Texas Roofing Contractors

About Texas Roofing

One of the most important professionals in construction is the roofing contractor. In addition to consultation, they are also responsible for roofing installation and repair. Roofing contractors recommend area-specific roofing systems. Roofing contractors who work residentially use asphalt and metal materials. Some climates also allow the use of cedar shank roofing. Waterproofing and winterizing roofs are also part of a roofing contractor's job description.

Typical Climate

As the second largest U.S. state, Texas' climate conditions largely vary. The southern tip of Texas rarely, if ever, experiences rainfall, whereas the northwestern panhandle sees an average of 23 inches each year. Eastern Texas receives about 54 inches of rainfall each year, but the arid western part of the state receives only about 8 inches. The average winter temperature ranges from 23 degrees to 48 degrees, depending on location. Summer ranges from 88 degrees to 96 degrees. Texas primarily has only two seasons, without much transition between winter and summer. Humidity ranges severely, from 34 percent in the drier climate of El Paso to 72 percent in the coastal climate of Galveston. The coldest it's ever been in Texas was 23 degrees on February 8, 1933. The hottest temperature on record was 120 degrees on August 12, 1936.

Licensing

The state of Texas doesn't require roofing contractors to be licensed prior to performing work. When searching for a qualified roofer, check with the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas. They provide a voluntary certification program to their members. This is a good place to start, but don't stop there. Also run a check with the consumer advocacy organization the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau has a listing of all roofing contractors in the state of Texas, along with any consumer complaints. Another important agency to use is the Texas Association of Builders.

Energy Efficient Roofs

ENERGY STAR recommends reflective roofing systems, which lower rooftop temperatures by up to 100 degrees. The minimum requirements for an ENERGY STAR roof is metal with a single-ply membrane. When choosing a contractor, find one that uses products created by ENERGY STAR partners like GAF-Elk and CertainTeed. Texas Star Roofing offers radiant barrier decking. They are also voluntarily certified by the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas.

Unusual Roofs

In Texas, there are several unusual roofs. The first is the Kimbell Museum in Fort Worth. This building features a dome shape made of concrete. The second building is the Menil Collection in Houston. Built in the early 1980s, this building features a flat, glass roof, covered by louvers. Another unusual roof is on Pennzoil Place, also in Houston. This roof features geometrical, jagged edges, in three distinct steeples.