Roof Maintenance Guide
A Texas roof takes a beating — blazing UV, hail season, hurricane winds, and oak branches. Here's the practical, homeowner-friendly maintenance routine that keeps a roof alive longer and catches small problems before they become expensive ones.
Twice a year
Routine Roof Care
Do these every spring and fall. None of them require getting on the roof.
Clean gutters and downspouts
Clogged gutters back water up under shingles and rot fascia boards. In Texas, clear them at least twice a year — spring after pollen season and fall after leaves drop — and check that downspouts carry water away from the foundation.
Trim overhanging branches
Limbs rubbing on shingles grind off granules every time the wind blows, and falling branches crack shingles outright. Keep branches at least 6–10 feet back from the roof surface.
Clear roof debris
Leaves, pine needles, and sticks trap moisture against shingles and feed algae growth. A leaf blower from a ladder (never a pressure washer on shingles) is enough for most build-up.
Check attic ventilation and insulation
Texas heat cooks roofs from the inside out. A hot, stuffy attic shortens shingle life and voids some manufacturer warranties. Look for ridge vents, soffit vents, and consistent airflow — and insulation that isn't blocking the soffits.
Scan flashing and penetrations
Most leaks start where the roof is interrupted: vent pipes, chimneys, skylights, and valleys. From the ground with binoculars, look for cracked sealant, rusted flashing, or lifted edges. Never walk a roof you aren't trained on.
Watch the granules
Some granule loss is normal on a new roof. But handfuls of granules in the gutters year after year means the shingles' UV armor is wearing thin — the beginning of the end for an asphalt roof.
After every storm
Post-Storm Inspection Checklist
Texas hail season runs roughly March through June, but damaging storms can hit any month. After hail or high winds, run through this list within a day or two.
- 1
Walk the perimeter and look for missing, cracked, or lifted shingles — binoculars help.
- 2
Check gutters, downspouts, and metal vents for fresh dents (hail's calling card).
- 3
Look at the ground for shingle pieces, granule piles, or fallen flashing.
- 4
Check the attic for new water stains, damp insulation, or daylight through the deck.
- 5
Photograph anything suspicious with your phone — date-stamped photos matter for insurance.
- 6
If you find damage — or aren't sure — call for a free professional inspection before filing a claim.
Insurance policies generally require claims to be filed reasonably soon after the date of loss — documenting early protects your options. If anything on the list looks off, see our storm damage resource center for what to do next.
Don't ignore these
Warning Signs Your Roof Needs Attention
Any one of these is reason enough for a free professional inspection.
Water stains on ceilings or walls
A stain means water already traveled through the roof system. The leak's entry point is often far from the stain itself.
Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
Curling edges and cracked tabs expose the underlayment to sun and rain. Texas UV accelerates this on aging roofs.
Bald spots and granule piles
Granules are the shingle's sunscreen. Once they're gone, the asphalt mat bakes, cracks, and leaks follow.
Sagging areas
A dip in the roofline can mean rotted decking or structural trouble. This one deserves a prompt professional look.
Daylight in the attic
If you can see sky from inside the attic, water has a highway in. Check on a bright day with the attic lights off.
Dark streaks or green patches
Usually algae or moss holding moisture against the shingles. Common on north-facing, shaded Texas slopes — and a sign the roof is aging.
Flashing damage or lifted edges
Loose flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys is one of the most common leak sources we find.
Roof age past 15–20 years
Most asphalt roofs in Texas heat last 15–25 years depending on shingle quality and ventilation. Past 20, budget and plan — don't wait for a leak to decide for you.
Why Texas roofs age faster
Heat Is the Silent Killer
Hail gets the headlines, but relentless Texas UV and attic heat do most of the long-term damage — drying out shingles, curling edges, and cooking the oils out of the asphalt year after year. That's why ventilation matters as much as shingle quality here, and why a 20-year shingle in Texas often lives a shorter life than the same shingle up north.
The good news: a well-ventilated roof with quality shingles, checked once a year and after storms, gives you the best shot at a full service life. And when it's time, choosing the right system matters — compare roofing materials before you decide.
Common questions
Maintenance FAQ
Wondering how your roof is holding up?
A free inspection with photos answers that in under an hour. We'll show you exactly what we see — good or bad.