Roof Replacement: The Complete 2026 Guide
A comprehensive guide to roof replacement covering costs, materials, timelines, and how to navigate insurance claims—based on our experience completing 167+ roofs across Texas and Louisiana.
Replacing your roof is one of the largest investments you'll make in your home. Whether you're dealing with storm damage, an aging roof, or planning ahead, this guide covers everything you need to know—from costs and materials to insurance claims and contractor selection.
This isn't generic advice. It's based on our team's experience completing 167+ roof replacements across Texas and Louisiana, with real pricing data and insights from hundreds of insurance claims.
What Is Roof Replacement?
Roof replacement involves removing your existing roofing materials down to the deck and installing an entirely new roofing system. Unlike repairs that patch specific problem areas, replacement gives your home a fresh start with new underlayment, flashing, and shingles.
A complete roof replacement typically includes:
- Tear-off — Removing all existing shingles, underlayment, and damaged decking
- Deck inspection and repair — Replacing rotted or damaged plywood/OSB
- New underlayment — Installing synthetic or felt barrier over the deck
- Flashing replacement — New metal flashing around penetrations and edges
- Shingle installation — Applying your chosen roofing material
- Ventilation assessment — Ensuring proper attic airflow
- Cleanup and disposal — Hauling away all debris
Signs You Need a New Roof
Your roof won't last forever. Here are the key indicators that it's time for replacement rather than another repair:
Age-Related Signs
- Roof age exceeds 20-25 years — Most asphalt shingle roofs reach the end of their lifespan in this range, even without visible damage
- Neighbors are replacing roofs — Homes built around the same time often need replacement within a few years of each other
- Multiple repairs in recent years — If you've patched your roof repeatedly, the next issue likely warrants full replacement
Visible Damage Signs
- Missing or cracked shingles — Especially if scattered across the roof, not just one area
- Curling or buckling — Shingles that are lifting at the edges or bubbling indicate moisture problems
- Granule loss — Heavy granules in gutters signal shingles are deteriorating
- Sagging areas — Indicates structural problems requiring immediate attention
- Daylight through roof boards — Check your attic; if light shows through, water will follow
Storm Damage Signs
- Hail dents — Circular impressions on shingles, often accompanied by exposed fiberglass mat
- Wind damage patterns — Missing shingles concentrated along edges or ridges
- Debris impact marks — Damage from fallen branches or wind-driven objects
Read our detailed guide on repair vs. replacement →
When to Repair vs. When to Replace
Not every roof problem requires full replacement. Here's how to make the decision:
Repair Makes Sense When:
- Damage is isolated to one section (less than 30% of roof area)
- Your roof is less than 10-15 years old
- No underlying deck or structural damage exists
- You can match existing shingles for a seamless look
- This is your first significant repair
Replace When:
- Damage affects more than 30% of the roof surface
- Your roof is over 20 years old
- Multiple areas show wear, not just one section
- You've already had multiple repairs in recent years
- Insurance is covering storm damage (opportunity to upgrade)
- Energy bills have increased due to poor roof insulation
Pro tip: If your insurance claim covers enough damage to replace 30%+ of your roof, most carriers will approve full replacement. A good contractor knows how to document damage properly to ensure fair coverage.
Roof Replacement Costs in 2026
What does a roof replacement actually cost? Based on our 2025-2026 project data across Texas and Louisiana, here's what homeowners are paying:
Average Costs by Material
| Material | Cost per Sq Ft | Average Home (2,000 sq ft) | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Asphalt | $3.50-$5.50 | $7,000-$11,000 | 15-20 years |
| Architectural Shingles | $4.50-$7.50 | $9,000-$15,000 | 25-30 years |
| Impact-Resistant Shingles | $5.00-$8.50 | $10,000-$17,000 | 25-30 years |
| Standing Seam Metal | $9.00-$15.00 | $18,000-$30,000 | 40-70 years |
| FORTIFIED (Louisiana) | $5.50-$8.50 | $10,000-$17,000 | 25-30 years |
What Our Data Shows
From our project data: Across our completed roof replacements, the median project cost is approximately $19,000-$21,000 for a standard architectural shingle installation on an average-sized home. Texas projects average slightly higher due to impact-resistant shingle demand in hail-prone areas, while Louisiana projects often include FORTIFIED certification (72% of our NOLA roofs are FORTIFIED-designated).
