What Kind of Roof Do I Have? A Guide For Houston and Austin Texas Homeowners
- William Martin
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
When you're a homeowner in Texas—especially in Houston or Austin—it's important to understand what kind of roof protects your home. Whether you're thinking about a roof replacement, navigating a roof insurance claim, or simply planning future home maintenance, knowing your roof type is the first step. In Texas, and particularly in cities like Houston and Austin, the most common residential roof system is the shingle roof—but not all shingle roofs are the same.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different types of roofing materials common in Texas, explain their differences, and help you understand why some options are better investments than others. We’ll also give you tips to look out for with new builds, how your roof type affects your insurance claim, and how Martin Roofing and Solar, a trusted roofing company in Houston and Austin, can help you.
Shingle Roofs: The Most Common Roof in Texas
Shingle roofs are the most widespread roofing system in Houston, Austin, and across Texas. They’re cost-effective, versatile, and generally reliable when installed properly. In fact, more than 70% of homes in the U.S. have asphalt shingle roofs, making it the standard choice for residential construction.
But not all shingle roofs are built the same—some are made to last 10–15 years, while others can easily protect your home for 30+ years. So, what determines the difference?
It mostly comes down to architectural shingles vs. 3-tab shingles. Read all about the differences here.
What Is an Architectural Shingle Roof?
Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional or laminate shingles, are a premium version of traditional asphalt shingles. They’re designed with multiple layers that give the shingles a thicker, more dimensional look—hence the name. This not only improves the roof's appearance but also increases its durability and wind resistance.
Key benefits of architectural shingles:
Lifespan: Typically last 20–30 years or more.
Appearance: More dimensional with layers, giving your home a more upscale appearance.
Durability: More resistant to wind, hail, and heavy rain—important in Texas storms.
Resale Value: Adds to curb appeal and can increase property value.
Architectural shingles are a smart choice for homeowners in both Houston and Austin, where hail, wind, and sun exposure are common. This is our bread and butter, and what we install a large majority of.
Examples of what an Architectural shingle looks like with layers, dimension, and multiple shingle sizes
What Is a 3-Tab Shingle Roof?
3-tab shingles are the most basic type of asphalt shingle. They’re flat, uniform, and made from a single layer of material. While they were more commonly used in decades past, they’re still found on many homes today—especially in older neighborhoods or in new builds where the builder is looking to cut costs.
Downsides of 3-tab shingles:
Shorter Lifespan: Usually 8–20 years, depending on weather and installation.
Less Durable: More vulnerable to Texas storms, especially susceptible to strong winds.
Flat Appearance: Lacks the dimension and curb appeal of architectural shingles.
While 3-tab shingles might seem like a good deal initially when only looking at initial price, they often lead to more frequent repairs and earlier replacement costing much more over the long run.
These are examples of 3 tab shingle roofs where they lie flat and appear synonymous in shape in a strip
Architectural vs. 3-Tab Shingles: Which Is Better in Texas?
In almost every case, architectural shingles are the better long-term investment. While the upfront cost is a bit higher—usually just a few hundred dollars more on a typical roof—the extended lifespan and added protection easily make up for it.
Think about it like this: A roof with 3-tab shingles might need to be replaced in 15 years. A roof with architectural shingles might last 30 years or more. That’s twice the life for a small difference in price.
Especially in Houston, where strong winds and sudden hailstorms are common, or in Austin, where windstorms and hailstorms are also a concern, a more durable roof makes a lot of sense.
Be Cautious With New Home Build Roofs
You might think that buying a new home means you’re getting a roof that will last a long time. But that’s not always the case—especially in some mass-produced neighborhoods. We’ve seen many builders install the cheapest possible 3-tab shingle just to save a little money per home. But for them, this can add up over hundreds of homes! Unfortunately, that can come at the expense of their home buyers.
