Roofing FAQ | RoofsOnly.com | Austin, TX

This page answers the questions we hear most from Austin homeowners and property managers. Every answer comes from real jobs across Travis County, Williamson County and the surrounding metro area, not from a generic roofing script.

RoofsOnly.com is a family-owned roofing contractor based in Austin, TX. We handle residential and commercial roofing, including full replacements, repairs, storm and hail damage, inspections and insurance claim assistance. Owner Jake Mullin is on every job. We use no subcontractors.

If your question is not on this page, call (512) 746-7090 or schedule a free roof inspection. We will walk you through the answer in person.

Cost and Materials

How much does a roof replacement cost in Austin, TX?
Most residential roof replacements in Austin fall between $8,000 and $18,000. The range depends on your roof’s size, pitch, current condition and the material you choose. A standard single-story home with architectural shingles typically lands in the $10,000 to $14,000 range. Metal roofing, tile and specialty systems cost more upfront but last significantly longer. Use our instant cost estimator for a ballpark figure, then schedule a free inspection for an exact written quote.

What roofing materials work best in Austin’s climate?
Austin’s heat, UV exposure, hail risk and occasional ice storms narrow your choices quickly. Architectural asphalt shingles are the most common choice. They are cost-effective, widely available and perform well through most Austin weather events. Metal roofing, particularly standing seam and stone-coated steel, handles heat and hail better and carries a longer lifespan. Tile roofing is durable and reflects heat well, but the added weight requires a structural review on older homes before installation. See our full roofing materials overview to compare options side by side.

How long does a roof last in Austin?
Material determines lifespan more than anything else. 3-tab asphalt shingles: 15 to 18 years. Architectural asphalt shingles: 20 to 25 years. Metal roofing: 40 to 50 years. Tile roofing: 50 years or more. Austin’s intense UV exposure and heat cycles accelerate shingle aging compared to cooler climates. A roof at the 15-year mark in Austin deserves a professional inspection even if no visible damage exists.

What is the difference between 3-tab and architectural shingles?
3-tab shingles are the older, thinner style. They lie flat, have a uniform appearance and cost less. Architectural shingles, also called dimensional or laminate shingles, are thicker and layered to create a textured look. They resist wind better, last longer and carry stronger manufacturer warranties. Most Austin roofing contractors now default to architectural shingles for residential replacements.

Is metal roofing worth the cost in Austin?
For homeowners planning to stay 10 or more years, the math works. Metal roofing costs roughly two to three times more than asphalt shingles upfront but lasts two to three times as long. Metal handles hail better, reflects heat more effectively and often qualifies for homeowner’s insurance discounts in Texas. If you plan to sell within a few years, asphalt shingles typically offer a better return on investment.

Inspection and Damage

How often should I get my roof inspected?
Once a year is the standard. In Austin, the best times are after spring hail season, April through June, and after any significant storm. Hail damage is not always visible from the ground, and an uncaught bruise or crack in your shingles lets water in over time. We offer free roof inspections with full photo documentation through CompanyCam.

What does a free roof inspection include?
We walk the full roof and check the field of the shingles, ridge caps, valleys, flashing, pipe boots, skylights and gutters. We document everything with photos. If we find damage, we walk you through our findings in plain language and explain your options. If we find no damage, we tell you. No pressure to schedule work you do not need. Learn more about what our inspections cover.

How do I know if my roof has hail damage?
The most common signs are granule buildup in your gutters, soft spots or circular bruising on shingles and dented metal vents or flashing. Most hail damage is not visible from the ground. See every sign to look for on our Hail Damage page.

Should I inspect after a storm even if my roof isn’t leaking?
Checking your gutters for granule buildup and scanning from the ground for missing shingles is a reasonable first step, but it is not enough. Hail damage rarely causes immediate leaks. Bruised or cracked shingles deteriorate over the following months, and by the time water gets inside the damage is deeper and more costly. Texas law gives you two years from the storm date to file a claim. Waiting costs you that window. Our inspections are free. There is no reason to guess when a professional assessment costs you nothing.

Insurance and Permits

Does homeowner’s insurance cover roof replacement in Texas?
Most Texas policies cover sudden storm and hail damage. Wear and tear does not qualify. Coverage depends on your policy type, deductible and the cause of damage. See the full breakdown on our Insurance Claim Process page.

Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Austin, TX?
Standard residential shingle replacements do not require a permit in Austin, per the City of Austin Development Services Department. Permits apply to structural work, new roof construction and certain commercial projects. For a straightforward shingle replacement on your home, no permit is needed. We flag any exceptions before work begins.

How does the roof insurance claim process work?
It starts with an inspection and ends with us completing the work after your insurer approves the claim. We handle documentation and attend the adjuster meeting with you. See the full step-by-step on our Insurance Claim Process page.

What is a depreciation holdback and when do I get the second check?
Many policies pay in two parts. The first check covers the depreciated value of your roof. After work is complete, you submit proof and your insurer releases the remaining balance. Our Insurance Claim Process page walks through exactly how this works.

Austin Storm Damage

What size hail actually damages a roof?
Dime-sized hail (3/4 inch) and larger causes measurable damage to asphalt shingles. Quarter-sized and above causes more significant bruising and granule loss. After any storm, schedule a free inspection rather than guessing by size alone. Full details on our Hail Damage page.

Repair vs. Replacement

How do I know if I need a repair or a full replacement?
If damage covers more than 30% of your roof surface, if your roof is within five years of the end of its lifespan, or if an insurance claim is involved, a full replacement is usually the right move. Isolated damage on an otherwise healthy roof points to repair. We give you an honest answer either way. Schedule a free inspection and we will tell you exactly where you stand.

How long does a roof replacement take?
Most residential replacements take one to two days. Larger homes, steep pitches or complex roof lines take longer. We give you a timeline before work starts and stick to it. Weather delays are the main variable, and we communicate those promptly.

Working With RoofsOnly.com

Is RoofsOnly.com licensed and insured?
Yes. We carry full general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. We are GAF Certified and Owens Corning Preferred. We are Google Guaranteed, BBB-accredited with a 5.0 rating and have over 330 five-star reviews across Google, BBB, Thumbtack and Trustpilot. Read them on our testimonials page. All of this is verifiable before you ever call us.

Do you use subcontractors?
No. All work is done by RoofsOnly.com employees. Owner Jake Mullin is on every job. Most roofing contractors hand projects off to subcontracted crews. We do not. When you hire us, you get us.

Do you offer financing?
Yes. We offer financing starting at 4.99% APR, from $1,000 to $250,000. Visit our financing page to review options and apply.

What areas do you serve?
We serve the greater Austin metro area, including Travis County, Williamson County and Hays County. Communities we cover include Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Manor, Leander, Liberty Hill, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, Lakeway, Bee Cave and surrounding areas. If you are unsure whether we cover your location, call (512) 746-7090. We almost certainly do.

How do I get a quote?
Schedule a free roof inspection online or call (512) 746-7090. We inspect, document and deliver a clear written estimate. No pressure, no upselling.

Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection

RoofsOnly.com serves homeowners and property managers across the Austin metro. Have a question not covered here? Call (512) 746-7090 or request a free inspection online. You will get a straight answer.