
Planning a New Roof in Garland: Tear-Off, Decking and Hail-Ready Shingles
A full replacement on an older Garland home is a chance to fix what earlier roofs left behind. Here is what to plan for, step by step.
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Garland homes, Garland hail
Half of the homes in Garland were built before 1978 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). Most of those houses are on their second or third roof, and some may still carry an extra layer of shingles from an earlier job. A full tear-off is the only way to see the decking and fix what is hidden under there.
The storm record matters just as much. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 112 hail reports within 10 miles of Garland from 2015 through 2024. Twenty-eight of those were 1.75 inches or larger, and the biggest measured 5.25 inches on April 11, 2016. Large hail was reported in 5 of those 10 years: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2023.
Put those two facts together and the case for a careful replacement gets clear. An older house often hides problems that a new layer of shingles would only cover up, and a hail record like this one rewards a roof built to take impacts. A replacement is the one moment when both can be handled at once.
What a replacement looks like on an older home
Tear off to the deck
Every layer comes off so we can check the boards underneath for rot, gaps or old water damage.
Repair the decking
Soft or damaged sections are replaced so the new roof has a flat, solid base for nails to hold.
Update the details
New drip edge, flashing and pipe boots replace the mix of old parts that older roofs collect.
Fix the airflow
Intake and exhaust vents are balanced. Read how roof ventilation protects your home for why it matters.
Install and clean up
Underlayment and shingles go on, then the yard is swept for nails and debris.
Choosing a material
Impact-rated shingles
Class 4 under UL 2218, tested against harder impacts. Available from Owens Corning and GAF, where GemSco is an elite contractor.
Standard architectural shingles
A common choice when budget comes first and hail risk is accepted.
Metal or stone-coated steel
Longer-lasting options with fewer seams. Compare them in asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing in Texas.
Tile and wood shake
For homes designed for them, with framing that can carry the weight.
Before you sign a replacement contract
Get the estimate in writing, with the shingle line, underlayment and flashing listed.
Ask how decking repairs will be priced if rot is found once the old roof comes off.
Confirm who handles permits and the final inspection, if your area requires one.
Ask what happens to your yard, driveway and landscaping during the job.
Covering the cost
Timing helps too. Many owners wait until a leak forces the decision, which leaves little room to compare bids or pick materials. If your roof is curling, shedding granules or has been patched several times, it is worth pricing a replacement before storm season rather than after. Our article on what happens if you wait too long to replace a roof explains the risks of putting it off.
About 62 percent of occupied homes in Garland are owner-occupied (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024), and for most of those owners a roof is a large, rare purchase. If storm damage is involved, GemSco documents it with photos and a written estimate for your insurer; coverage depends on your policy. For the rest, roof financing is available. GemSco also offers discounts for military, first responders and seniors. Learn more on our roof replacement page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a new roof go over the old shingles?
Sometimes it is allowed, but it is rarely the best choice on an older Garland home. An overlay hides the decking, adds weight and can shorten the life of the new shingles. A tear-off lets us find and fix rot or old leaks before the new roof goes on.
What if you find rotten decking during the job?
We stop, show you photos and explain what needs to be replaced. The estimate should say up front how decking repairs are priced, so there are no surprises. On older homes it is common to find at least some boards that need work around past leaks.
How do I know if replacement is better than another repair?
If leaks keep returning, damage covers several slopes or the shingles are curling and shedding granules across the roof, replacement is usually the better value. Our article on roof repair vs. replacement walks through the trade-offs in more detail.
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