Custom homes in Barton Creek, TX often have complex roofs. See where they leak, how tile, metal and designer shingles compare, and what hail does.
Custom homes tend to have custom roofs. In the Barton Creek area west of Austin, that often means many hips and valleys, a few low-slope sections over porches, a chimney or two, skylights, and walls that rise up out of the roof where one wing of the house meets another. Those details look good from the street. Each one is also a place where water can find a way in.
Tile, metal or heavy designer shingle, the material usually isn't where trouble starts. The joints are. This guide covers what to watch, what each material does well, and how to plan a replacement that satisfies both the HOA and your attic.
If you're chasing a ceiling stain, start with these spots:
Plenty of leaks on larger homes trace back to flashing that was rushed or reused during an earlier reroof. When you replace, ask that all flashing be replaced, and ask how the crew will handle stone or stucco walls.
Tile can last for decades and suits Mediterranean and Spanish style homes. It's heavy, so the framing has to be built for it, and individual tiles can crack under hail or foot traffic. The underlayment beneath tile usually wears out long before the tile does, and replacing it means lifting and resetting the tiles.
A favorite on Hill Country and modern designs. Hidden fasteners, long panels and few seams make it a good match for complex roof lines, and a reflective finish keeps the attic cooler. Our page on metal roofing in Barton Creek covers panel styles and colors.
Heavy laminated shingles that imitate slate or shake cost less than tile or metal and are easier to repair. Many come in Class 4 impact-rated versions.
Damaging hail turns up somewhere in Central Texas most springs, and the hills west of Austin are no exception. Shingles lose granules and can crack. Concrete and clay tile can chip or break, and a cracked tile lets water reach the underlayment. Metal usually keeps water out even when it dents, though dents on a visible slope can bother people for years. When comparing materials, ask how each is rated for impact and how your insurance treats cosmetic damage on metal, since some policies exclude it.
If you stay with shingles, Class 4 impact-rated products are worth pricing. Some insurers offer a premium discount for them, and on a large roof that can add up over the years. Ask your agent ahead of time what paperwork they want, usually the product name and proof of installation, so you can collect it on the day the roof goes on instead of chasing it later.
Many neighborhoods in the area have deed restrictions and an architectural committee that has to approve roof material and color. Switching from tile to metal, for example, usually needs approval. Give yourself a few weeks for review, and bring samples and a spec sheet with the submission.
Big houses usually have big attics, often with AC equipment and long duct runs up there. A reroof is the easiest time to add radiant barrier sheathing and to check that soffit and ridge vents are balanced.
Some custom homes have spray foam on the underside of the roof deck, which turns the attic into conditioned space. In that case ventilation works differently, so make sure your roofer knows before anyone cuts new vents.
While you're thinking about heat gain, large windows and patio doors are the other big piece. See our notes on windows in Barton Creek and doors in Barton Creek.
Texas Energy Pros offers a free home energy audit that looks at the attic, roof and insulation along with the rest of the house. It's a simple way to find out what your roof is costing you in cooling before you commit to a material. Visit our Barton Creek page to see the services we offer nearby.
