Roof Replacement in Houston, TX
Most Houston houses are old enough that the roof on top is not the first one. When patching stops making sense, GemSco plans a full replacement from the deck up.
Schedule Your Roofing Inspection Today
Fill out the information below and we’ll reach out to complete your estimate as soon as possible!
Why so many Houston roofs are due now
Half of the homes in Houston were built before 1982, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey 2020-2024. That puts the typical house at about 44 years old. Asphalt shingles are usually rated for 20 to 30 years, so a large share of Houston homes now sit under a replacement roof that is reaching its own limit.
Age alone is not a reason to tear off a roof. The signal is a pattern: leaks in different spots, shingles that curl or shed granules across whole slopes, and decking that gives underfoot. If each roof repair only buys a season or two, a replacement usually costs less over the next decade than a string of patches.
What an older Houston house needs from a new roof
Full tear-off
Old layers come off so the deck can be seen. New shingles laid over old ones hide rot and add weight.
Decking check
Soft, stained or delaminated boards are replaced first. A new roof is only as solid as what it is nailed to.
New flashing
Chimney, wall and valley flashing on an older house is often original or patched. Replacing it with the roof closes the usual leak points.
Attic airflow
Many older attics have too little intake or exhaust. Balanced roof ventilation lowers attic heat and helps shingles last.
Gutters
Sagging runs or gutters pulling off the fascia are easiest to fix while the roof edge is open.
Roofing materials we install in Houston
Architectural asphalt shingles from Owens Corning and GAF, the most common choice for Houston homes. More on asphalt shingle roofing.
Impact-rated shingles tested to UL 2218 Class 4, for owners who want more protection from hail.
Metal roofing, with a long service life and fast shedding of heavy rain.
Tile, wood shake and stone-coated steel for homes already built for them.
Flat and low-slope sections over patios, additions and garages.
How a GemSco replacement runs
Inspection
We walk the roof and the attic and look at decking, flashing, vents and gutters, not just the shingles.
Photos
You get photos of what we found, so you can judge the condition yourself before deciding.
Written estimate
Scope, materials and options in writing. If a repair is still the better call, the estimate says so.
Installation
Tear-off, deck repairs, underlayment, flashing, ventilation and the new roof system.
Cleanup
Nails and debris are cleared from the yard, driveway and gutters before we leave.
Planning the cost
A replacement is easier to plan before a leak forces the timing. Financing is available. When you compare plans, look at the rate, the term, the total paid over the life of the loan and any prepayment penalty. GemSco also offers discounts for military, first responders and seniors. Our roof financing page covers what to compare.
Only 42 percent of Houston homes are owner occupied, so landlords decide many replacements. A written scope lets an owner budget one roof against the others in a portfolio. See our full roof replacement service, or read about roofing across Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Houston roof needs replacement or just a repair?
Look at how widespread the problem is. One leak around a vent is a repair. Granule loss across several slopes, curling shingles, soft decking or leaks in different rooms point to replacement. An inspection with photos shows which case you are in, and a fair contractor will tell you when a repair still makes sense.
Is laying shingles over the old roof an option in Houston?
It is sometimes allowed, but on an older Houston house we usually recommend a full tear-off. Removing the old layers is the only way to see and fix rotten decking and worn flashing. It also keeps the roof lighter and gives the new shingles a flat, solid surface to seal against.
Do Owens Corning and GAF shingles come with a warranty?
Both manufacturers offer warranties on their roofing products, and the terms depend on the product line and on how the system is installed. GemSco is an elite contractor for both brands. The written estimate names the system and the warranty options that apply to it, so you can compare before you sign.
Is financing available for a roof replacement?
Yes, financing is available. Before you choose a plan, compare the interest rate, the length of the term, the total you will pay and any penalty for paying early. Get the full written estimate first, so you finance a defined scope. Discounts are also available for military, first responders and seniors.
We’re Here to Help!
GemSco Roofing & Solar serves Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas. We’re family owned and fully licensed and insured.