduces heat absorption. More than that, the lifespan of a metal roof is almost double that of wood or asphalt — and maintenance needs remain very low.

While the upfront cost is high, a metal roof can lock in decades of protection even against the harsher elements Texas can throw at it. As for style options, metal roofing comes in a variety of styles and brings a sleek, contemporary look to any home. 

• Cost: High
• Durability: Very High
• Maintenance: Low
• Lifespan: 50 to 70 years

Slate Roofing

Like metal roofing, slate is fireproof and highly resistant to weather. While slate is a bit less energy-efficient than metal, slate’s extreme durability gives it a lifespan quite a bit longer — up to a century. With minimal maintenance costs and more than enough toughness to outlast Texas storms and hail, it’s a great choice for homeowners with the right budget.

However, slate is in a league of its own, perhaps only matched by clay tiles, in terms of luxury appearance and cost. The timeless elegance and natural texture of a slate roof can do wonders for curb appeal, but it’s a steep price upfront. If you don’t already have a tile roof, slate may be too heavy for your home.

• Cost: Very High
• Durability: Very High
• Maintenance: Low
• Lifespan: 70 to 100 years
• Weight: May be too heavy for some homes

We’re Here to Help

Need an expert opinion? Don’t hesitate to contact the DFW Roofer team with your questions about choosing the right roof. Call us at (469) 751-4018 or schedule an appointment through our online appointment form.