When choosing a roofing material for your home, you'll need to make some special considerations if you live in Texas. The Lone Star State is known for its hot, arid climate, with temperatures climbing above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summers. Winters spell out mild to cold temperatures and occasional snow. Texas is vulnerable to wildfires and saw over 6,800 of them in 2019. It's a climate known for hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes and even tropical cyclones. The state also ranked number one for most hailstorms in 2019.

What does this mean for your roof? You need protection year-round. The critical considerations for a Texas roof are durability and temperature resistance. You need a roof that can survive harsh winds and impacts while keeping your home cool all summer long. The best roofing material for Texas homes will keep the heat out and stay intact, even in extreme weather.

Best Roofing Materials for Texas Homes

Your home's roof is one of your first defenses against the elements. For a roof that keeps your home cool and resists heavy winds and wildfire, you need a reliable roofing material. Clay, metal and slate are all designed to outlast many other kinds of roofs. They stay in place during high-speed winds and remain intact after heavy impacts. At the same time, they are easy to maintain and perfect for giving your Texas home a unique style.

1. Clay

Clay is a popular choice for keeping homes cool in hot and coastal regions. The tile shape allows for fantastic airflow. The increased circulation insulates your home, which keeps cold air inside and hot air outside. Clay is also an incredibly durable building material.

Because it undergoes baking, it has an inherent rigidity and strength and is known to last against years of harsh sun exposure. Clay tiles won't rot or corrode over time and are naturally fire-resistant. Their weight can resist wind speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (mph).

Clay tiles are a traditional roofing material used for hundreds of years in southern Texas and Mexico. The natural, brownish-red color of terra cotta tiles fit right in on historic Texan homes. They also come in numerous colors that can match any architectural and design preferences. Their distinct shape adds dimension and style to any home. The curved tiles and overlapping pattern is a recognizable classic in the region, no matter the color.

Most clay tiles are guaranteed to last 30 years, although some homeowners see them last upwards of 50-75 years. If you occasionally change the waterproof underlayment, clay shingles can even last a lifetime. They're also easy to maintain. If a tile breaks or goes missing, your roofer can replace individual ones without tearing up sections of your roof. With the occasional cleaning to remove debris from the slots, clay tiles can last for years in any climate.

2. Metal

Another popular option for sunny regions, metal's reflective surface keeps your home cool even in the hottest months. By reflecting the sun's rays, copper and other metals can make your home more energy-efficient. You'll stay cool all summer without overworking the HVAC system.

For weather protection, metal offers a non-porous waterproof solution. Its incredible strength and durability resist impacts from hail and debris. Metal panels can withstand heavy winds of up to 160 mph.

Copper roofing can last 50 years or more. Like clay, metal is naturally fire-resistant and cannot rot, and pests cannot penetrate its surface. Copper's reddish tint changes to a stately green with time. Both new and old copper have an unmatched aesthetic that complements your home's elegant design. It's a lightweight, malleable metal perfect for intricate patterns and ornamentation, making a statement on any luxury estate.

3. Slate

Slate is known to cool quickly and heat slowly. Because of its high density, only the side of the rock exposed to heat will warm up. Slate prevents significant fluctuation in temperature, which saves you on your cooling costs in the summer. Like clay, it has natural insulating properties. Slate comes in a range of colors, and lighter earth tones reflect harsh sunlight to keep your home comfortable.

Slate is a naturally occurring material, so manufacturers shape it into roofing tiles. Each slate roof is unique due to natural variations in color. You can choose from multiple tile sizes, thicknesses and colors to create a mosaic on your roof. Slate serves as a traditional roofing material that looks great on both historic and contemporary homes. As it ages, small pieces chip away from the edges, revealing the durable base and attractive weather-worn elegance.

As a hardened mineral, slate has natural durability. It's water-resistant, and slate roofs are less prone to leaking than other kinds. Rock is also fire-resistant, making it perfect for protection against Texas wildfires. The material has been known to last up to 100 years or more. Because of its strength, old slate can be repurposed into new roof shingles. Should one go missing, a roofer can easily replace it.

Trends for Roofing in Texas

If you're looking for a modern, unique look for your home, look no further than clay and thatch. These materials give your house an unmistakable appearance to stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.

Clay

Because of its historical popularity in the area, a clay tile roof does more than look attractive — it looks distinctly Texan. Whether you have a historic home or are hoping to reflect the local color, terra cotta is a trend with staying power. When you choose terra cotta tiles, you have access to various textures. All our terra cotta tiles are handmade for an appeal you cannot get from manufacturing. You can choose from flat and barrel tiles.

You can also opt for clay tiles in numerous colors. For added heat protection, a lighter color such as white or gray will reflect more sunlight. By using clay tiles in several colors and textures, you can pay homage to traditional Texas architecture while adding a unique appearance. Set your home apart from your neighbors with trendy yet timeless clay and terra cotta tiles.

Thatch

If you live along the Gulf of Mexico, a synthetic thatched roof can give your property a definitive coastal flair. Traditionally, thatching was a roofing technique that involved layering dried reeds, straw or grass onto a home's roof. Because of the thatching's beachy appearance, it's one of the best roofing materials for south Texas.

This trend looks great on waterfront properties and pool houses alike. You can select from several styles in synthetic Endureed, which is nearly indistinguishable from natural materials. Synthetic thatching boasts a Class A Fire Rating, with fibers that last 50 years or more and perform well in high heat — or any other climate. 

Choose the Right Material and a Trusted Contractor

When you need a roof that can withstand the heat and hazardous weather Texas is known for, you need the highest-quality materials and an experienced roofing professional. Huber & Associates specializes in custom roofs. We excel at installing unique roofing materials such as clay, copper, slate and thatch. We'll source the appropriate shingles for your area's climate, design an attractive exterior and install a roof built to last.

When working with specialty materials, you need professionals who have the right experience. Huber & Associates has worked with large private residences, historical properties, resorts, museums and universities. We're trusted for intricate installations both nationally and internationally. With global experience, we're a roofing contractor you can rely on. Learn more about our roofing materials and services. If you need help choosing the right materials and design for your roof, reach out to us today.