Replacing a Roof in Richardson: Timing, Materials and What to Expect
A new roof is a big decision on any house. On an older Richardson home, the decking and ventilation deserve as much attention as the shingles.
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Signs it is time for a full replacement
Shingles are curling, cracking or shedding granules into the gutters. See why shingles curl, crack or fall off.
Leaks keep coming back after repairs.
Daylight shows through the decking in the attic.
Hail bruised shingles on more than one slope.
The roofline sags between rafters.
What Richardson's housing and hail record tell you
Half of Richardson's homes were built before 1986, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 2020-2024). A house from that era may be on its second or third roof, and each tear-off is a chance to find decking that was never replaced.
The storm record matters too. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center counted 150 hail reports within 10 miles of the city from 2015 through 2024. The largest was 4.25 inches on April 11, 2016, and large hail came back in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024. A roof that went through several of those seasons can look fine from the street and still be near the end.
About 51 percent of Richardson homes are owner-occupied (same Census source). If you rent the house out, plan the job around your tenants and tell them what to expect.
Material choices for North Texas weather
Architectural asphalt shingles
The most common choice. GemSco is an elite contractor for Owens Corning and GAF, and both make impact-rated lines.
Class 4 shingles
These passed the top level of the UL 2218 impact test. Ask your insurer whether a Class 4 roof changes your premium.
Metal and stone-coated steel
Long-lasting and light. Compare them in asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing in Texas.
Tile and wood shake
Distinct looks for certain home styles, with more weight and their own installation needs.
How the project runs
Inspection and written estimate
We measure, photograph and explain what we found. Estimates are free.
Pick materials and color
This guide to choosing shingle color helps if you are stuck between options.
Tear-off and deck check
Old layers come off and the decking is checked board by board. Rotten sections are replaced before anything goes on top.
Underlayment, flashing, ventilation
These hidden layers decide how long the new roof lasts. Read why roof underlayment matters.
Cleanup and final walk
Nails and debris are collected, and you see the finished roof before the crew leaves.
Ventilation: the part most bids skip
A roof breathes through intake vents at the eaves and exhaust vents near the ridge. When that airflow is blocked or undersized, summer heat builds in the attic and bakes the shingles from below. Moisture from the house can also condense on the decking in winter.
Older homes often had vents added or covered over during earlier re-roofs. A replacement is the cheapest moment to fix that, because the decking is open. Ask every contractor how they will handle intake and exhaust, and read how Texas heat affects asphalt shingles to see why it matters.
Paying for it
Financing is available, and GemSco offers discounts for military, first responders and seniors. See roof financing for details, and read what to include in a roof replacement estimate before you compare bids. More on our roof replacement service and roofing in Richardson.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a roof replacement take?
It depends on the size and pitch of the roof, the material, the weather and how much decking needs replacing. Tile and metal usually take longer than shingles. Your estimate should explain the expected schedule and what could change it, such as rain or rot found once the old layers come off.
Should I replace the roof before selling my Richardson home?
It depends on the roof's condition and the market. A buyer's inspector will flag an old or hail-damaged roof, and that can stall a sale or lower offers. A replacement removes that objection, but it is not always needed. Start with an inspection so you know what a buyer would find.
Can new shingles go over the old ones?
Some codes allow a second layer, but a full tear-off is usually the better choice. It lets the crew inspect and repair the decking, replace worn flashing and lay new underlayment. On older homes that may already carry more than one layer, a tear-off also takes weight off the framing.
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