A new roof isn’t usually top of mind for Houston homeowners until damage strikes or age takes its toll. It’s one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home, impacting protection, energy efficiency, and curb appeal.
This guide walks you through the new roof installation process. You’ll learn what to expect from cost through completion, with Houston-specific insight and data to help you plan confidently.
Table of Contents
Not sure if you should repair or replace your roof in Houston? Give us a call for FREE roof inspection
The Bottom Line for Houston Homeowners
Before diving deeper, it’s helpful to establish the high-level picture. New roof installation costs vary widely in Houston, but understanding what shapes them and how extreme weather and local codes come into play.
(Note: All figures in this article are estimates, and actual costs may vary. We recommend contacting us so we can provide you with accurate numbers tailored to your roof.)
On average, an asphalt roof replacement in Houston costs around $9,752, with most projects landing between $6,712 and $13,123. These figures reflect the typical range for mid-sized residential homes and include material, labor, and basic site prep.
Why Houston Roofs Have Unique Demands
It’s important to understand why Houston roofs need special consideration. From humidity to hurricanes, local conditions strongly influence material selection and installation methods.
Houston receives well over 1.5 times the national average of rainfall, making water-resistant underlayments and proper drainage critical to long-term durability.
Coupled with sweltering heat and high humidity, these conditions can cause shingles to degrade faster and attic spaces to trap moisture, which accelerates wear. Additionally, the region’s exposure to hurricanes, hailstorms, and tropical systems requires that roofing assemblies meet strict wind standards to protect homes in extreme weather.
What Does A New Roof Installation Cost in Houston?
The cost of a new roof in Houston depends on several different factors:
Typical Ranges by Material
Houston homeowners typically pay between $4 and $11 per square foot for installed roofing, averaging around $9,700 total, depending on home size and complexity. Asphalt shingles remain the most affordable option, while premium materials like metal and tile cost significantly more but offer longer lifespans.
Metal roofing (especially standing seam) often ranges from $7 to $14 per square foot in Houston. Tile and high-end systems push rates even higher, approaching or exceeding $20 per square foot, given their weight and installation intricacy.
What Drives Cost in the Houston Market
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay: complexity of roof design, tear-off vs. overlay, underlayment choice, and fastener or flashing upgrades for wind resistance.
Houston’s storm-driven demand can also cause material and labor prices to spike after the storms. You’ll benefit from planning ahead or scheduling installations in non-peak seasons to control costs.
Real-World Examples
For a 2,000-square-foot home, installing architectural shingles commonly ranges from $8,500 to $13,900, depending on pitch and complexity.
Upgrading to metal roofing could push the cost into the $18,000 to $38,000 range, but homeowners gain improved wind resistance and potentially lower maintenance over time.
Permits in the City of Houston
If you’re going to install a new roof in Houston, you need to account for the cost of permits.
Do You Need a Permit?
Yes, you do. In Houston, any residential re-roof or overlay project requires a re-roof permit, which must remain posted onsite until final city inspection passes. Skipping this step can result in fines, delays, or even invalidated insurance coverage.
What a Contractor Handles for You
Reputable contractors like M&M Roofing, Siding, and Windows will handle the permit process on your behalf. They’ll submit the required “Residential Re-Roof Only Worksheet,” handle the fees (usually modest but variable), and schedule inspections. This keeps your project compliant and on schedule without you needing to navigate city bureaucracy.
The Roof Installation Process: Step by Step
A new roof installation in Houston typically follows these steps:
Consultation and Roof Inspection
The process begins with a roof inspection. The roofing contractor will check for storm damage, ventilation issues, and underlying deck condition, providing photos and notes to clarify recommendations.
This transparency helps you understand exactly what needs attention, whether damage cleanup, ventilation upgrade, or structural repair. It’s also essential if you’re planning on insurance paying for your roof replacement.
Proposal and Material Choices
You’ll receive a clear proposal listing roofing material options, such as asphalt shingles or metal panels, and relevant underlayments, flashing, ventilation improvements, and drip edge solutions tailored to Houston’s climate challenges.
Permitting and inspection steps are also outlined, so you know the project’s full scope before committing.
Scheduling and Preparation
Once approved, your contractor schedules the job. They will have to take into consideration HOA rules (if applicable), waste management (like dumpster delivery), and property protection (e.g., tarps over landscaping). Scheduling often avoids peak storm seasons to reduce delays, ensuring a smoother installation timeline.
Tear-Off and Deck Repairs
On day one of installation, crews remove your old roof down to the decking. Any damaged boards are replaced, and quality underlayment (often including peel-and-stick in valleys and eaves) is installed to resist Houston’s intense rainfall. This adds insurance-friendly extra protection where it matters most.
Roofing System Installation
Installation follows city-approved fastener patterns and wind-rated starter and edge metal. Shingles or panels are laid with ventilation systems—like ridge or soffit vents—to maintain attic health in extreme heat. These steps ensure that your roof meets both performance and regulatory standards.
Inspections and Clean-Up
After installation, the city inspects your roof to verify compliance. Once passed, the site is cleaned thoroughly, and the final permit sign-off concludes the project. It’s a full circle from proposal to closed permit, giving homeowners peace of mind.
What Is The Best Roofing Material For Houston Homes?
A large percentage of the cost of a new roof in Houston is the roofing materials you choose. You have several different options.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt remains the most cost-effective option in Houston. Modern variants offer Class 3 or 4 impact resistance and algae-resistant granules, features that help guard against hail and the city’s humidity.
When matched with proper underlayment and ventilation, shingles deliver excellent value. The only downside to asphalt shingles is that they may not last as long as other types of roofing material.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are durable, reflective, and long-lasting, sometimes exceeding 50 years. They offer superior wind resistance and can reduce energy costs by up to 40% due to reflective coatings and insulation potential.
Though metal roofing costs more up front, the premium price often pays off in reduced maintenance and utility savings over time.
If you need a new roof or need to repair your roof, give us a call for a free roof inspection!
Conclusion: Partnering with a Trusted Houston Roofer
A roof replacement in Houston is more than just material. It’s about climate resilience, code compliance, and financial protection. Costs vary, but strategic choices around material, timing, and contractor can transform the project into a long-lasting investment that safeguards your home.
M&M Roofing, Siding, and Windows has been installing new roofs in Houston for more than 40 years. We have installed more than 20,000 new roofs and have over 1,000+ positive reviews.
From permits to performance, we’ll guide you through every step and customize your roof to Houston’s unique demands. If you’re ready to install a new roof on your Houston home, contact us today. Schedule a free roof inspection and secure your home with confidence.
M&M Roofing, Siding, and Windows has been serving Houston homeowners for over 40 years. Call us or complete the request form to schedule a FREE roof inspection and consultation.
