Advantages of Metal Roofs for Texas Homes

Discover the key advantages of metal roofs for Texas homes, from superior durability and energy efficiency to lasting protection against harsh weather.

Texas weather puts roofs through a beating. Summer heat goes over 100 degrees for months on end. Hailstorms come out of nowhere. Hurricanes hit the coast. Tornadoes tear through the central and northern parts of the state. Metal roofs handle all of this better than regular asphalt shingles, which is why more Texas homeowners in cities like Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas are making the switch.

Metal Roofs in Texas Last Longer

Metal roofs last between 40 and 70 years when put in right. Regular asphalt shingles in Texas only last 12 to 20 years because the heat and sun beat them down so fast.

Most metal roofs come with warranties that last 30 to 50 years. The roof can last as long as your house does. This means you might never need to replace your roof again if you plan to stay in your home long-term.

Metal Roofs in Texas Lower Energy Bills

Metal roofing for residential homes can cut cooling costs by up to 25 percent because it reflects heat from the sun instead of soaking it up like asphalt shingles do. Research from Oak Ridge National Laboratory showed metal roofs cut AC costs by 25 percent and decreased heat flow by 45 percent.

Some studies show homeowners can save up to 40 percent on cooling costs by picking specific metal roofing materials with the right coatings. In counties like Bexar or Travis, where temperatures shoot up during midday hours, this makes a big difference on your electric bill every month.

White or light-colored metal roofs work even better because white reflects more heat. Metal roofs also help in winter by keeping warm air from getting out through the roof. This cuts down on heating costs when cold weather hits parts of Texas.

Metal Roofs Are Better at Handling Texas Storms

Metal roofs can stand up to wind speeds of 140 miles per hour. Some metal roofs with special clips and hardware can handle winds up to 180 miles per hour. Asphalt shingles start getting ripped off in 70 miles per hour winds, and the whole roof can be lost in winds over 100 miles per hour.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends metal roofs for hurricane and tornado areas. Texas gets both of these, along with severe thunderstorms throughout the state. Metal roofs resist weather damage from hail and wind much better than other materials.

Fire Safety in Texas Heat And Wildfires

Metal roofs have a Class A fire rating, the highest you can get. They won't catch fire even if burning material lands on them. This matters in Texas, where wildfires happen because of heat and dry conditions. Metal roofs can't spark and catch fire from the sun or lightning strikes either.

Texas is no stranger to wildfires. Every year, thousands of acres burn up. Metal roofing gives you extra protection against fires spreading from neighboring homes or properties. If you live in rural areas of the Hill Country or East Texas, where wildfires can happen, a metal roof gives you peace of mind.

Metal Roofs in Texas Are Low Maintenance

Metal roofs need very little work to keep them up. They don't rot, crack, warp, or curl like other materials. You don't have to worry about bugs eating through your roof or mold growing on it. Metal roofs fight off mold, mildew, and bugs that cause problems with regular roofing.

Check your roof once a year to make sure everything looks good. Clean out leaves and branches when needed. That's about it. You save time and money because you're not paying for repairs or calling roofers out all the time.

Texas Insurance Companies Offer Metal Roof Discounts

Many insurance companies in Texas give discounts for homes with impact-resistant metal roofing. You could get up to 20 percent off your insurance if your metal roof has a Class 4 impact resistance rating. Insurance companies know metal roofs mean fewer claims after storms.

Research shows metal roofs get less damage from falling objects, fires, and natural disasters. For insurance companies, this means they won't have to pay out claims as often. These savings on insurance add up over the years and help pay back what you spent to put the roof on.

Metal Roofs Are Better for the Texas Environment

Metal roofs are made from recycled materials. Even brand-new metal roofs have between 30 and 60 percent recycled metal in them. At the end of their life, metal roofs are 100 percent recyclable. Asphalt shingles just go to the landfill.

The energy savings from metal roofs also cut down on your home's carbon footprint. If you want to add solar panels later, metal roofs work great because they're strong enough to hold the panels and easy to work with without causing leaks.

What Else to Know About Metal Roofs in Texas?

Metal roofs cost more upfront than asphalt shingles. You might pay between $120 and $900 per 100 square feet of your roof. Installation costs more, too, because putting in a metal roof takes more skill than regular shingles.

The higher upfront cost can be made up over the life of the roof because metal lasts longer and needs less maintenance. When you add in the energy savings and insurance discounts, many homeowners, especially from Texas, find that the metal roof pays for itself rather quickly.

Finding experienced installers who know how to work with metal roofing can be harder than finding shingle installers. This is important because improper installation causes most metal roof problems. So, if you live in Austin, for example, you’ll need an Austin roofing company that knows what they're doing with metal roofing techniques.

Best Places for Metal Roofs in Texas

Metal roofs work in all parts of Texas, but they really shine in certain areas. Coastal areas like Corpus Christi, Galveston, and Port Aransas benefit from metal roofs during hurricane season. Central Texas, from Austin to San Antonio, deals with intense heat and hail, making metal roofs a smart choice.

North Texas, around Dallas and Fort Worth, sees all kinds of weather, including tornadoes. West Texas areas like El Paso, Midland, and Lubbock face extreme heat and blowing dust. East Texas, around Houston, Beaumont, and Tyler, gets heavy rain and humidity. Metal roofing handles all of these conditions.

Small towns and rural areas throughout Texas also see big benefits from metal roofs. Places like Georgetown, Lewisville, Weatherford, Cleveland, Bedford, and College Station all have metal roofing contractors who understand local weather patterns.

Should You Get a Metal Roof in Texas?

Metal roofs are a good pick if you plan to stay in your house for a long time. If you're thinking about moving in 5 or 10 years, the higher upfront cost might not pay off for you. But if you're staying 20 years or more, the savings on energy bills and not replacing your roof make metal worth it.

They work well if you've dealt with hail damage before or live in an area that gets hail often. If storms keep taking out your shingle roof every few years, switching to metal stops that cycle. The peace of mind knowing your roof can handle whatever weather comes is worth a lot to many Texas homeowners.

Metal roofs also make sense if you care about energy costs. Running AC in Texas gets expensive. A roof that cuts your cooling bill by 25 percent or more saves real money month after month, year after year.

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