Roofing in Houston, TX: What to Know

Houston's biggest roof threat is wind. A 2024 derecho brought 100-plus mph winds through the metro, and Hurricane Beryl gusted to 84 mph at Hobby Airport two months later. Texas has no state roofing license, so check insurance, references and a local address yourself. Houston requires a residential roofing permit for a re-roof or overlay, with an inspection, and the permit must be on site.

Key facts for Houston, TX

NWS Houston says the May 16, 2024 derecho brought a swath of 100-plus mph winds through the Houston metro.
During Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, Houston Hobby Airport recorded an 84 mph gust and Harris County power outages peaked at around 2.7 million people.
NWS Houston says downburst winds of 60 to over 100 mph can cause damage comparable to a tornado and are far more common in Southeast Texas than tornado damage.
Houston issues a Residential Roofing Permit for a re-roof or overlay, uses the Residential Re-Roof Only Worksheet (CE-1109), and lists processing at 10 business days.
An inspection is required, and the permit and worksheet must be on site for it.
After severe weather, the Houston Permitting Center lists reroofing as eligible for expedited permits.
TDI's coastal windstorm inspection area includes only the Harris County cities east of State Highway 146: La Porte, Morgan's Point, Pasadena, Seabrook and Shore Acres.

How does Houston weather damage roofs?

Wind is the main story. The National Weather Service's Houston/Galveston office says the May 16, 2024 derecho brought a swath of 100-plus mph winds through the metro and spawned tornadoes. Two months later, Hurricane Beryl's winds caused widespread tree and power line damage across Harris County. Many stations recorded gusts of 60 to 70 mph, and Hobby Airport hit 84 mph.

NWS also notes that downbursts, the sudden rush of air out of a thunderstorm, are far more common in Southeast Texas than tornadoes and can do similar damage. Hail matters too. The office notes that hail can damage rooftops and counts one inch or larger as severe.

Before cleanup, document damage with photos or video, as insurance regulators advise, and report your claim promptly.

What permit does a Houston re-roof need?

The Houston Permitting Center issues a Residential Roofing Permit for a re-roof or roofing overlay on a home. The application includes a building permit application, a declaration, and the Residential Re-Roof Only Worksheet (CE-1109). The city lists processing at 10 business days.

An inspection is required. The permit and worksheet must be on site when the inspector arrives. Inspections can be scheduled online, through the IVR line at 713-222-9922, or through Structural Inspections at 832-394-8840.

After severe weather, the city lists reroofing among repairs eligible for expedited permits. The work must comply with deed restrictions. If your home is in the floodplain, the city says to contact the Floodplain Management Office before making any repairs.

What Texas rules apply to Houston roofers?

Texas does not require a state license for reroofing contractors. That puts the burden on homeowners to check insurance, references and a physical local address. TDI lists contractors who only take cash, have only out-of-state references or want money before materials arrive as red flags.

State law bars any roofer from offering to waive or rebate your deductible. TDI says to report offers to the Attorney General at 800-621-0508.

Most of Houston is outside TDI's coastal windstorm inspection area. In Harris County, that area covers only La Porte, Morgan's Point, Pasadena, Seabrook and Shore Acres, east of State Highway 146. If you live there, ask whether your repair needs a WPI-8 certificate.

How to choose a provider in Houston, TX

Ask the roofer to pull the city's Residential Roofing Permit and show you the CE-1109 worksheet.
Confirm who will be on site for the required inspection.
Get insurance certificates and a local Houston-area business address.
Get at least three written bids, as TDI recommends.
If a tree came through the roof, ask how the bid handles decking and structural repairs.
Check deed restrictions and floodplain status before work starts.
In La Porte, Pasadena, Seabrook, Shore Acres or Morgan's Point, ask about the WPI-8 windstorm certificate.
Turn down any deductible waiver or rebate offer.

Questions people ask

Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Houston?

Houston issues a Residential Roofing Permit for a re-roof or overlay on a home, and an inspection is required. The application uses the Residential Re-Roof Only Worksheet (CE-1109). Check with the Houston Permitting Center for your specific job.

How long does a Houston roofing permit take?

The Houston Permitting Center lists processing time for the residential roofing permit at 10 business days. After severe weather, reroofing is eligible for expedited processing once the city has all the information it needs.

Does my Houston roof need a windstorm certificate?

Only if you are in TDI's designated coastal area. In Harris County, that covers La Porte, Morgan's Point, Pasadena, Seabrook and Shore Acres east of State Highway 146. Most of Houston is outside it.

Are Houston roofers licensed by the state?

No. Texas does not require a state-issued license for reroofing contractors. Verify insurance, references and a local address, and make sure the roofer pulls the city permit.

What were the biggest recent roof-damaging storms in Houston?

NWS Houston says the May 16, 2024 derecho brought 100-plus mph winds through the metro. Hurricane Beryl followed in July 2024, with an 84 mph gust at Hobby Airport and outages peaking around 2.7 million people in Harris County.

Sources

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.

What should Houston homeowners know before hiring a roofer?