Best Roofing Materials for Houston

Houston follows the 2018 International Residential Code with City of Houston amendments, enforced by the Department of Permitting and Development. For a typical reroof, the city requires a permit pulled by the contractor before tear-off begins, and a final inspection once the new system is installed. The permit itself runs $175 to $400 for a residential reroof under 25 squares, and the application is processed online through iPermits.

Two code items catch out-of-state contractors most often. First, drip edge is required at all eaves and rake edges on shingle roofs - this was added in the 2018 cycle and is enforced on inspection. Second, ice and water shield is not required by code in Houston, unlike many northern markets, but the city does require self-adhered underlayment at all valleys and around penetrations on roofs with slopes under 4:12.

Harris County itself does not require a separate license for residential roofing contractors, and neither does the State of Texas. The City of Houston, however, requires contractors to be registered with the city before pulling any permit. Always ask for the contractor's city registration number, not just a business card or LLC name, when you screen bids.