With the entire world evolving, we have seen architecture, design, and craftsmanship of homes evolve. These modern roofing materials not only protect the entire home but also make it look aesthetically attractive. There was a time when homeowners could only choose between a protective roof and a good-looking roof, but with the variety of modern roofing materials available in the market, they no longer have to go through all that and make a tough decision. You can have an eye-catching roof that makes your house look even more attractive and a strong roof that keeps all unwanted things out of your house in severe weather conditions, all at the same time.
Houston Guide
Best Modern Roofing Materials for Houston
Not all modern roofing materials are suitable for Houston homes. The extreme weather conditions have forced manufacturers to develop roofs that can handle the extreme summer heat, strong winds, sudden storms, and humidity, the headache of Texas homeowners. With the modern roofing materials, it's become possible for Houston homeowners to deal with all of nature's tough tests for their roofs.
Metal roofing repels sunlight and keeps your home cool in summers and reduces energy bills. You can choose from the different metal roofing profiles and have the color of your own likeness. Metal is the most effective roofing material in Houston, mainly due to its strength, long-lasting nature and the fact that it falls under the category of fire-resistant roofing materials.
2
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
These shingles are thicker than the traditional shingles and survive the worst storms. They can be repaired easily if damaged, as compared to the basic shingles, making them one of the best-selling roof materials in Houston. They give a clean and simple look to the roof.
3
Synthetic Slate and Shake
Synthetic slate and shake roofing look like natural slate and wood roofing, but they are actually made from a blend of engineered polymers, rubber, and plastic. They are lighter in weight than actual slate and shake, providing a high-end look to the home without any heavy maintenance. In addition to their sleek look, they resist cracking, rot, and keep insects away.
4
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Both clay and concrete tiles are fire-resistant roofing materials. Tile roofs can survive extreme heat and last for decades. They are often used in the hottest regions of Texas, like Houston. Clay tiles can last between 50 and 100 years or even more in Texas. They are resistant to heat, rot, and color fading.
Concrete tiles last 30 to 50 years in Texas with regular maintenance. They may require more care and maintenance than clay tiles. They are a cost-effective alternative to clay tiles.
Regular materials like metal and asphalt shingles are coated with highly reflective material to design cool roof shingles. These coatings often use infrared-reflective granules and light colored paint, making them reflect more sunlight than regular options. These shingles do not let heat get trapped in the attic, keeping indoor temperature lower which helps reduce energy bills during hot months.
EPDM is a durable rubber membrane, made from oil and natural gas, and is commonly known as rubber roofing, best for low-slope residential and commercial roofing. It comes in black and white colors, protecting your roof from UV damage. It offers waterproofing and can last a good 30-50 years if installed and maintained properly. EPDM is one of the best modern roofing materials for flat roof Houston homes.
PVC and TPO are both flat roof materials. They are most commonly used with a white surface, which reflects most of the sunlight and keeps the indoor temperature lower in summer. They act as a sunscreen and protect your roof from UV radiations making them one of the best modern roofing materials. TPO roofing can last up to 25 years if maintenance is done regularly. On the other hand, PVC roofing can survive the Houston weather for 30+ years, but is a higher upfront investment than TPO.
Cost Guide
The Cheapest Roofing Material!
It's hard to name one material as the cheapest because each material has its own characteristics. The cheapest option may not be the most long-lasting, energy efficient, or strong enough for the Houston weather conditions. So, here are the top 3 cost-effective roofing materials with good value for money
Roof Material
Cost / Sq. Ft.
Avg. Lifespan
Metal Roofing
$6 – $12
50–70 Years
Arch. Asphalt Shingles
$5 – $8
25–30 Years
TPO Roofing
$5 – $10
20–30 Years
Low Maintenance
Modern Roof Material with the Least Maintenance
Metal roofing, amongst the modern roofing materials, requires the least maintenance. Metal is fire-resistant and can withstand hail. It doesn't crack, curl, or let mold grow due to its non-porous surface. If it's installed properly, there is nothing to be worried about for decades. Choosing the right roofing material is a very important decision when building a home, and in Houston, metal roofing is your best bet without any second guess.
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Conclusion
Shifting from your traditional roof to a modern roof can be a tough decision, but choosing a secure primary defense for your Houston home is more important. With modern roofing materials, you can upgrade your home and customize it to match your style. From shingles to metal, everything comes with new technology. So, if your current roof is reaching its maximum lifespan or it got damaged by a recent storm or for any other reason, you are considering getting your home a new roof, you should consider the latest options we discussed in this guide.