Should I get a metal roof or shingles in Texas?
It depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in the home and what your home can support. Asphalt shingles cost the least and typically last about fifteen to twenty-five years in North Texas. Standing seam metal costs more and lasts longer. Tile lasts the longest but is much heavier, so many homes built for shingles cannot support it without added reinforcement.
Asphalt shingle roofs
Architectural asphalt shingles are the most common roof in North Texas. They are affordable, come in many colors and are easy to repair.
Hail and summer heat are hard on shingles. Hail knocks granules loose, and heat wears down the asphalt underneath.
In this climate, expect an asphalt shingle roof to last around fifteen to twenty-five years, depending on the shingle, the attic ventilation and the storms it goes through.
Metal roofs
Standing seam roofs have raised seams where the panels join, with the fasteners hidden underneath. They are the most expensive metal option and one of the longest lasting roofs available.
Exposed-fastener metal panel roofs are screwed through the face of the panel with a rubber washer under each screw. They are more affordable, and the washers may need attention over the life of the roof.
Stone coated steel is a steel panel with a stone granule finish, made to look like tile or shingles. It weighs much less than clay tile.
Clay tile and concrete roofs
Clay and concrete tiles can last for decades. The underlayment beneath the tile is what keeps water out, and it usually needs replacing sooner than the tile itself.
When the underlayment wears out, the tile can often be removed, the underlayment replaced and the tile reinstalled.
Tile is much heavier than shingles. A structural engineer can tell you whether your home can support it.
Roofs and attic heat
Metal roofs reflect much of the sun's heat, and attics under metal roofs often stay cooler than attics under dark shingles.
Attic ventilation also affects attic heat on any roof. Air needs to come in at the soffits and leave at the ridge to keep the attic cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a metal roof attract lightning?
No. Metal roofs do not attract lightning, and metal does not burn.
Can my house take a tile roof?
Only if the structure can support the weight. A structural engineer can tell you. Stone coated steel is a lighter option with a tile look.
Does metal cost more to insure?
Some Texas insurance companies offer discounts for impact-resistant roofing, which can include some metal roofs. Ask your insurance agent.
How loud is a metal roof in a storm?
Over a solid roof deck with underlayment and an insulated attic, a metal roof is usually not much louder than a shingle roof.
