Texas is known for its hot, humid summers and the brutal winds and storms that ravage the area. Tornadoes, hurricanes, and hailstorms are common in this region. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a roof that will protect your home from harsh heat and natural disasters if you live in the West Texas area.

Your professional roofers in Amarillo, Lubbock, and other parts of the West Texas region are your best consultants for the right roof for your home. But you will also find a few helpful tips in this article. Let’s explore a few things you should keep in mind when selecting a roof for your West Texas home.

1. Wind Endurance

Strong winds abound in West Texas, so selecting a roofing material that can withstand this weather condition is crucial. Metal and clay tile roofing systems offer great endurance against high wind speeds. For instance, the best metal roofs these days can withstand wind velocities up to 160mph, while clay ones provide resistance up to around 130mph.  

Wind damage to your roof can cause water to leak into your home, and moisture can deteriorate the structures of your house. Having a wind-resistant roof can help prevent leaks on your property. 

2. Hail Impact Durability

Texas is known for its frequent hailstorms. A roofing system that offers excellent resistance against hailstone damage can help avoid expensive repairs should your home get hit by this problem.

You can determine a roofing material’s impact durability through its UL2218 rating. This classification system tests a roof’s endurance against different sizes of steel balls simulating hailstones falling at the speed of 90mph. The most durable roofing materials are categorized as class 4. 

If you want the most hail-proof roofing system for your home, it would be best to consult your roofing contractor about this. You can find metal, asphalt, and rubber roofing systems with class 4 impact-resistant ratings.

3. Fire Resistance

The Texas region is also vulnerable to wildfires, so a fireproof roof can help protect your home from these unfortunate events. Metal, clay, and slate are fire-resistant roofing materials, making them ideal for fire-prone areas. 

4. Insulation Capacity and Energy Efficiency

Roofing materials with good insulation capabilities will protect your home against extreme heat and cold. Aside from making you comfortable indoors during summer and winter, these roofing systems can help you save on utility bills. You won’t need much energy to cool and heat your house using these roofs. Energy-efficient roofing options include metal, tile, and asphalt shingles.    

5. Roof’s Slope

The slope of your roof is another crucial factor in choosing a roofing material for your home. Low-angled roofs are prone to ponding water. So, it’s vital to pick roofing systems with excellent resistance to water damage for these types of roofs. On the other hand, steep-pitched ones offer excellent water-draining capabilities, but you must ensure that the roofing materials are securely fastened.

Asphalt shingles are a great option for steep-pitched roofs, while they are not advisable for low-slope ones. In contrast, heavy tile roofing systems risk falling off if your roofing contractor fails to attach them securely.

6. Weight

You also must ensure that your home’s structure can carry the roofing material you choose. Over time, the strength of a building diminishes. For homes built more than 40 years ago, it’s crucial to reduce their overall pressure by using low-weight roofing systems. These types of roofing include asphalt shingles. 

7. Home Design

It’s your home, so feel free to choose a roofing material that can help you achieve your desired look. You can go with slate tile roofs if you want a vintage theme for your property. For a cozy, homey feel, asphalt shingles are perfect. On the other hand, metal roofing often gives houses a modern aura. However, there are metal shingles these days that can mimic other roofing systems’ appearances.

Factoring in the style you want for your roof is essential. But don’t forget to check if the roofing type and design you like for your house are allowed in your neighborhood. 

8. Budget

Roofing products can vary widely in price. And materials account for a large portion of the roofing project’s costs. It would help if you also considered labor, permits, and any unexpected changes or repairs expenses. 

Consider also the maintenance needs of the roofing material you will select. Some types of roofing systems have lower upfront costs but may require higher expenses for maintenance. 

If you’re planning to get a new roof for your home in West Texas, call professional roofers in Amarillo, Lubbock, and other parts of the region. Your local roofing companies know the most suitable option for your home.