South Houston, TX Roof Replacement: Starting Over on a Solid Deck
On a house that has stood for over half a century, a new roof is a chance to fix more than shingles. Here is what to plan for.
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Clear signs it is time
The roof is over twenty years old, or nobody knows its age.
Leaks keep returning after repairs.
Shingles are curling, cracking or missing across many slopes.
The roof line sags or feels soft underfoot.
Hail damage covers most of the roof after a storm.
There are already two layers of shingles.
Daylight or water stains visible on the deck from the attic.
What makes South Houston different
Half of the homes in South Houston were built before 1969 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). That makes the typical house about 57 years old. When the old roof comes off, the crew often finds plank decking, old patches and boards weakened by past leaks. A good replacement plan expects some wood repair and prices it clearly.
The hail record is the other factor. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 32 hail reports within 10 miles of South Houston from 2015 through 2024, and 7 of them were 1.75 inches or larger. All the reports fell in 2019, 2023 and 2024, so many roofs here took more than one hit in a short time. Shingles that were already old crack more easily, and a roof that has been hit twice is a strong candidate for replacement.
And 55% of homes here are owner occupied. For those owners, a new roof is a long-term part of the house, and choices about material and ventilation will matter for many years.
Choices to make for the new roof
Material
Asphalt shingles, metal, stone-coated steel, tile or wood shake. Our article on asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing in Texas compares the top two.
Impact rating
Class 4 shingles passed the UL 2218 impact test. They resist hail better, though no roof is hail proof.
Underlayment
The layer under the shingles is the last barrier. See why roof underlayment matters.
Ventilation
Older attics often lack proper airflow. Fixing it during a replacement helps the new shingles last.
Color
Lighter colors reflect more heat. See how to choose shingle color.
The job, step by step
Inspection and estimate
Photos of every slope and the attic, with a written estimate that lists materials and how decking repairs are handled.
Tear-off
All old layers removed down to the deck.
Deck repair
Soft, rotten or gapped boards replaced so the new roof has a solid base.
Install
Underlayment, flashing, vents, pipe boots and the new roofing material.
Cleanup
Nails and debris collected, and a final walk-through with you.
GemSco and how to pay for it
GemSco is an elite contractor for Owens Corning and GAF, family owned and fully licensed and insured, with 20+ years of experience. Estimates are free, financing is available, and we offer discounts for military, first responders and seniors. See roof financing and how to budget for a roof replacement.
If hail started the conversation, read our roof insurance claims page first. Learn more about our roof replacement service or what we do in South Houston.
Before signing, compare at least two written bids on the same scope: tear-off, decking, underlayment, flashing, vents and cleanup. Our list of what to include in a roof replacement estimate makes that comparison easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the crew find rotten wood under my old roof?
On houses this old, it is common. Years of small leaks soften boards around chimneys, valleys and roof edges. A clear estimate explains how decking repairs are handled and priced before work starts, so there are no surprises when the old roof comes off and the deck is exposed.
Can I add a new layer over my old shingles?
Sometimes it is allowed, but on an older house it is rarely the best idea. It hides the deck, adds weight to an old frame and can shorten the life of the new shingles. If there are already two layers, a full tear-off is the way to go.
Should I wait for the next storm season to pass?
If the roof is leaking or badly damaged, waiting lets water ruin more of the deck and the inside of the house. If it is just aging, you have time to compare bids and pick a good window. Our guide on the best time of year to replace a roof in Texas helps with that.
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GemSco Roofing & Solar serves Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas. We’re family owned and fully licensed and insured.