Roofing Material Vendors

Choosing beyond the colour swatch

Most homeowners start with colour, and there is nothing wrong with that — a roof is close to half of what you see from the kerb. But by the time we are sitting at your kitchen table, there are usually three or four other things worth more to you than the shade of grey.

Impact rating. Shingles are tested for impact resistance and rated on a scale. In hail country that rating is not decoration: a tougher shingle takes a hailstone that would have cracked a thinner one, and some insurers offer a premium discount for an impact-rated roof. Ask your carrier what they credit before you decide — the answer varies by company.

Weight and profile. Architectural and designer shingles are heavier and thicker than a three-tab, which is why they read as a proper roof from the ground rather than a flat sheet. They also cost more, so it is worth seeing both on a board in daylight before choosing.

The parts nobody photographs. Underlayment, starter strip, ridge cap, drip edge, pipe boots and flashing all come from the same manufacturers, and a roof is only as good as the worst of them. We fit new vents and flashing rather than reusing what is up there, which is one of the differences between our estimate and a cheaper one.

Ventilation. A Texas roof surface can pass 170 degrees Fahrenheit. If the attic underneath cannot breathe, the shingles age from below no matter whose name is on the bundle. That is why our roof ventilation assessment is part of the conversation about materials, not a separate sale.

Where GAF fits

R&S Roofing and Construction is a GAF Certified contractor, so GAF systems are on the table alongside the vendors above. Which one we recommend depends on your roof, your budget and whether an insurance claim is paying for it — not on who we happen to prefer.

Seeing the options in person

Every material conversation here starts with a free roof inspection. We photograph what is actually on your roof now, tell you honestly whether it needs a repair or a new roof, and only then bring out samples. If storm damage is what started this, the storm damage assessment comes first and your insurance coverage may change which materials make sense.

Still deciding what kind of roof you want at all? Our roofing tips section walks through the six types of residential roof and which is best, and what asphalt shingles are actually made of.