Factors That Affect Your Price
- Roof size and pitch — Steeper roofs (above 6:12) add 10-20% to labor costs
- Complexity — Valleys, dormers, skylights, and multiple roof planes increase cost
- Deck condition — Rotted plywood replacement adds $75-$150 per sheet
- Material choice — Upgrading to impact-resistant or metal increases cost but may qualify for insurance discounts
- Location — Hurricane zones require enhanced installation methods
- Accessibility — Multi-story homes or difficult access adds to labor
Get detailed pricing for your area:
- Austin Roof Replacement Costs →
- Houston Roof Replacement Costs →
- New Orleans Roof Replacement Costs →
Choosing the Right Roofing Material
Your material choice affects cost, longevity, appearance, and insurance premiums. Here's what to consider for Texas and Louisiana climates:
Asphalt Shingles (Most Popular)
Asphalt shingles cover 80%+ of American roofs for good reason: they're affordable, available in many styles, and perform well across climates.
Architectural (dimensional) shingles are the standard for quality installations. They're thicker than 3-tab, have better wind ratings, and look more dimensional. We recommend architectural shingles for virtually all residential projects.
Impact-resistant shingles deserve serious consideration in Texas. Class 4 rated shingles resist hail damage and may qualify for insurance premium discounts of 10-28%—often paying for the upgrade over the roof's lifetime.
See our Texas roofing materials guide →
Metal Roofing
Standing seam metal excels in extreme climates. Benefits include:
- 40-70 year lifespan (2-3x longer than shingles)
- Superior wind resistance for hurricane zones
- Reflects heat, reducing cooling costs 10-25%
- Low maintenance requirements
The downside is upfront cost—typically 2-3x the price of architectural shingles. But when factoring in longevity, metal often has the lowest lifetime cost.
Metal vs. shingles comparison →
FORTIFIED Roofs (Louisiana Focus)
For Louisiana homeowners, FORTIFIED certification isn't just an upgrade—it's often the smartest financial decision you can make. FORTIFIED-designated roofs qualify for 20-52% insurance premium discounts on the wind portion of your policy.
In our Louisiana market, 72% of the roofs we install are FORTIFIED-certified. The additional 10-15% installation cost is recovered through insurance savings within 3-5 years.
Complete FORTIFIED roof guide →
The Roof Replacement Process
Understanding what happens during a roof replacement helps you prepare and ensures you know what to expect.
Timeline Overview
From the day you sign a contract, here's a typical timeline based on our project data:
| Phase | Cash Projects | Insurance Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Contract to material order | 1-3 days | After approval (varies) |
| Scheduling | 1-3 weeks | 1-3 weeks after approval |
| Installation | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| Total (Contract to Completion) | 2-4 weeks | 60-90 days typical |
Insurance claims take longer due to adjuster scheduling, estimate review, and supplement negotiations. Based on our data, the median time from contract to completion for insurance jobs is 80-90 days—though expedited timelines are possible when adjusters respond quickly.
Day-by-Day Installation Process
Day 1:
- Crew arrives (typically 6-8 AM)
- Materials are staged; property is protected with tarps
- Old shingles are torn off and loaded into dump trailers
- Deck is inspected; damaged boards are replaced
- Underlayment is installed (weather-dependent)
Day 2:
- Flashing is installed around penetrations (vents, pipes, skylights)
- Drip edge is installed along eaves and rakes
- Shingles are installed from bottom up
- Ridge caps are applied
Day 3 (if needed):
- Final details and cleanup
- Magnetic sweep for nails
- Walkthrough with homeowner
Read our detailed timeline guide →
Insurance Claims for Roof Replacement
If your roof was damaged by a storm, your homeowners insurance may cover replacement. Understanding the claims process helps you maximize your coverage.
When Insurance Covers Replacement
Texas and Louisiana homeowners insurance typically covers roof damage from:
- Hail — The most common covered claim in Texas
- Wind — Including hurricanes and severe storms
- Falling objects — Trees, branches, and debris
- Fire and lightning
Insurance does NOT typically cover:
- Normal wear and aging
- Neglected maintenance
- Pre-existing conditions
The Claims Process
- Document damage — Photos from ground level and up close if safely accessible
- File your claim — Contact your insurance company to open a claim
- Get a contractor inspection — Have a roofer assess damage BEFORE the adjuster visits
- Meet the adjuster — Your contractor should be present to ensure all damage is documented
- Review the estimate — Initial estimates are often incomplete
- Supplement if needed — Request additional coverage for missed damage
- Complete repairs — Once approved, schedule installation
Understanding Supplements
Insurance adjusters often miss damage or underestimate repair costs in their initial estimates. A supplement is a formal request for additional coverage based on documented damage or price discrepancies.
