Common roof problems in Houston and what the repair costs

Hail, wind and heat do most of the damage to roofs here. Harris County and the surrounding area logged 137 hail events of one inch or larger since 2015 in NOAA's storm records, and the largest stone measured 2.75 inches. Hail that size bruises shingles, knocks off granules and cracks the mat underneath, so a roof can look fine from the street and still leak in the next hard rain.

Heat adds to it. The Houston port weather station averages about 109 days a year with a high of 90 degrees or more in the 1991 to 2020 climate normals, and that bakes shingles and dries out sealant around flashing. Roofers Hotline books roof repair and replacement across the metro, and the written estimate lists what was found and what each repair covers. Call to schedule an inspection before the next storm season.

Start from the ground after any storm. Look for shingle pieces in the yard, dark patches where granules have worn off, shingles that are curled or lifted at the edges, and dents in metal vents or gutters. Hail tends to leave a scattered pattern across the whole slope, while wind damage usually shows along ridges, edges and the sides facing the storm.

Inside, check the attic and ceilings. Brown stains, damp insulation and daylight around vents or chimneys point to a leak. Houston gets about 54 inches of precipitation a year in the climate normals, so a small opening lets in a lot of water over time. Half of the homes here, 48 percent by Census estimates for 2019 to 2023, were built before 1980, and older roofs and flashing wear out sooner. If you find any of these signs, call for an inspection and a written estimate.

Treat active leaks, missing shingles and sagging spots as urgent. Water coming through a ceiling can ruin insulation and drywall within days, and a bare patch of roof deck is open to the next rain. Houston has had 36 federal disaster declarations from 1973 to date, the latest being Hurricane Beryl on July 9, 2024, so storms that strike quickly are part of living here.

Hail season here runs January through June and peaks in May, which makes spring a good time for an inspection. After a major storm, call right away. Roofers Hotline answers 24 hours a day for emergency tarping and leak repair, and the written estimate before any work starts spells out the scope. Texas has no statewide roofing license, so ask any contractor for a certificate of insurance, and keep your photos of the damage handy when you call.