Worse yet, they might skip essential components like ice and water shields, proper ventilation, or even critical underlayment. When this happens across hundreds of homes, it saves the builder money—but it comes at the expense of the homebuyer. That roof might only last 10 years or even less in the Texas climate.
If you’ve recently purchased a new home in Houston or Austin, it’s worth getting a second opinion from a reputable local roofing company to see what kind of system you really have.
What Is a Metal Roof?
Metal roofs are growing in popularity—especially in Austin. These roofs are made of steel, aluminum, or other alloys, and they’re known for their extreme durability and modern aesthetic. A standing seam metal roof, in particular, offers sleek lines and weather-tight construction.
Advantages of metal roofs:
Lifespan: 40–70 years with proper maintenance.
Fire Resistance: Great in wildfire-prone areas.
Style: Fits modern and ranch-style homes common in Austin.
Metal roofs are more common in the Austin hill country, but some luxury homes in Houston are adopting them too. They do cost more up front, but the long-term savings and durability can make them worth considering.
What Is a Tile or Slate Roof?
Tile roofs—typically made from clay, concrete, or slate—are known for their beauty, longevity, and fire resistance. These are most often seen on Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes, which are especially popular in upscale neighborhoods.
Pros of tile/slate roofs:
Lifespan: 40–70 years depending on material.
Style: Iconic look for high-end homes.
Durability: Very resistant to fire and harsh sun.
They are less common in Houston and Austin compared to shingle or metal roofs due to their cost and weight. If your home wasn’t built to carry the weight, you’d need structural modifications to install one.
What Is a Flat Roof? (TPO or ModBit)
Flat roofing systems are mostly used on commercial buildings, but you’ll also find them on modern-style homes in Austin and urban Houston. There are two main types of flat roofs:
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): A white, reflective membrane that helps with energy efficiency.
ModBit (Modified Bitumen): Asphalt-based, durable and more traditional.
Flat roofs are common over patios, garages, or entire homes with a modern architectural design. They require more maintenance to prevent pooling water and leaks but can be very effective if built and maintained properly.
How to Tell What Roof You Have
If you're unsure what kind of roof you have, a quick inspection can help. Look at the shape, material, and texture of your shingles or panels. Still unsure? Call a licensed roofing company in Houston or Austin like Martin Roofing and Solar, and we’ll provide a free inspection and educate you on your system.
Knowing what type of roof you have is not just useful for upkeep—it’s critical for insurance claims. Your insurance company will only pay to replace what you already have. That means if you have 3-tab shingles, they’ll pay for 3-tab shingles—even if you want an upgrade. That’s why understanding your system helps you make informed decisions when it’s time to replace.
Why It Matters for Insurance Claims in Texas
Storms are common in Houston and Austin—and so are roof insurance claims. But the kind of roof you have determines what kind of payout you’ll receive in the event of a hail or windstorm.
Architectural roofs often receive better replacement value due to their quality compared to 3 tab.
3-tab shingles may become damaged easier in storms with strong winds.
Metal, tile, or slate may come with different insurance policies or deductibles.
Understanding your roof type ensures that when you're dealing with storm damage, you're not left surprised by what your policy will or won’t cover.
Martin Roofing and Solar: Your Trusted Roofing Company in Houston and Austin
At Martin Roofing and Solar, we specialize in helping Texas homeowners understand, maintain, and upgrade their roofing systems. Whether you're looking for a new roof, roof repairs, or dealing with roof storm damage, we're here to help.
We proudly serve both the Houston and Austin areas with:
We’re not just another roofing company in Houston near me or a roofing contractor in Austin. We’re a team of local professionals who care about getting it right the first time. With transparent communication, honest advice, and superior craftsmanship, we make sure you know your options—and get the best possible roof for your needs.
Want to know what kind of roof you have? Schedule a free inspection with Martin Roofing and Solar today, and let us guide you through every step with confidence.
Houston:
832-617-4037
Austin:
512-298-2944
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