Our supplement results: When we file supplements on behalf of our customers, the average increase is approximately $6,000 over the initial insurance estimate. Not every claim needs a supplement, but when damage is undervalued, proper documentation and negotiation make a significant difference.
Complete Texas insurance claims guide →
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
Your contractor matters as much as your materials. A quality installation lasts; a poor one fails early regardless of shingle quality.
What to Look For
- Local presence — Established office and verifiable address in your area
- Proper licensing — Louisiana requires state licensing; Texas has no state license but check local requirements
- Insurance coverage — General liability AND workers' compensation
- Manufacturer certifications — GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Preferred, etc.
- Reviews and references — Google reviews, BBB rating, references from recent projects
- Detailed written estimates — Materials specified, all work itemized
- Warranty offerings — Both manufacturer and workmanship warranties
Red Flags to Avoid
- Door-to-door salespeople after storms — "Storm chasers" often deliver poor quality and disappear
- Large upfront payments — Reputable contractors don't require more than 10-20% deposit
- Prices significantly below competitors — Usually means corners will be cut
- Pressure to sign immediately — Quality contractors don't need high-pressure tactics
- No physical address — If you can't visit their office, be cautious
- Offers to waive your deductible — This is insurance fraud
15 questions to ask before hiring a roofer →
Find Roof Replacement Services Near You
We serve homeowners across Texas and Louisiana with professional roof replacement services.
Texas Service Areas
Louisiana Service Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Roof replacement costs typically range from $8,000-$25,000 for most homes, depending on size, material choice, and location. Architectural shingles average $9,000-$15,000, while metal roofing runs $18,000-$30,000. Our median project cost across Texas and Louisiana is approximately $19,000-$21,000.
The actual installation takes 1-3 days for most residential roofs. However, total project timeline from contract to completion varies: cash projects typically complete in 2-4 weeks, while insurance claims average 80-90 days due to adjuster scheduling and approval processes.
Yes, you can stay home during installation. Expect significant noise from tear-off and nail guns. Pets may be more comfortable elsewhere for the day. Make sure your contractor has access to outdoor electrical outlets and water if needed. Someone should be available by phone to answer questions.
Homeowners insurance typically covers roof replacement when damage results from covered events like hail, wind, hurricanes, or fallen trees. Normal wear and aging are not covered. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies pay full replacement cost, while Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies deduct depreciation.
A supplement is a formal request to your insurance company for additional coverage when the initial estimate doesn't account for all damage or underestimates repair costs. When we file supplements for our customers, the average increase is approximately $6,000 over the initial insurance estimate.
For most Texas homes, impact-resistant architectural shingles offer the best value. Class 4 rated shingles protect against hail and often qualify for 10-28% insurance premium discounts. Metal roofing is excellent for heat reflection and longevity but costs 2-3x more upfront.
FORTIFIED-certified architectural shingles provide the best combination of hurricane protection and value for Louisiana homes. The certification qualifies homeowners for 20-52% insurance premium discounts. We install FORTIFIED roofs on 72% of our Louisiana projects because the insurance savings typically exceed the upgrade cost within 3-5 years.
Generally, repair makes sense when damage affects less than 30% of your roof and it's under 15 years old. Replace when damage is widespread, your roof exceeds 20 years of age, you've had multiple recent repairs, or insurance is covering storm damage (an opportunity to upgrade). If your insurance covers 30%+ damage, most carriers approve full replacement.
Look for: local presence with a physical office, proper licensing (required in Louisiana), insurance coverage including workers' comp, manufacturer certifications, strong reviews and references, detailed written estimates, and solid warranty offerings. Avoid door-to-door salespeople after storms, contractors requiring large upfront payments, or anyone offering to waive your deductible.
Spring and fall offer the most predictable weather and comfortable working conditions in Texas and Louisiana. However, quality contractors can install year-round. Summer heat doesn't prevent installation but may affect crew efficiency. Winter is fine for asphalt shingles as long as temperatures stay above 40°F. Avoid scheduling during hurricane season (June-November) in coastal Louisiana if possible.
Hunter Lapeyre
Owner, Lapeyre Roofing