Roofing in Bartlett, TX: wind-rated shingle installs, impact-rated options for hail, metal for homes and barns, and what to ask a roofer before you sign.
Out where Bartlett sits, between Taylor and Temple on the open Blackland Prairie, a house can be the tallest thing for a long way in some directions. That's nice for the view and hard on a roof. Wind gets a long running start at the house, and spring storms come across the fields with hail and strong gusts.
Roofing materials have come a long way, though, and a roof built for wind and hail can last a long time out here. Most of the difference comes from picking the right product and installing it with care.
Asphalt shingles carry a wind rating, and the higher ratings usually depend on how the shingles go on. For an exposed house in Bartlett, ask for:
These details cost little extra and matter a great deal when a 50 mph gust catches a loose edge.
Hail is a regular spring visitor in this part of Texas. Even when it doesn't break through, it can bruise shingles and knock off the granules that shield the asphalt from the sun. Class 4 impact-rated shingles hold up much better, and some Texas insurers lower premiums for them. Call your agent and ask what the discount would be on your policy. Over several years it may cover a good share of the price difference.
Metal roofs are everywhere on barns and shops around Bartlett, and they're common on houses now as well. There are two main types.
Exposed-fastener panels are screwed through the face of the metal. They cost less and suit outbuildings, but the rubber washers on the screws need attention after 10 to 15 years. Standing seam panels hide their fasteners under raised seams, so there are far fewer holes in the roof. Standing seam costs more and lasts longer, which makes it the usual pick for a home.
People sometimes worry that metal is loud in the rain. Over a solid deck with underlayment and an insulated attic, it's usually no louder than shingles. Our Bartlett metal roofing page covers panel options in more detail.
Bartlett's older houses can hide surprises under the shingles. Look out for more than one layer of old roofing, board decking with gaps between the planks and chimneys that were sealed with tar instead of metal flashing. A full tear-off lets the roofer find and fix these. It's also the moment to add attic ventilation if the house never had much, since a hot attic shortens the life of any roof.
A roofer who answers these clearly, in writing, makes it much easier to compare bids side by side.
A tight roof keeps water out, but heat still gets in through the walls. Our windows guide for Bartlett covers glass and air leaks in a windy town, and our guide to doors in Bartlett deals with the entries that take the most wear. For other services in town, see the Bartlett page.
If your roof is getting older or came through a rough spring, give Texas Energy Pros a call. While we're there, ask about the free home energy audit too. It looks at how much heat your attic is holding and whether the insulation up there is doing its job.
