Roofing materials in Texas undergo a different sort of challenge. Varied weather conditions include long, triple-digit temperatures, intense UV exposure, sudden storms, and long dry stretches. When it comes to which shingles can withstand the Texas heat year after year, two options can be evaluated: synthetic shingles and traditional asphalt shingles. Each has earned a spot in the world of residential roofing, but Texas weather can have different impacts on their performance. Assessing how each option holds up to the most extreme heat and varying climate conditions will allow you to make the best choice for your home.

Understanding What Asphalt Shingles Offer

The most popular roofing material in the US for the last 100+ years has been asphalt shingles, which appeals to the affordability and widespread availability of this product. This is also why many neighborhoods in Texas are filled with homes with asphalt shingles, as builders tend to select them as a standard option.

Discussion on the performance of asphalt shingles in extreme heat has always been a point of discussion. When subjected to extreme heat for prolonged periods, asphalt, which has petroleum derivatives, softens. In the Texas heat, shingles are pliable, which results in curling, blistering, or even loss of granules. Whenever granules start to fall off, the shingles are unable to reflect heat. They can absorb even more heat, which may fast-track their aging.

Regardless of the conditions in Texas, modern asphalt manufacturers have improved their formulations. Architectural shingles of better quality than the older three-tab designs better resist heat. Unfortunately, the lifespan of asphalt shingles tends to be shorter in Texas than in more favorable, cooler climates. Homeowners end up replacing them more than they anticipate due to aging that stems from the relentless sun.


How Synthetic Shingles Are Made

Synthetic, or composite, shingles are made from a mix of engineered and recycled polymers. They are designed to replicate natural cedar, slate, and even asphalt while being more durable. Companies can design the shingles for heat and impact resistance, moisture, and performance retention to aid long-term durability.

Rather than employing asphalt petroleum as their base like most beaten shingles, synthetic shingles have the added benefit of polymer composites, which are more reliable than asphalt at withstanding high temperatures. Unlike asphalt, which can easily soften, whatever polymers the shingles are engineered with will be more durable. In addition, the colored polyester used on the shingles is better at preventing UV degradation. This added strength is what is drawing many more Texas homeowners to synthetic materials, as well as a strong desire to have a roof that will easily outlast its asphalt counterpart, which will only last about 2 to 3 times longer than the synthetic materials.

Performance Under Extreme Heat

Unlike a good portion of the rest of the country, Texas is known for its high temperatures, which is more than just a mild inconvenience. During the summer, temperatures reach and surpass 150 degrees. Every shingle is put to stress, and even though all roofs are built to the same standard, some shingle roofs are built to cope with the extreme temperatures better than others.

Asphalt shingle roofs are known to show the blemishes of thermal expansion and contraction. Shingles will lift at the edges and develop small cracks as a result of this thermal cycling. Water can seep under the shingles once they have cracked, and the weakening and failing of the roof begins. This won’t lead to instant issues with the roof, which will increase the roof's lifespan.

Synthetic shingles are designed to endure temperature extremes with less thermal expansion. They are less prone to warping and cracking than conventional shingles. Some manufacturers subject them to thermal cycling, high impact, and UV ranges that asphalt shingles cannot withstand. Because the material is stable, the shingles keep their protective qualities longer. For Texas homeowners, synthetic shingles are great for roofs that need to endure extreme heat for decades.


Durability During Storm Season

Heat is just one part of the Texas climate. Unexpected storms with hail and high winds are coupled with quick temperature changes and can all damage shingles. Asphalt shingles do perform well in wind and storm conditions and are hail resistant, but there's always the risk of granule loss after a hailstorm.

Synthetic shingles often shine in this specific category. Class 4 impact ratings are the highest, which these shingles tend to be. This means that they are able to stand up against heavy hail strikes without cracking or losing their structural integrity. The polymer blend shingles can absorb impact from the hail rather than fracture. This feature is especially important to homeowners in regions of Texas where hail is common, especially since insurance companies offer discounts on premiums for Class 4 impact-rated shingles.

Lifespan and Long-Term Maintenance

In Texas, asphalt shingles typically last within the 12- to 20-year range. This depends highly on where the shingles are installed, the product quality, the installation, and the amount of heat exposure. The roofs that get direct sunlight in the afternoon tend to wear out much more quickly. Maintenance involves the homeowner checking for curling, granule loss, cracks in the shingles, and areas where the shingles have lifted. While these repairs are definitely manageable, they do not bring back the full durability after the shingles have been heat-worn for some time.

In contrast to traditional asphalt shingle warranties, synthetic shingles often have warranties that last 40 years or even a lifetime. Because they don't lose to damage from UV rays, don't get heat warped, and don't crack, they need repairs less frequently. Homeowners do have to do the usual maintenance like debris removal and storm inspection, but the shingles are likely to hold up well.

Cost is always a concern, and upfront synthetic shingles are the more expensive option. The real question is, do the years of durability and lower maintenance justify the higher initial cost? For a large number of Texas homeowners with long-term living plans, the answer is yes.

Energy Efficiency Considerations

A roof is one of the primary barriers that controls the amount of heat that gets absorbed into a home. While asphalt shingles do have some reflectivity, it wears off, and they lose the ability to reflect heat. Losing the ability to reflect heat is associated with higher cooling costs over the duration of a summer, and as more granules fall off, energy efficiency is driven to a more rapid decline.

Asphalt shingles can lose reflectivity as they age, but synthetic shingles' reflectivity longevity is attributed to the durability of the surface coatings and the construction material. Certain synthetic shingles' exteriors are designed with cooling pigments that reflect IR radiation, making a significant difference in attic temperatures. This ultimately reduces the load on air conditioning systems and reduces overwhelming heat in the attic. This promotes more effective home energy cost management.

Which Roofing Material is Better for Texas Homes

Considering cost, desired longevity, and preferences, the decision between synthetic and asphalt shingles is up to the individual. Because of the high demand for investment alternatives, affordable cost, and durability, asphalt shingles are an ideal option. Synthetic shingles, on the other hand, are designed to withstand excessive heat with a longer guarantee. This makes them a tactful option for individuals who desire a more durable roof. The cost of synthetic shingles, however, tends to be more expensive, making it the leading reason for individuals to stray away from them.