Blog

A roofing warranty is supposed to give you peace of mind, but many homeowners do not fully understand what their warranty covers — or what can void it. Understanding your warranty protections is just as important as choosing the right materials. The Two Types of Roofing Warranties 1. Manufacturer’s Material Warranty — Covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. Coverage periods range from 25 to 50 years. Many warranties are prorated. Typically transferable to a new homeowner. 2. Workmanship (Labor) Warranty — Covers installation errors. Standard contractor warranties range from 1 to 10 years. Enhanced workmanship warranties backed by the manufacturer (like GAF’s Silver Pledge and Golden Pledge) transfer the risk from the contractor to the manufacturer. What GAF Warranty Levels Cover Coverage System Plus Silver Pledge Golden Pledge Material defect (non-prorated) 50 years 50 years 50 years Workmanship 10 years 25 years 25 years Workmanship backed by GAF No

Houston summers are hard on roofs. From June through September, your shingles absorb direct sunlight for 10-14 hours a day, with surface temperatures often exceeding 150°F. This sustained heat accelerates every form of roof deterioration. A little preparation in spring can extend your roof’s life by years. Why Summer Heat Is Your Roof’s Worst Enemy The primary damage mechanism is thermal cycling. During the day, your roof heats up and expands. At night, it cools and contracts. This daily cycle stresses adhesive bonds, loosens fasteners, and causes shingles to gradually curl and lose flexibility. UV radiation breaks down chemical bonds in asphalt shingles, causing them to become brittle. The ceramic granules are the first line of defense — which is why granule loss accelerates heat-related deterioration. Spring Preparation Checklist 1. Schedule a professional inspection. A trained inspector can identify early-stage heat damage not visible from the ground — hairline cracks,

Houston and its surrounding suburbs experience hail events almost every spring, and the damage is not always obvious. Unlike a fallen tree or a broken window, hail damage to your roof can be invisible from the ground — but it compromises your shingles’ ability to protect your home for years to come. How Hail Damages Your Roof When hailstones strike asphalt shingles, they displace the protective ceramic granules and fracture the asphalt mat underneath. The severity depends on hail size, wind speed, roof age, and slope direction. West- and south-facing slopes typically receive the most direct hits during Houston storms. The I-10 Hail Corridor The Houston metro area along the I-10 corridor — from Katy through the Energy Corridor to downtown and east toward Baytown — sits in one of the most hail-prone zones in the region. Neighborhoods in this corridor frequently see multiple hail events per season. Signs of

Hurricane season officially begins June 1, but Houston homeowners know that severe storms can arrive as early as April. A roof that has been quietly deteriorating all year can fail catastrophically when high winds and heavy rain hit simultaneously. Here are five warning signs that your roof may not survive the next major storm. 1. Your Shingles Are Curling or Buckling When shingles curl at the edges or buckle in the middle, they have lost their ability to seal against wind and water. This is often caused by years of UV exposure and thermal cycling — both extreme in Houston. Curled shingles are the first to blow off in high winds. What to look for: Visible curling along shingle edges, especially on south- and west-facing slopes. 2. You Are Finding Granules in Your Gutters Asphalt shingles are coated with ceramic granules that protect the underlying asphalt from UV degradation. Significant

When it is time for a new roof in Houston, most homeowners narrow their choice to two options: asphalt shingles or metal. Both perform well in our climate, but they differ in cost, lifespan, maintenance, and aesthetics. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide. Asphalt Shingles: The Popular Choice Asphalt shingles account for the vast majority of residential roofs in the Houston area, and for good reason. Advantages: Lower upfront cost. A full asphalt roof replacement typically costs 40-50% less than metal. Wide style selection. Architectural shingles like Timberline HDZ come in dozens of colors and profiles. Proven storm performance. Modern impact-resistant shingles carry Class 4 hail ratings and wind warranties up to 130 MPH. Easy repair. Individual damaged shingles can be replaced without affecting the surrounding roof. Considerations: Typical lifespan of 20-30 years in Houston’s climate. Susceptible to algae streaking in humid environments, though StainGuard Plus technology

Filing a roof insurance claim after storm damage can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never been through the process before. Texas has specific rules that protect homeowners, and understanding them puts you in a stronger position. Here is how the process works from start to finish. Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately As soon as it is safe after a storm, take photos and video of any visible damage from the ground. Include wide shots of your roof, close-ups of damaged areas, and photos of any interior water stains or leaks. Note the date and time. This initial documentation establishes a timeline that supports your claim. Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company Call your insurer’s claims line to report the damage. In Texas, you have a right to file a claim within the timeframe specified in your policy — typically one to two years from the date of the