Roof & Exterior

Look for granule loss in the gutters, dented vents and flashings, and bruised shingles where the granule layer has been knocked loose. A roofer with insurance experience can document the damage for a claim. Many Central Texas roof replacements are insurance jobs after spring hail; do not let an unscrupulous roofer pressure you into a claim that is not warranted.

Standard architectural shingles run 18 to 25 years here. UV exposure, hail, and poor attic ventilation all shorten that range. Premium architectural and laminate shingles can go 30 years or more. The warranty on the shingle box is usually optimistic about Central Texas conditions.

Most Central Texas cities require a permit for a full roof replacement. The roofer typically pulls it as part of the job. Confirm in writing that the permit is included before signing, and ask for the permit number once it is pulled.

On a one-story home with a sturdy ladder and a spotter, sure. For a two-story, gutter guards or a hired pro is the safer call. Either way, do not skip it. Clogged gutters cause fascia rot, dump water against the foundation, and create the slab and crawlspace problems that show up later as wall cracks.

A standard 2,000 square foot asphalt-shingle roof runs $9,000 to $15,000 depending on pitch, number of layers being torn off, and any deck or ventilation work needed. Insurance claims often cover most of that after a documented storm event.