Shingle Roofer in Houston

Shingle Deterioration in the Houston Climate

Houston's specific weather conditions are particularly hard on standard asphalt shingles, often shortening their lifespan compared to milder climates. The combination of intense solar exposure, high humidity, and powerful storm systems requires a careful selection of materials and attention to detail during installation. Understanding the sources of deterioration helps homeowners know when to act to protect their home.

• Heat-Accelerated Aging: The extreme heat causes the asphalt in the shingle mat to dry out and become brittle quickly. This leads to curling, cracking, and blistering, which compromise the shingle’s waterproof seal, making the entire roof vulnerable to leaks.
• Granule Loss and UV Damage: The ceramic granules on the shingle surface protect the asphalt layer from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Excessive heat and storm impact cause these granules to shed prematurely, exposing the asphalt and rapidly accelerating the aging process.
• Algae and Moss Growth: The high humidity in the Houston area creates an ideal environment for algae (often appearing as black streaks) and moss to grow. This growth retains moisture on the roof surface, further degrading the shingle material and impacting its ability to reflect heat.
• Wind Damage and Shingle Uplift: While affordable, basic shingle types may have low wind resistance, making them susceptible to uplift and tearing during the strong Gulf Coast winds. This damage, especially around edges and corners, can lead to widespread leaks if not caught quickly.
• Poor Ventilation Impact: If attic ventilation is inadequate, the trapped heat "bakes" the shingles from the underside, which works in combination with the sun's heat to rapidly decrease the material's lifespan and cause premature failure across the roof system.

Our Architecture-Driven Shingle Roofing Process

At Hargrove Roofing - Houston, we install shingle roofs with a focus on both protection and long-term durability, ensuring the system is built to last in the Houston climate. We write in the first person because we want you to know we are the ones who put our name on the work. Our method separates the sales process from the project management, ensuring our installation team remains focused solely on quality control and execution.

1. Detailed Shingle Selection and Planning: We guide you through choosing the best shingle for your home, prioritizing Architectural or Luxury shingles with high wind and algae resistance suitable for Houston. We calculate the material needs and ensure all supporting components, like the underlayment and flashing, are specified correctly.
2. Roof Deck Preparation: Before any shingle is laid, we confirm the roof deck is sound, replacing any rotted or damaged wood. We install a high-quality, synthetic underlayment and ice/water shield in vulnerable areas to provide a critical secondary barrier against water infiltration.
3. Precision Installation and Fastening: We follow the manufacturer’s rigorous specifications for correct shingle placement, nailing patterns, and sealant use. Our team ensures that every shingle is secured to resist the high winds common in Texas, protecting your roof from uplift and blow-off.
4. Ventilation and Flashing Integration: We meticulously install new, updated flashing around all chimneys, vents, and wall junctions. Crucially, we ensure the attic has balanced ventilation—proper intake and exhaust—to minimize heat buildup and maximize the shingle system's lifespan.
5. Quality Control and Communication: A project manager, dedicated to your job, oversees the crew to enforce our standard of quality. We maintain over-the-top communication throughout the installation, and we provide a full walkthrough and comprehensive cleanup before completion.